Rebecca
Smith

Why NTU...

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

When considering courses I knew I wanted to study Psychology and look at pursuing Education based work. I also wanted to complete a placement during my degree. NTU were able to offer me a placement and a chance to specialise my degree. Then, when I came to an offer holder day I just felt like I fitted in to the community and the location in Nottingham but also wasn’t too far away from home if I needed to go back for anything.

Could you describe your experience of being an NTU student?

I’ve really enjoyed my experience. There have been lots of opportunities from the Psychology Team, such as summer research projects, to get involved with. This has also helped integrate and work with the university more closely. This has really built my experience in a positive light, as I am now about to finish university with a strong network of contacts and plenty of happy memories. At NTU you can make the experience what you want: for me, that was based around my academic experience.

How would you describe the support from your tutors, university staff and student services?

The support throughout my degree has been fantastic. Even when I’ve struggled to approach a tutor, there were other members of staff I could approach and raise my concerns with. Every time I have had a concern and raised it, it has been dealt with well. You may have to reach out and ask, but if you do there is plenty of support available.

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 completed both a placement year and a short placement during my time at NTU. Both of these were completed at Claremont Primary School, where I have helped out across the school, but especially in Year 3 and Year 5 classes. I was responsible for delivering learning interventions, in class support and working with children with additional needs to complete their own personal curriculum. I loved the time working with the children, but also building a professional network with teachers. I have developed a number of skills through the experiences, such as resilience when I have worked with challenging behaviours, to confidence when covering while a Teacher was out of the classroom and de-escalation to help calm children down when they are overwhelmed.

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

I remember working with the children when learning about volcanoes and we actually did a volcano explosion. To see all the children really enjoying their learning was amazing to see.

It was also really lovely when we celebrated the end of Year 3 (and when I was supposed to leave, but ended up returning to help in Year 5) and all the children were making cards to say thank you to the teachers. It really shows how much difference you make to the children!

Do you have any advice for future students going on placement?

Make the most of every opportunity. Ask to try out different things. My number one tip though: make contacts and keep them. I have got onto Teacher Training for 2022-2023 partly as a result of having a strong reference by keeping in touch with the Head Teacher of the school I helped at.

Outside of the lecture theatre...

What three words would you use to describe Nottingham?

Versatile

Quirky

Inspiring

Where is a good place to eat, drink or visit in the city?

If I have to say only one, make sure you visit Annie’s Burger Shack!

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

In my first year I found it really easy to make friends by going to societies and events that interested me. Choosing to go to things I have interests in, even if I went alone, meant I could meet other people with similar interests. Also take time to explore. Spend time in the city, go out for a walk and explore the campus. Getting to know the place really helped me to feel at home.

The next steps...

Has the employability team helped you plan for life beyond NTU?

I especially used the employability team when looking for my placement year experience. They helped me write applications and look for job opportunities. After that I became more aware of support from Get into Teaching, who supported me, but I got in touch with the team as a result of a jobs fair, put on by the employability team.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of applying to NTU?

Make sure you visit and speak to current students. They are the ones living in the experience right now! It is also important to see how you feel on the campus. Not everyone will feel comfortable on every university campus. You are spending 3 to 4 years of your life there. Is it right for you?

What is one thing you wish you knew before starting at NTU?

Before starting at NTU I wish I knew more about the opportunities I would have available. I have had so many come past it has been hard to choose. However I have no regrets with what I have chosen, all of them have been great!