Advice from Midwifery student, Alex Dyer
Midwifery - BSc (Hons)
Hi my name is Alex and I am a student on the BSc (Hons) Midwifery 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. Below I have shared my advice and tips to make your transition to uni life as smooth as possible and hopefully ease any anxieties you might have.
The best discovery I have made since starting University
Birmingham in general is great, there is always something going on. BCU has a partnership with Edgbaston Cricket Ground, which is great because I love cricket, so there are regularly opportunities to attend events there - the T20 games are really fun.
My favourite thing about BCU
The pastoral care I have received since coming to BCU has been like no other I've experienced. They were the first ones to do anything about my Dyslexia and Dyspraxia, put me through my test and actually acknowledged that this was something I had. The tutors have been really supportive and are so experienced in what they teach, so definitely pick their brains as much as you can.
Also, there are lots of opportunities to join societies outside of the course too which allows you to make new friends. I joined the cricket society, which I even became president of! It's been great and I've found friends for life.
What I love about the city
Edgbaston Cricket Ground is one of my favourite things and I love that it is only five minutes from the City South campus.
If I'm going out for drinks my favourite places are Brewdog and The Shakespere pub in Jewellery Quarter, and Pop-World on Broad Street is always a great laugh for a night out.
The German Markets are a must-see at Christmas time - white chocolate strawberries, one metre hotdogs and the two pint tankards always go down well.
My tips for new students starting the course
I can't stress enough to be prepared. This course requires a lot of dedication, time and focus but it is unbelievably rewarding. Seeing the look on a families face when you deliver their child, in circumstances that are sometimes really difficult, is so satisfying; knowing that you can go home every day and have made a difference to somebody's life is the best feeling.
However, it's really important to have downtime and you'll be told this a lot during the three years. Even when exams and deadlines are looming, always make sure that you plan ahead and find time for yourself to make sure that you have a healthy work-life balance. I have found this really helpful to motivate myself and not get consumed in stress and worry - there's always time to make time for you.
Things that surprised me about the course that I didn’t know before starting
I didn't know how much I would actually enjoy the course and how much help and support is available to you. The facilities here are brilliant - I usually spend my free time in the SPACE room. This room is filled with simulation equipment where you can create real-life scenarios to practise your skills and helps to prepare you before you start placement.
My uni essentials
For me a decent pair of headphones to help me while working are essential - and my laptop. Also if you're moving away from home then a TV is perfect for downtime or to have on in the background while working.
I hope you have found this helpful and if you have any questions for me, feel free to drop me an email and I will do my best to help. You can also give the BCU Nursing team a follow on Twitter to find out what they are up to before you start.
Hope to see you around soon.