A-level results day offered Maariya Syeda Maariya the chance to rethink her career goals and explore courses that better matched her interests.
Reflecting on her journey, the Kidderminster student said she took the opportunity to change direction after discovering Occupational Therapy, a profession she had previously known little about.
“I always thought I wanted to study Pharmacy, but I later came across Occupational Therapy and started doing more research and realised it was something I felt really drawn to,” she recalls.
She called several universities on A-level results day and said the warmth and encouragement she received from the University of Worcester’s academic staff stood out.
“I had an interview on the same day with one of the lecturers and she was so friendly,” said Maariya. “She made the course feel very welcoming. Speaking to the lecturers gave me that feeling that this was something I definitely wanted to do.”
For Maariya, Worcester’s friendly atmosphere quickly confirmed she had made the right choice.
“When I first started university, that’s what fully made me feel I’d chosen the right decision. Everyone was so friendly,” she said.
Maariya says one of the biggest advantages of coming to Worcester was the University’s smaller class sizes and close connections with staff.
“It feels much more personal and somewhere I can actually go and ask for help,” she said. “The lecturers are very approachable and accessible, which made me feel a lot more supported and more confident in my decision.”
Maariya also values learning from lecturers who continue to work in the profession.
“I love how passionate the lecturers are about Occupational Therapy. A lot of them still work as occupational therapists, and that’s something I find really reassuring because they’re actively working in the industry.”
A key part of Maariya’s first year was completing a six-week placement at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove.
She says the experience helped bring classroom learning to life and gave her valuable hands-on experience.
“Placement is where I could finally put the theory into practice,” she said. “It really helped everything come together and made me understand what I’d been learning.”
Just as importantly, she appreciated the support provided in securing the placement itself.
“I really liked that the placement was organised for me and that it wasn’t too far away,” she said. “I had a really friendly team and learned so much.”
Looking back, Maariya believes Clearing gave her the opportunity to find a course that was a much better match for her interests and strengths.
“Occupational Therapy combines all my interests, including psychology, biology and creativity,” she said. “I realised it was much more suited to me than the course I’d originally planned to study.”
“I thrive in a supportive, smaller environment,” she added. “Worcester felt like the right place for me. It’s friendly, close-knit and somewhere I feel comfortable.”
She added: “I’d say be open-minded. Don’t feel like you have to stick to one subject you’ve always planned to do. Do your research, visit universities if you can, speak to lecturers and get a feel for the place. Sometimes a change of plan can lead you somewhere even better than you originally expected.”