Advice from Learning Disability Nursing student, Katherine James
Nursing - Learning Disability - BSc (Hons)
Hi my name is Katherine and I am a second-year student on the BSc (Hons) Learning Disability Nursing 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 for you, 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
The best discovery for me has to be the SPACE room at City South, in the Seacole building - definitely pop in when you arrive. This is a room where students can drop in any time between 10am-4pm and freely use the facilities, simulation models, and equipment to develop practical skills and boost your confidence before placement. I've been able to improve on my clinical skills a lot here.
My favourite thing about BCU
One of my favourite things has been the amount of opportunities made available to me and all new students on this course. I had the chance to present a research project with staff at the European First Year Experience conference . At first I was extremely nervous standing up and speaking in front of people I didn't know, however being able to get through it and accomplish something new was amazing - this sounds cheesy but it was like I was on cloud nine.
During my second year I've attended the Positive Choices conference in Dublin and I'm spending two weeks gaining experience of clinical environments in Vietnam through the HELS Go Abroad scheme which offers international travel scholarships. It's such a great opportunity!
My second favourite thing about BCU is having a personal tutor. My personal tutor has helped me throughout and particularly during my first year when she kept me grounded and guided me through times when I was struggling.
What I love about the City
I moved to study at BCU from Melton Mowbray, so coming from somewhere so rural I have found it really nice to have a variety of things to do. There is lots to enjoy whatever your preference is - Birmingham library is great to see and has lots of nice touches like the rooftop terrace. Mailbox is a great area for dining and drinks, but the coolest place I have found has to be Mad O' Rourke's in Tipton.
My tips for new students starting the course
Don't be afraid to ask questions or for help, however small it may be - help is always at hand. On the first floor of the Seacole building you will find iASK, which will help you with absolutely any query possible.
There are three must have groups on Facebook - BCU Nursing Society, 'Positive choices' Learning Disability Nurses are fantastic society and Student Nurse Journeys and Beyond. These groups have loads of student nurses and qualified nurses who all have great advice and tips for new students.
Things that surprised me about the course that I didn't know before starting uni
I didn't realise the amount of help available to students and all the different types of help there is. You can find help anywhere - the library, Academic Development Department, iASK (located on the first floor in Seacole), lecturers and most importantly Moodle, which has everything.
My uni essentials
There are two things I couldn't live without - Moodle and Academic Development Department (ADD). You can find everything on Moodle... and I mean everything! it really has been a life saver. The staff in ADD are amazing they have helped me throughout my assignments giving me handy tips.
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. Also, you can follow the course news on Twitter @BCU_LDNursing.
Hope to see you around soon.