Syori
Why did you choose to study at the University of Huddersfield?
After visiting other universities and having my interview I knew Huddersfield was the right fit. One reason for me is that Huddersfield it not a big city, it felt like it would be easy to settle here. For the University itself, the facilities are excellent and the staff in podiatry are friendly and approachable.
Why did you choose to study Podiatry, and what are your favourite things about it?
They say movement is medicine and I feel helping people will always be a satisfying day at work. When you get stuck in, that ethos is at the core of podiatry. Before choosing Huddersfield, I did originally look at going in to prosthetics, however, after looking more into the scope of podiatry, I felt that contributing to the prevention of limb loss was going to be the best fit for me. This was, without a doubt, confirmed when I could see how passionate the podiatry department at Huddersfield was. I have a background in the beauty industry and, after treating peoples’ feet from a cosmetic approach, I knew I wanted to do more to make a difference.
What are the new Podiatry facilities in the Daphne Steele Building like?
The Daphne Steele Building has a student lounge and plenty of smaller pockets of seating to study or chill in, between classes.
In addition, there is a bright, modern Podiatry Clinic open to the public, so we can get hands-on as students, right from the first term. Knowing that we have regular sessions in the clinic, treating a variety of patients, prepares us for the career ahead.
Personally, it has helped build my confidence in applying what we learn in class – nothing can beat face-to-face, hands-on experience. During these sessions, lecturers are on hand to expand on each treatment, really pushing you to get the most out of it.
"The podiatry team are the best. There is a real mix of personalities, meaning there is a mix of teaching styles. They bring plenty of their own industry experience to teaching – you can’t get this aspect from your own reading alone."
What were your work placements like?
Placements are 100% a highlight of the podiatry degree. There is an NHS placement each year of the degree, it really helps tie all the theory together. The placements allow us to see high risk patients, MSK and surgery.
To help set where you choose to go for your placement, there is a day arranged so that students and providers can meet. There are opportunities to stay close to home, or to go further away. I went to Wales – it was a great experience that I would recommend!!
When you are on the NHS placement, there is very little routine care, if any. This means your exposure is different to your experience as first-year student so far. One of the areas that really stood out for me from the placement was how much impact podiatry can truly have on a patient's quality of life. For example, assessments and intervention can literally prevent amputations.
"Like the variety of personalities of the lecturers at Huddersfield, the placement allows you to work alongside different podiatrists within different specialities. Seeing how different podiatrists treat patients in different ways helped me understand how there is more than one way to achieve the desired result."
What’s your favourite thing about being a student at Huddersfield?
The course has a wide range of ages, and that is one thing that I was a little concerned about before starting university. As a mature student, you worry that you might not quite fit in. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Despite different ages, backgrounds, ethnicities or religions, you will find your people and make connections that will stay with you beyond the classroom.
"After graduation, I hope to work in the NHS, as I feel it’s priceless exposure and where a real impact can be made. I may stay on to do my Master's, but I haven’t quite decided yet."
What are some of the extracurricular activities/roles that you have been involved in?
I have been a Student Rep since my first year, and a member of the B.A.M.E network. Being a rep is a great way to bridge the gap between the student, the course and the uni. You can make improvements or address adjustments for the student experience.
This experience has given me an insight into how decisions are made and that if things are not working, then changes can be made. I've really enjoyed being a part of that process. I would really recommend that students get involved.
Would you recommend the University of Huddersfield to prospective students?
Yes. Personally, I feel that even though it can be daunting starting uni, you will feel right at home at Huddersfield. It’s a great campus with fantastic facilities for Health courses; it is located right in the town centre, so is convenient to get to. And you have the best of both worlds, with Huddersfield itself not being too manic, but with it being so easy to get to Leeds or Manchester if you fancy a change of scenery.
