Breaking in those first year nerves...

Congratulations! You have been accepted and begin your journey into midwifery this year (or next).
If haven't read my Journey into Midwifery blog post yet - go back and read that (click this link), if you have, then thank you and hopefully this little post will help you face those university fears as you approach your first classes.

I have gathered a few hints and tips from my experience to help you in your first few weeks...

1. If you haven't already join your university's midwifery course or society Facebook page. Introduce yourself there and find a few names of people in your cohort.

2. Join twitter and follow a bunch of inspirational midwives who will sign post you to interesting blogs, articles and news stories about current midwifery.

3. Join your university's midwifery society. Get involved in attending events, making new friends.

4. Sit next to someone new for each class for the first week.

5. Start conversations - you all have one thing in common, you want to be midwives. Ask if people have twitter/Facebook, are subscribed to any journals; exploit your mutual passion.

6. Do your class reading. It will help. Answer questions in class even if you're not sure of the answer. Have a voice.

7. Attend any midwifery events in your university. It could be a welcome cake stall (my university do this) or talk. Maybe someone has arranged a movie showing.

8. Make friends with the people you live with even if they don't study midwifery. I have spent the past two years living with a student child nurse and student social worker. Although I have my friendship group within midwifery, its nice to step away sometimes.

9. Go out and have fun in the first few weeks. The work load can get heavy quickly so use freshers week to let off some steam, meet people and socialise. Especially the freshers fair (or equivalent) - get your hands on free stuff.

10. Prepare for your classes and placements. Buy all that new stationary, new placement shoes, new textbooks.

and remember...
11. Don't worry about being homesick. I'm 30 and moving to a new city to study at 27 was daunting for me too. Facetime, Skype and trips home. Share your university experiences with friends and family. Talk to someone if you're feeling down.

If you're looking for any specific tips or have questions tweet me at @ruth_stmw using hashtag #studentmidwifeQ and I'll try and help or point you in right direction.

Good luck!

Ruth

twitter: @ruth_stmw
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