Georgia
Owen

Why NTU...

What inspired you to study your subject? 

"I have an auntie who is a social worker and so is my mum and my auntie held an autism awareness day for children with learning disabilities in Nottinghamshire which I attended. I met an occupational therapist there that my auntie had organised to be there, before this I had never heard of occupational therapy. She explained that she was a paediatric occupational therapist and she helped with children in their daily lives such as with routines and with their sensory needs.

I am a student with Dyspraxia and had an occupational therapist as a young child, but I wasn't aware she was an OT until this OT described her role to me. Not only did I find her job interesting to me I also could empathise with the children she worked with as when as I got older, I understood myself more after my diagnosis and work with an OT. I understood from first-hand experience the huge impact occupational therapy has as a widening health profession that doesn't receive its deserved recognition."

What’s your experience been like of your course so far? Can you pick out any highlights?

"I have made many friends on the course, and I have felt that we have helped to answer each other's questions and to feel more assured as well as our lecturers. I enjoy our group work and discussions to see other viewpoints. I particularly like that we have guest speakers brought in to speak to us from first-hand experience. When doing this they will also support us in practical tasks and questions which can make our lessons dynamic and different."

Have you been involved in any projects or extra-curricular activities that have supplemented your studies run through NTU?

"I personally have not due to commuting but I am considering joining a group. I do enjoy using the library and there are always people to answer your questions and there are different alternative spaces to study. They have group study areas and silent areas which I enjoy. I like using the student union bar to sit with my friends, especially at lunch time."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"I think social sciences is a rewarding job and course not only do you come out with a job but also gain life skills such as communication skills, being able to work in a group, problem solve and hand on experience."

On Placement...

Have you completed any work placements on your course? If so, tell us about your experience – where did you go, what did you do, what skills have you gained and what have you enjoyed the most?

"I have not yet completed any work experience on placements, but I have done practicals in relation to my future placements. I have also completed online e learning for my placement which is mandatory to ensure your have vital skills and knowledge for placement. The university provide you with the best possible tools and resources for placement that they can."

Support...

What do you think of the support available from tutors and staff at NTU?

"We all have a personal tutor who you can contact at any time and set up a personal meeting with any concerns. However, I tend to stop and the end of a lecture to ask one of my lecturers any questions I have which they happily do.

We also have a student mentor who is in their second or third year who we can contact at any time. They will relate to your course for example I have a nurse student mentor due to my course being the first occupational therapy course at NTU but next year me and my fellow student may be mentors for this year's future OT students. This can also help with making questions feel less pressured and you can relate and ask others of their experiences. They've experienced how you've been feeling, not the same but they will have an understanding."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre...

Did you find it easy to make friends and settle in at NTU?

"I found It took me around a month to settle in and get used to to the campus. Especially in terms of travel I found that to difficult initially, but I could also ask the library questions or someone on campus. As my course went on I gradually builder bonds and made more friends, we support each other on the course, and we are a team."

The Next Steps...

What’s next for you after NTU?

"After NTU I want to be an occupational therapist which my course will allow me to do as I will qualify as a health practitioner. Placement will also give me the experience I need for my future jobs. I hopefully want to work in children's paediatric occupational therapy but however I think placement could change my opinion, but this part of OT intrigues me."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"NTU is helping me with first-hand experience and helping me with feedback and any questions I have. The environment is very supportive which helps me and my learning to flourish as I progress through the course. I can't believe I have completed a whole term already."

Advice...

What top tips would you give anyone thinking about studying your course at NTU?

"Don't procrastinate if you can help it and try to keep up with deadlines and do a little bit every day to ease the pressure. If confused just ask for help don't struggle. It's okay to panic and worry it's completely normal and you're fine and will be. Remember to enjoy your time you've worked hard to get here, and this is what you want to do it is hard work, but it should be fun to.

For an international student there is so many things to do such as explore the East Midlands, Nottingham. If you'd want to venture out even more parts of the UK. Nottingham is a safe city that has lots of different people from different cultures and backgrounds. It holds many events each year such as Goose fair which is the biggest moving fair in the UK and it holds pride ever year which is so fun. Nottingham is very friendly and more importantly very student friendly with things such as prices, things to do, student events not only with uni but in Nottingham itself and with public transport.

Have fun and you're very brave to go somewhere new you've never been before I hope you have a good experience. Be open to doing things such as going out if someone asks such as someone on your course. Try to join groups or get involved in your lessons. Take everything you can from the course as it has so much to offer."