Nursing (Mental Health) with Foundation Year - BSc (Hons)

University of Derby

Reflecting on my academic year so far, I can confidently say that university has been a great experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed my studies, and the overall atmosphere of learning has been both stimulating and engaging. One of the best aspects of university life for me has been the opportunity to socialize and form meaningful connections. The friendships I have made and the sense of belonging I feel have greatly enhanced my overall experience. Furthermore, I feel genuinely cared for by my lecturers. Their dedication and willingness to support students are evident, and it makes a significant difference in fostering a positive learning environment. From an academic standpoint, I have found it relatively easy to navigate and familiarize myself with the various systems and structures in place. The organization of resources and accessibility of academic materials have helped ensure that I stay on top of my coursework. Classes have been engaging, and I appreciate the depth of knowledge I am gaining. However, there are a few challenges that I have encountered, which I believe could be addressed to further enhance the student experience. One of the main drawbacks for me has been the food. While this may seem minor compared to academic concerns, the quality and variety of food options available could be improved. Proper nutrition is vital for maintaining energy and focus, and I feel that better options would contribute positively to student well-being. Another challenge I have faced is the academic pressure that comes with a demanding course. While I understand and accept that rigorous coursework is part of the journey, there are times when I feel emotionally overwhelmed. The guidance provided is valuable, but I sometimes struggle with approaching staff for help, as I worry that seeking assistance might result in receiving additional information that could add to my stress. This has led to moments where I feel like I am falling behind, even though I work hard to stay on track. Although the academic systems in place are helpful, they can also be quite complicated, making it difficult to always stay fully updated. A possible solution that could greatly benefit students would be the introduction of motivational talks or workshops. These could focus on success stories, opportunities available after graduation, and ways to maintain a balanced and positive outlook on university life. Having such sessions could help inspire students and create a more emotionally supportive environment where individuals feel encouraged to express their struggles and aspirations with their peers. Despite the challenges, I genuinely love my academic course. It is fulfilling and aligns with my interests and goals. However, there are times when I feel exhausted, as though I am constantly fighting hard but not always seeing immediate success. This can be discouraging, but it does not take away from my overall happiness and satisfaction with university life. One concern I have is that if I were to express feelings of stress or emotional fatigue, there is a chance that the response might be overly cautious, with staff prioritizing safeguarding measures. While it is essential to ensure students' well-being, sometimes all we need is a supportive conversation rather than intervention. Additionally, I believe there should be more structured systems that promote organization, guidance, and stronger friendship dynamics to help students navigate university life more effectively. In conclusion, my academic year has been a mix of fantastic experiences and inevitable challenges. While I appreciate the quality of education, the social aspects, and the support from lecturers, I believe that small improvements in student support systems, emotional well-being initiatives, and community-building activities could further enhance the university experience for all students.

It is difficult to express the university life due to doing my undergrad degree during the pandemic but I do feel supported by the university staff and the student union as and when I need the support. Communication of the university would be better between academics and students however it is getting better from my point of view.

Honestly UOD has a lot going for it great facilities, supportive lecturers, and a real focus on practical learning. The campus feels modern, and the staff genuinely seem to care about student success. But when it comes to the ACS, there’s definitely room for improvement.

Great location. Effective and helpful student support team especially for international students. However, my experience has been stressful as I feel that overall the university programmes should have a placement coordinator as this would reduce anxiety and stress levels.