Student Perspectives: Part Two

As part of our Student Perspectives series we spoke to two more of our current students about what it’s like studying at York St John. Hear what Becky and David have to say…

Becky Nicholls

I started the occupational therapy course at York St John University having previously studied literature and languages, so I was unsure how I would cope with a completely different subject matter.  However, my experience so far has been an extremely positive one!  The tutors here are friendly and approachable, which gives students the freedom to explore new ideas and ask questions.  Importantly, each of us is valued for our individual skills and abilities.

The course is demanding and has stretched me to think in new ways that will be invaluable when I qualify.  Some of the best things about the course are the practice placements, when you can put all your learning into practice and help clients with their day-to-day lives.  The first time a client thanked me was the most rewarding thing and confirmed that occupational therapy was the right degree programme for me.

The university campus is less than a five-minute walk from the beautiful city centre itself, which is a great advantage.  For me, York is big enough to feel vibrant, and small enough to feel that there is still a strong community.  I have been living here for a number of years and have seen many students graduate in York Minster – it’s great to think that one day that will be me!

David Jamieson

When I first got accepted onto the course I was so excited and couldn’t believe that I had got. Since day one, I have been made to feel welcome to the university and the course and this has had positive impacts upon my learning. The passion that the lecturers have for occupational therapy is superb and this is strongly reflected through our lectures and seminars. I have enjoyed the opportunities that have arisen and find that placement being early on in the course really has made a difference. It allowed me to see this is what I want to do when I qualify and that my investment into my own future will pay off. The lecturers have been fully supportive through thick and thin and even into my second half of my first year, I am still made to feel welcome to YSJ and to the occupational therapy faculty.