Student profile
Lily Bastable

Lily Bastable

"My first impression of the campus was that I loved it! The facilities blew me away, and all the course lecturers were so approachable and supportive."

The best decision I've ever made

I chose Surrey because I live close to the University, and I knew how good its reputation is for health and medical sciences. The Kate Granger Building where we have our lectures and simulation sessions is amazing, and it was a big factor when choosing which university to go to.

My first impression of the campus was that I loved it! The facilities blew me away, and all the course lecturers were so approachable and supportive. The library is fantastic, as is the on-site student union club and bar. I absolutely fell in love with the University when I came to an open day. My heart was set on Surrey from then on, and it’s the best decision I've ever made.

My course

I’ve wanted to be a midwife since I was eight years old. 11 years later and I’m pursuing my dream job! Being a student midwife is so rewarding as you can help ease people's anxieties during pregnancy, labour and postnatally. These people and their families put a lot of trust in you, and it's so rewarding to support and empower them to become wonderful parents.

I love how we have integrated learning with other healthcare students, such as the nursing and paramedic students, as you’re able to make friends from different courses and hear about their experiences from placement. It helps me gain confidence to mix with other professionals, as I do on my clinical placements.

I'm very proud that I've been selected to join the CNO Student Nurse and Student Midwife Joint Decision-Making Council run by Health Education England (HEE). This has allowed me to meet with students from other universities, and also staff from HEE, to discuss placement, university and how to make the course and university life better.

On placement

Every day whilst on placement, I spend time with women and birthing people and build relationships with them. I've worked in the community, providing home visits and assisting in running the antenatal and postnatal clinics at the local maternity hub. I’m very excited to be going onto the postnatal ward and delivery suite very soon.

My biggest highlight so far was attending a 12-week scan with one of my case-loading ladies. It was so rewarding because she's a single mother and it was a privilege to support her as she attended all her appointments alone. Another highlight is taking blood! I’ve found it really challenging to do but it has built my confidence as a healthcare professional.

My advice 

To anyone considering my course, I’d say do it! Studying midwifery at Surrey has been the best decision I’ve ever made! Attend an open day and meet the teaching fellows and see what the University has to offer. Training to be a midwife needs to be something that you’re passionate about, but if you immerse yourself in all the training, placement and support given to you, you’ll be great!