For a bit of context: generally, the first term of Nursing is structured so that Mondays are dedicated to the ‘Biological and Pharmacological Aspects of Health and Wellbeing’ module, Tuesdays are for the ‘Psychological and Sociological Aspects of Health and Wellbeing’ module and Thursdays are usually for the ‘Knowledge Applied to Nursing’ sessions.
Morning
After getting washed and dressed, I start off my day with some porridge, followed by some green tea. Then I rush out of my house, almost forgetting my keys as I do so, because despite all the time I try give myself on a morning, I still end up leaving late.
Lectures/Seminars
After speed walking over to Alcuin, I arrive at my first lecture of the day, often feeling slightly out of breath and a little sweaty. Amazingly, I arrive at 9am on the dot; I pull this off pretty much every single day, (which baffles me even more than my course mates).
This day we had a guest speaker, a lady called Wendy Mitchell. Ever since she was diagnosed with dementia, she has travelled around raising awareness about living with dementia and how she personally overcame her challenges. The talk was honestly very insightful. I’m grateful to staff for asking Wendy to come in as she has made me feel more prepared to go into practice. I appreciate the value in us learning about people’s personal experiences with conditions; it allows us to empathise with patients more. Especially since throughout the course there is great emphasis on providing ‘patient-centred’ health care.
Next on the agenda is the first seminar of the day. I can truthfully say that I look forward to my seminars. They’re a conducive environment for sharing ideas, and the seminar leads allow us to get into the nitty gritty of the lecture content, ensuring that no stones are left unturned.
Lunch
The most exciting part of the day – at this point I’m starving. If I wasn’t feeling too lazy the previous night, I’d have made myself a pasta salad that I packed into my bag in the morning. However, because I am human, things often don’t go to plan. I also don’t have the luxury of living five minutes away, so this leads me to my only option: hunting for food.
Luckily for me, there are many options on Campus West. Depending on the duration of the lunch break, my friends and I sometimes take the bus over to Campus East for a cheeky Greggs or some greasy takeaway food. But on this day, we decided on Alcuin’s little Bistro. We find it’s great value for what it offers. I bought my new favourite order, crispy chips with beef chilli topped with cheese. I took a picture of it to send to my sister; it’s a running joke between us for me to show her my ‘healthy food choices’ since starting uni.
Afternoon
After refuelling, it’s time for the final lecture of the day, followed by the last seminar. The seminar finishes at around 4pm, so I say bye to my friends and head back over to Halifax. The walk home is always a good time as I walk past the serene ponds and the geese. The scenery in general just makes for a leisurely walk.
Evening
Depending on how tired I’m feeling, I take a nap when I get home. If, however, I’m not completely drained, I attend a casual sewing session in JJ’s (which is one of Halifax’s two common rooms).
After the sewing session, I go back to my accommodation to make myself some dinner. Most of my housemates are usually home by then. We cook, we eat, we talk; it’s a fun time and, with our different schedules, it’s usually the only time we get to catch up. After tidying away my dishes, I usually video call some family. Following that, I head over to the computer room to get some studying done.
Night
Later on, I go back home to meet my housemates chilling in the kitchen, (most likely). They are usually debating which nightclub they are going to that night. As that’s not my idea of fun, I go to a common room with the few that aren’t in the mood to party and we wind down with a movie. We’re particularly fond of the Bridget Jones’ Diary films. But of course, we stop off at the local Nisa (in Halifax), to get snacks first.
When the movie’s over we head back home, and being the lover of sleep that I am, I’m sound asleep within minutes of landing on my bed.
So, this is what a typical day as a nursing student attending this amazing university looks like for me. If you want further convincing that the University of York is the place for you, there are loads of other Day/week in the life blogs to read, posted by fellow students.
However, the best way for you to truly know, is for you to come and experience this incredible place yourself!
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