Advice from Adult Nursing student, Michael Ogunseye
Nursing - Adult - BSc (Hons)
Hi, my name is Michael and I am a student on the Adult Nursing BSc (Hons) course here at Birmingham City University (BCU).
Preparing to start is really exciting, but can be overwhelming too – I know only too well how you might be feeling. Here are some of my tips and advice to make your transition into uni life as smooth as possible, and hopefully ease any anxieties you might have.
The best discovery I have made since starting University
I'd say it's the amount of support you can get, so don't struggle in silence. I'm bad at maths but I've been well supported with it. Also, I didn’t know that you can loan laptops from IT or the library for the day if you ever need one, which I have found really useful.
Costa used to sell a banoffee muffin which got me through so many lectures - I was sad when they stopped selling them. However, the cake selection here is always great and it is important to have a snack to get through the day.
My favourite thing about BCU
The lecturers are friendly and approachable which I find helpful, especially if you don't understand something. Also I think the SPACE room is great to go and practice your skills in between lectures and before placement.
What I love about the city
I'd say the best thing about being in Birmingham is that you never have to look very hard for something to do, there is something to suit everyone - museums, theatres, sporting events, bars, restaurants or nightclubs. Pho in Grand Central is my go-to place with friends and family, they serve Vietnamese street food and it's really good - give it a try.
My top tips for any prospective student nurses
I'd say the same thing that was said to me when I first started, which is to enjoy and make most of your first year. It'll go by really fast, but it's a good time for you to get settled, find where the resources are that you need and make friends so that you can party, support each other and revise together for the three years.
What I didn’t know before starting my course
I was a little surprised about the jump from level 4-5 and 5-6 writing and how much more detail is required from you. Level 4 I was okay with as I had done a course at level 4 before starting the nursing course. You are completely supported with the transition though and my writing has really improved.
Also I didn’t know about placement documents – it is a great booklet to let your mentor, personal tutor, and others to know that you have met the basic competencies needed to help you on your journey to becoming a great nurse.
My uni essentials
My memory stick and OneDrive account have been really helpful, I always save my assignments and revision notes on both, just in case I lose one. I also rely on my recorder app - I mainly record the anatomy and physiology lectures and assignment tutorials which are always helpful, as the lectures are full of information so you can forget a lot of what was said by the time you get home. If you're quick at making notes then you might not need it.
I hope you have found this helpful. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to email the programme team and they will do their best to help.
I hope to see you around soon!