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

I chose to study at BU, because of the hands on approach the university had, the variety of placement opportunities available to OT students and because of how helpful and friendly the lecturers and students were at Open Days.

As an Occupational Therapy student, I have really enjoyed my first 2 years at Bournemouth University. With the variety of learning and support we receive from the lecturers, with a very hands-on learning style, as well as the opportunity to work alongside other AHP courses it really sets us up for future practice. The most looked forward to aspect of the year is getting to go on placement and putting all we have learnt in the last year to use. Unfortunately, at the beginning of lockdown I, along with other second year OT students, were due to attend our 8-week BU2 placement. This was understandably cancelled, and our remaining lectures were moved online, to allow us to finish the year. Whilst having online lectures has been a challenge with 3 people at my home all trying to login to classes, having the opportunity to chat with the lectures and ask questions about our last assignment has been really helpful to finish the year.

During lockdown, the Occupational Therapy Society at Bournemouth Uni, a student-led group, has been really proactive in getting students from all three-year groups together for weekly zoom chats. Within the zoom chats we were able to talk with each other about a different topic each week, where we could share our thoughts and ideas on the subject and also learn from each other. We discussed a wide range of topics including how people’s routines during lockdown have been interrupted, the future of occupational therapy practice, and even had a sign language teacher join us one week to help us learn some signs and improve our communication with those who are hard of hearing. Being able to see your friends and get to know other students during these informal sessions has been great for everyone’s mental health and allowed us to feel some sense of normality in our lives, whilst also having the opportunity to develop our CPD portfolio. The society continues to allow everyone to engage online and support each other with the challenges we have faced during lockdown.

I look forward now more than ever, to our placements in third year, and returning back to uni to develop what has already been learnt ready to head out into practice as a qualified Occupational Therapist.

Alice Ryan,

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy student

Would like to know more about this course? Join our Virtual Open Day for the opportunities to watch course presentation, talk to academic tutor or current students, or to watch virtual tour of our campus facilities and accommodation.