Rachel D.

How I got into Sport

I first started my athletics journey at secondary school during sports lessons. I explored all the different events and, having fallen in love with middle-distance running, pursued inter-school athletics meets and fixtures. Since coming to Birmingham, it has been incredible to have the state-of-the-art facilities and professional coaching available. This has allowed me to improve massively and reach my potential. Being surrounded by other aspiring athletes has also been the most encouraging and inspiring thing—our support and backing of each other is so, so valuable!

Why I picked Birmingham

I chose Birmingham to study Physiotherapy because the course was so unique compared to other degree programmes.
I thought the opportunity to do an integrated master’s was amazing, because it’ll definitely broaden my career options in the future. When I visited the University’s Open Day and Offer Holder Days, what struck me most was the enthusiasm and passion of the lecturers and staff. They clearly love what they do, and that massively inspired me and made me so excited to begin my own journey as a physiotherapist.

How I manage my time

Balancing a demanding degree like Physiotherapy with sport and a social life can be challenging, but it’s definitely possible. At Birmingham, there are so many tools and there’s so much flexibility that a work-life balance is absolutely possible. I love that we’re given time and encouragement to pursue extracurricular activities alongside our studies by having Wednesday afternoons free from lectures, seminars and practicals. For me, staying organised with a weekly planner has been key, and the support of my tutor was so helpful when I had questions and concerns. My lecturers are also the loveliest people and are so approachable, meaning I was never stuck for help when I needed it!

Top 3 tips for prospective students

1. Explore everything online about the course and its modules, make sure you’re definitely picking the right course and get excited for what’s coming!
2. Check out what there is for you in the city of Birmingham and surrounding area. Alongside studying at the University of Birmingham, finding a church in Harborne and a Sports Club in Bournville have been the best things ever for me to truly integrate myself into the city.
3. Say yes to everything. There are so many opportunities at university that you’re never going to get anywhere else. Be excited. Throw yourself in. Get ready for an incredible adventure. This is such an amazing chapter of your life.

My future plans after graduation

After graduation, I hope to work as a physiotherapist within the NHS, ideally in a rotational post to gain experience across different specialties. Long term, I’m interested in specialising in neurological physiotherapy, specifically focusing on spinal cord injuries. But who knows—there’s still plenty of time for me to discover which part of Physiotherapy is truly for me!

My experience, in one sentence...

My favourite memory at UoB so far has been celebrating with my coursemates after our summer term practical exams on the Vale - BBQs and spikeball whilst watching the sunset over the lake never stop being so much fun!