Studying on her doorstep: Why Vet Nursing student Zoe decided Harper was for her

Choosing the right university is about more than finding the right course – it's about finding a place where you'll feel supported, gain practical experience and prepare for your future career. 

Final-year BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing student, Zoe Churchill shares why she chose Harper Adams, what she has learned throughout her degree and why on-campus events made all the difference. 

She said: “Growing up in Edgmond I frequently visited the campus for various school trips and events such as Field to Fork.  

“The Future Farm and Companion Animal House were one of the main reasons I chose Harper Adams as it provided essential hands-on experience, something I missed out on doing work experience during the pandemic.  

“The smaller campus was another deciding factor as it supports networking among Veterinary Nurses, Veterinary Surgeons, Veterinary Physiotherapists, and Animal Behaviourists.” 

When deciding where to study, it’s always important to visit so you can experience first-hand what the university can offer you – and it was something that Zoe found particularly helpful, even though she’d visited the campus many times before. 

She said: “Open days are very important for getting a general feel for a campus and to ensure you fully understand the course you are applying to.  

“However, Offer Holder Days go a step further, immersing you in campus life so you know what to expect. I attended an Offer Holder Day, where I had a more in-depth tour of the teaching buildings and a sample lecture. Ultimately, this experience confirmed that I wanted to complete an undergraduate degree rather than an apprenticeship.  

Once she started her course, she quickly discovered just how practical the teaching here at Harper is. 

Zoe said: “The Veterinary Nursing courses are very practical, with most modules utilising tutorials to break the large cohort into smaller groups. This gave me greater access to support when needed and opportunities to meet classmates.  

“In my first and second year, practical sessions were largely in the labs and Companion Animal House, while lectures were based around anatomy and fundamental nursing skills.  

“My practical experience in my first year at Harper Adams supported my placement experience, as they taught us as much as they could in a university setting. For example, I was already confident in lab skills such as urinalysis and microscopy, which enable me to quickly get involved and support the team in this area.  

As part of their studies, many students undertake a placement year as an opportunity to gain real industry insights before even leaving university about what they want to pursue, and to discover what doesn’t appeal to them. 

Zoe had the opportunity to do her placement at Leonard Brothers Veterinary Centre in Whitchurch, where she wanted to focus on getting experience in small-animal nursing. 

She said: “I chose to go here because I wanted experience in a first-opinion practice dealing with small animals. 

“Although referral and exotic nursing are not currently my focus, Leonard Brothers had vets and nurses with interests in wildlife, orthopaedics and acupuncture, so I got a range of experience. 

“My interview and trial morning were very valuable in confirming this was the correct practice for me. The large nursing team was heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the practice and worked hard to create a supportive atmosphere.  

“Completing a year in industry was very beneficial as I felt part of the team and we built mutual trust, enabling me to ask questions and develop my nursing skills. I think I would have found this trickier in placements of a shorter length.” 

Having returned from placement and into her final year, her focus was now on her dissertation and assignments. 

“A general day-to-day consists of lectures and plenty of independent study to complete your dissertation and assignments. As everyone had a slightly different placement experience, our tutorials this year allowed everyone to practice more advanced nursing skills, such as dentistry and suturing.” 

As she reflects back on her time at university, Zoe offers this advice to anyone considering studying at Harper Adams. 

“My advice to anyone considering Harper Adams is to attend an offer-holder day, wherever possible. They are a valuable opportunity to understand what the university experience is like. Make sure you ask every question you have! 

“It is okay to be unsure about which course and specific modules you want to take. Foundation years and course transfers are options the university can help you explore.  

“Your interests may change, and you will learn a lot throughout a degree, but you don’t have to have everything figured out on day one!”

Have you been inspired by Zoe's story and want to find out more about what university life is like at Harper Adams University? There's still time to join us for our upcoming Open Day on 15th August!