This is a guest blog by current student Alice Kay, currently studying BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy.

My Occupational Therapy (OT) student journey started in 2017, I came to BU after finishing college, where I had studied Sport & Exercise Science and Health & Social Care. Throughout school I had been excited at the prospect of attending university, however I was never sure what subject to study. After studying sport at college, I was intrigued by the health and wellbeing elements of the course, particularly the adaptation of exercise plans for vulnerable populations.

Through university open days and research surrounding health professions, I selected OT as I knew it was a diverse and valuable profession, and that ultimately it would suit my outlook and personality (an important factor to consider that is often overlooked).

Occupational Therapy is an exciting and diverse practice, this has been evident to me throughout placements in acute and community settings. A highlight has been my placement with a homeless Health Team, I engaged with every aspect of local homeless services which has ignited my passion for working with those experiencing health inequalities. This passion has contributed to my recent acceptance of a job role with a homeless charity, I will be an outreach worker connecting rough sleepers with local services and offering support.

I have been a student ambassador for two years; the role has encouraged me to take pride in my profession and allied health professions. Through helping at university open days and events, I have been able to answer questions from potential students, hopefully providing some clarity in what at the time feels like the biggest decision in the world.

I was on placement in an acute hospital when the COVID-19 pandemic spread to the UK, my placement finished a couple of weeks before the lockdown was put in place. Completing my final pieces of my work during the pandemic has been challenging, it has been hard to find motivation when the usual routine has changed. However, I managed to persevere and complete my final projects, with the help of coffee and the garden shed as an ‘office’!

University can feel like the most exciting and daunting thing, (and it is!), however these three years have been the best yet, your character is shaped and the memories are priceless. Despite finishing university in unprecedented circumstances, I am proud of what BU has enabled me to achieve and I am excited for the future as a graduate of the class of 2020.

Alice Kay,
Occupational Therapy student.

Do you have questions for Alice? Chat with her via UniBuddy platform.