Nahima’s Profile

Step Into My Shoes interview with Nahima Begum about her time studying Nursing at King’s College London.

Nahima is studying Nursing with Registration as an Adult Nursing BSc (Adult Nursing BSc) at King’s College London.

SIMS: Why did you pick this course?

Nahima: There are several reasons why I chose to study Nursing. The main reason is to make a difference in people's daily lives. I also love the idea that this course is challenging and interesting and that no two days are the same. I feel nursing has so many different aspects including how humbling it can be. I love that it connects both science and humanity.

SIMS: Why did you choose this university? 

Nahima: The reason I chose King’s College London is because it has one of the best nursing programs in the country and has many connections to different hospitals and Trusts throughout London. I like the varied teaching styles King’s has to offer and how it ranges from lectures, seminars, clinical teaching and PBL (problem-based learning). I also like the fact that King’s has 5 campuses all across London which means that I get to explore many areas of London whilst studying. 

SIMS: What do you like best about this college? Least favourite?

Nahima: I love King’s diversity and being a part of this community. It is very important to me. Being able to interact with people from varied backgrounds through my course and the hundreds of societies and clubs available at King’s has been a tremendous experience. 

My least favourite aspect about King’s is the admin/communication within my course. Being on the nursing programme, there are several teams involved in our learning, which means that when communication is poor, it can make the situation far more stressful than it needs to be. 

SIMS: What sort of interesting campus events does the school put on?

Nahima: I especially like King’s cultural events. These can range from promoting/show casing artworks in museums to theatre performances. 

SIMS: Any advice for incoming students?

Nahima: In general, I suggest that you visit the universities in person and attend the open days so you can get a feel for the university. You should also research your course as much as possible as universities have differing teaching styles. The events/societies and clubs available to students can also vary. 

For nursing, it is also important for students to gain work experience/work shadowing in hospitals/hospices/nursing homes to understand what the life of a nurse will entail. Many students on my course dropped out as they didn’t fully appreciate what the role entails

SIMS: How would you describe the community atmosphere?

Nahima: King’s has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. There is a place for everyone.  

SIMS: What clubs or extracurricular activities do you recommend?

Nahima: I would suggest a sports along with a volunteering society/club as it can help adjust to university life. Extracurriculars also allows you to connect to students in the years above who can provide guidance and advice about settling in. For me personally, my favourite society is the KCL Emergency Society as it has given me the opportunity to observe and go on ambulance shifts with the London Ambulance Service. 

SIMS: What do you plan to do career wise? 

Nahima: After completing this degree, I hope to study medicine and become a doctor or a clinical nurse specialist.  

SIMS: What was the most surprising aspect about your experience here? 

Nahima: I am continuously surprised by the many initiatives the university is involved in ranging from the vast number of research studies to the support the student community provides to enhance the student experience.  

SIMS: Do you have a book you recommend?

Nahima: There are a few books I would recommend reading. For those who would like to go into nursing/medicine I would recommend ‘This is Going to Hurt’ by Adam Kay or ‘When Breath Becomes Air’ by Paul Kalanithi. There is a lot to learn from reading these books about working in a clinical environment and the effect it has on your personal life and the emotions you are likely to face while working in this environment. I would also recommend ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ by Khaled Hosseini as this is a beautiful story that gives you a glimpse of the challenges women face growing up in countries with limited opportunities. It’s a book that left me absolutely gobsmacked and gave me a new profound gratitude for the opportunities I have.