dilemma in choosing a uni and applying for a deferred year

9

Hi,
I am applying for uni this year for a mental health course, but I'm not sure of which uni to apply to.
While I want to apply for uni this year, I'm thinking of applying for a deferred year to work and gain experience before starting uni, and giving myself a bit of time to save some money before uni, but I'm not sure if it is the right decision.

(edited 4 months ago)

Reply 1

normaw

20

Original post

by Riaheart

Hi,
I am applying for uni this year for a mental health course, but I'm not sure of which uni to apply to.
While I want to apply for uni this year, I'm thinking of applying for a deferred year to work and gain experience before starting uni, and giving myself a bit of time to save some money before uni, but I'm not sure if it is the right decision.

Have you been to any open days? If you haven't, try to get to a few before you apply. It doesn't matter in terms of future employment which uni you go to as all courses are held to the same standard by the NMC. What does matter is feeling that you could live in that city for three years and liking the facilities that the uni and department offer.

Do you have any caring or public-facing work/volunteering experience now to support your application or is that what you feel you need to gain in a year out?

Reply 2

Riaheart

OP

9

I am currently on placement with my college and would like to get a job there after

Reply 3

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

19

Original post

by Riaheart

Hi,
I am applying for uni this year for a mental health course, but I'm not sure of which uni to apply to.
While I want to apply for uni this year, I'm thinking of applying for a deferred year to work and gain experience before starting uni, and giving myself a bit of time to save some money before uni, but I'm not sure if it is the right decision.

Hi,

I would recommend you go to an open day and see what each uni you are interested in is all about!

In the majority of universities, once you reach your second year you will receive help to find placements and work experience.

Here at LJMU we offer mental health courses under nursing:

•

Mental health and childrens nursing

•

adult and mental health nursing

•

Nursing (mental health)

If you are interested in any of these courses feel free to have a look through this link:

•

Search Courses | Liverpool John Moores University

we have clinical practices were you can gain invaluable work experience alongside your degree!

If you want to know more about this feel free to contact myself or another student rep on unibuddy!

Chat to an Undergraduate Student | Study | Liverpool John Moores University

Hope this helps and i wish you the best of luck whatever you decide!

Katy,
LJMUStudentRep

Reply 4

LSBU

Official Rep

11

Original post

by Riaheart

Hi,
I am applying for uni this year for a mental health course, but I'm not sure of which uni to apply to.
While I want to apply for uni this year, I'm thinking of applying for a deferred year to work and gain experience before starting uni, and giving myself a bit of time to save some money before uni, but I'm not sure if it is the right decision.

Hey there,
It’s completely normal to feel unsure about when to start university, especially for something as people focused as a Mental Health course. A lot of students actually take a bit of extra time before starting, and it can be a really positive choice if you use it to get experience, build confidence and save some money. There’s no right or wrong answer – it’s more about what will help you feel ready.

If you’re thinking about studying Mental Health Nursing or a similar course at LSBU, a deferred year can be really useful. Many applicants spend that year working in care settings, schools, support roles or even volunteering, and it often makes their applications stronger. More importantly, it gives you a real feel for whether the career suits you. When you start the course later, you come in with a clearer sense of purpose and a bit more life experience behind you.

But if you feel ready now, that’s also completely fine. LSBU is very supportive, and you don’t need a year of experience to do well. The course includes placements throughout your degree, so you’ll gain lots of professional experience even if you start straight away.

It might help to think about what would make you feel calmer and more confident when starting uni. If a year of work, saving and experience sounds like it would reduce the pressure, then it’s a good option. If you’re excited to get going, applying for the next entry is also a great choice. You’re not closing any doors either way.

You’re always welcome to explore LSBU further. We have a virtual open day on 9th December from 12:30 to 1:30 pm or you can book a campus tour https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/study/study-at-lsbu/open-days/campus-tours to get a proper feel for our spaces. You can also chat with our current students on Unibuddy https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/student-life/chat to get an insight into the courses you’re curious about.

LSBU Admissions Ambassador

dilemma in choosing a uni and applying for a deferred year

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