Plymouth Uni- Taunton, Yeovil, Exeter placements

Hello!

I'm just enquiring really about those of you who are placed at the above hospitals. Where abouts do you live, how do you get to and from Uni?

I've been for my interview today and requested those three as my placements as they're closer to 'home' however when driving home I realised just how long it takes to get to all of them.

I would prefer to live nearer my placement than uni, the Uni don't seem to be too helpful with regards to social housing outside of the Halls.

How do you manage it? And also, Lee mentioned it would be 9-5 Monday to Friday whilst on study time- is this really the case?!

Any help grately appreciated!

x

Hey Smelice,
congrats on the interview - how did you find it? I'm going down for mine next wednesday (OMG!).
Not particularly worried about the English, but STOOpidly nervous about the 1:1 interview! On the open day I went to we had the opportunity to chat with a first year midwifery student, she said it was common not to start until 10am due to the number of mums on the course (enabling them to get the school run out of the way!) so I was hoping that would be the case... but if Lee says 9-5, I imagine he should know lol.
I'm based half way between both Exeter and Taunton so would hope to be placed at one of them - it does mean driving to Plymouth every single day for the first 6months (yes, adding approx 10,000miles to my car lol) but I'd rather do that and have the placement nearer home after a 12 or 14 hour shift!

The interview was unbelievably relaxed!! Very casual, nice easy enough questions, nothing too taxing mainly your thoughts and feelings on things!

Ah that's cool, after doing the drive back today I was really unsure of doing that much driving so have been looking at trains!! Super cheap with a 16-25 rail card and gives you extra time to study rather than wasting away behind a steering wheel. Leaving your car fresh for placements!!

The impression I got today was that they don't really care where you live, how you live as long as you get to uni and placements, which frightens me a bit as the other open days/interviews I've been to they always enforce how important it is you live close to your placement and don't live in halls... But halls is all that was spoke of today until I questioned him! The uni don't help with social housing: setting up nurses and midwives in private accom in placement areas, so looks like smnet is the way forward with that!!

Good luck for your interview... Don't panic. It's the most relaxed interview I've ever done!!

I went on the train to my interview it did not cost too much (9 pounds from axminster to plymouth return), car share is another possibility for those first six months if other member live close enough..

Ok, I am a second yr at Plymouth and I am placed at MPH. I travel to all of the theory sessions from just outside Taunton - both by car and train depending on lecture start times.

Unfortunately, Lee was not exaggerating, although lectures normally start at 10am. However we did have a 9am start in the first year. Also, you might have a 2/3 hour gap in your day so although you're not in lectures all day, you do have a 10-4 day down in Plymouth if that makes sense.

Many of us are in car shares, which eases the burden both financially and with the stress of driving. When we travel on the train we go from Tiverton and it is just under £15 return to Plymouth WITH a 16-25 railcard so it isn't cheap and would pay you to drive if you have 2/3 others to join you. We tend to take the train on exam days so we can revise and it means one person isn't having to drive on those days.

I think the current first years are in Mon-Thurs from Sept-Dec, then every day for 6 weeks after christmas. Your first placment starts end feb/beginning March. In your second year the days are normally 10-3 but we are in every single day. 10-3 is lovely if you live close by but for us it still means an 8-5 day if you include travelling.

Whatever they tell you on interview day about it being hard work etc is 100% true. They tell you because they want you to realise what is involved - they don't want people dropping out. This degree is the hardest thing I have ever done. I have 2 young children so
that does make it harder but it is full on. We don't stop!!!

Finally, it is definitely better to live closer to your placement area. When you are working 12.5 hour shifts plus learning at the same time, it is totally shattering. You can barely keep your eyes open on the way home!!

I hope this helps - please feel free to ask any questions. xx

Thanks tv3776, that's fab!! I've been trying to get my head around it all since my interview but that's put my mind at rest! I can fully appreciate how tough the course is and admire you for doing it with 2 kids!!

Will try and stop thinking about it all until I hear back now. Tempted to start looking at housing though... Quite curious!! Xx

TV3776... i would remove your name from that post hun, you have given away a lot that could easily reveal your identity to many.

if you google anything pregnancy related it comes up with this site so service users could work out who you are too! xxxx

Good point, well made hun. Did it without even realising! I haven't been on here for ages!! Too much flippin' work!!!!!!!

I did look into trains but sadly ladies lol, I am not allowed a 16-25 railcard as I have an extra 9years experience
Also, as a single parent, I hate the thought of being stranded anywhere should an emergency occur at home (even though my Mum would be there lol) - and, assuming we all get in, a car share has already been provisionally been arranged lol
Nice to hear from you all!
:lolsmily

:-D ... Smelice perhaps you would be kind enough to remove her name too?!

I am at one of those hospitals if you would like to PM me any questions i am happy to answer them xx