The university is OK

It is OK

No

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.

One thing my course has taught me is that technology has advanced at an incredible pace. Everything is online—absolutely everything. There is hardly any point in writing down notes except for revision purposes. While it is amazing to see how digital advancements continue to shape our learning experience, I sometimes wish that education was not so screen-focused. I truly enjoy being physically present at school, engaging in placement, socializing, laughing, and learning together. These interactions give us the chance to voice our concerns and support each other. I only wish we had more opportunities to be taught in person rather than just through screens, but I doubt that is possible given the direction education is heading. Despite the challenges, my lecturers are incredible. They have found a way to make class feel strict enough to keep us focused, yet still create an environment where we feel comfortable enough to laugh and be open. They are fantastic, and I love university. However, at times, it feels like they forget what it was like to be a student. They emphasize getting task A done, then B, and then C—but as they explain C, they will also introduce E, F, G, and H, all of which must also be completed. I understand that we need to be intelligent, knowledgeable, and highly capable, but there have been so many moments where I have felt on the verge of tears after lectures due to feeling completely overwhelmed. As much as I appreciate their drive to push us forward, I wish they would take a moment to say, "This is what you need to get done, and if you need support or time to go through it again, we are here for you." I think they assume that we feel comfortable coming to them with any issue, but in reality, it can be intimidating. If I were to ask something as simple as how to open my PebblePad in the university system, they might be frustrated and say, "Shouldn't you already know this?" But the truth is, there are so many things I am expected to know—disease processes like Crohn's disease, nappy rashes, drug calculations, and countless others. First year is exactly what they warned me it would be—demanding, intense, and overwhelming. But I refuse to let my enemies WIN, i have fought to be here and deserve to be. I will keep pushing forward and striving for success.