Ellie

I chose UCO because it was close to my home and felt more accessible than the bigger universities. I like that it’s compact and easy to get around. I didn’t feel the need to visit anywhere else, so I applied to UCO.

What were the highlights/standout moments from your time at UCO?

I think the biggest highlight was graduation. Other highlights were the staff, who made it a really great experience. Everyone was understanding, and nothing was ever too much trouble. They all believed in me, which was really nice. I think I’ve grown a lot as a person during my time at UCO. Initially, I never would have thought I’d be confident enough to volunteer and then go on to secure a job.

Did you complete any placements as part of your course?

I didn’t complete placements, but I did pursue volunteering, which really helped me grow in confidence. It improved my communication skills and made it much easier to succeed in the workplace. I gained a sense of how things run outside of university and experienced the wider world and adult life.

Did you receive support from other teams, such as Academic Support and Wellbeing?

I utilised all the support teams available and took that step to better myself and get the most out of the support on offer. Each team had its own benefits, but together they helped shape me into who I am today. The wellbeing support was brilliant; I felt safe talking about things without being judged. It was the same with Careers; it wasn’t just about finding a job; they cared about me as a whole. Academic Skills support was also really helpful; they helped me break down assignments and understand the steps I needed to meet the assessment criteria.

What are your next steps?

I’m currently a Peer Support Worker, which I thoroughly enjoy. I feel comfortable where I am because I’m able to grow my connections. In the long term, I’d like to move into a profession that offers more challenge, and I’ve been considering a career in Psychotherapy.

How has attending UCO helped you achieve your career goals?

I think the support I received, and the fact that nothing was ever too much trouble, helped me move from my degree into my career. Attending UCO has given me the desire to be aspirational and to inspire others. I receive feedback from clients that is heart-warming and makes me feel like I’m passing on that inspiration.

What advice would you give to someone considering UCO?

My advice would be to apply; there are lots of courses available. I think UCO, being a smaller university, really worked better for me. Every university offers its own experience, and UCO was a really good one.

Find out more about BSc (Hons) Psychology