Jo Hume

Why did you choose Physiotherapy?

I've always been fascinated by the medical profession and physiotherapy integrated all the personal aspects I’m interested in so I went for that one.

Why did you choose to study at Northumbria?

I'm from Shropshire so it's far enough from home to allow me to make my own way in the world and make a new start and have independence. It’s a really friendly place and it’s got a city atmosphere but it’s not so massive that you feel overwhelmed by it all. It’s good! You end up feeling at home really quickly. I already do and I’ve only been here a term.

What's the best thing about your course?

It's half practical and half theory – because it's physio you have to get good hands-on experience. It’s really interesting and you don’t get bored with just having lectures. We have practical seminars as well where we learn different parts of the body so you do things like marking out and drawing the different muscles on each other which is quite fun!

What's the best aspect of being a student at Northumbria?

You can learn how to be independent and you don't have to rely on anyone – you can enjoy yourself, make your own plans and you don’t have to worry about your parents looking down on what you’re doing – you can just have a laugh and do your own thing. The people are really friendly and you feel really welcome and at home and if you enjoy the course – and I do – then that helps as well!

What's your accommodation like?

It's lovely. I live at Glenamara House which is a self-catered hall of residence in a flat with six other people – I share with three other girls and three boys, so we outnumber the boys which is quite good! We have a kitchen, dining room, two toilets and a shower room. Our rooms are really good sizes so you’re able to bring in your own furniture, bedding and photos and make it your own.

Do you do any work placements?

I did my first placement back in November – it was a two week observational one so I went to a local hospital and followed a physio on an orthopaedics ward for people with hip and knee replacements and we have a 4-week one in June working in either a hospital or in the community. It was really interesting seeing how what you’re learning will be applied in a clinical setting. When you go into a placement you get to see how all your academic theory works for real.

What are your plans for the future?

Physiotherapy's a vocational course so I can go straight into a job which is quite handy. I’ll probably stay up here for a couple of years and work, hopefully in a hospital, and then maybe go abroad and do physio. I’ve always wanted to travel, so I’ll probably go to America or Africa so I can have some different experiences.