This is a guest blog by one of our Student Ambassadors, Tabby Bogdanova, who is in her final year of her BSc (Hons) Midwifery degree. 

I chose to study at Bournemouth University for several reasons. As a mature student, relocation would have been disruptive for my family so it made sense to stay at home – not that I would want to leave.

Bournemouth has everything you could possibly want, right on the doorstep. A beautiful expanse of sandy beaches that supports any type of beach day you fancy. An ice cream on the pier, surf lessons at Boscombe, fishing at Poole Harbour, snorkeling at Kimmeridge Bay or relaxing at the historic Hengistbury Head.

There are also incredible green spaces, take a boat over to Brownsea Island to spot the red squirrels, take a walk by the River Stour or drive to the New Forest and look at ponies and paddle in streams.

In Bournemouth, it is easy to maintain a healthy work- life balance and there is always something going on. Some highlights of my last year have been Dorset Dingy Day, Stomping on the Quomps and the free SUBU student parent parties. And not forgetting the Midwifery Society Christmas party.

One of the best things about studying in my hometown is my support network. If I need help with childcare or I want to pop to a friend for a glass of wine, I know there is always someone nearby.

When choosing where to study I knew I wanted my daughters to grow up in Bournemouth like I did. I was so lucky that BU offered the course I wanted to do and accepted me. It takes me 20 minutes to cycle from home to university and I can drop my youngest off at nursery on the way. As I do not have a long commute, I am still able to spend time in the evenings with my family and enjoy being a mum. This is especially important to me and I really miss it when I am doing a block of night shifts on placement.

Knowing the local area has been genuinely helpful as a student midwife as I spend a lot of time travelling to different placement areas. I think it has really reduced any undue anxiety because I know I’m not going to get lost on my way and arrive late.

The advice I would give to anyone considering studying at home is to go ahead and do it.

University is a massive change whether your coming to it from college, work or any other background. Adding a new town into the mix could be overwhelming and adding a long commute takes time away from your home life.

I feel truly lucky to be studying in my hometown of Bournemouth. I love that I can be at home for my children most evenings whilst study for the job of my dreams. I haven’t had to compromise to make it work for my family and myself.