Joshua Tandy –

Any tips for presentation assessments?

Book a study-space room in Cochrane building with a screen and practise your presentation there. You can see how your slides look on a larger display, which helps reduce anxiety and allows you to check for any layout or formatting issues before the actual assessment. Also gets you used to presenting in the space.

What can I do on campus if I have a long break between lectures?

If it's a sunny day you can go to the heath park behind the hospital. They have a park and a little cafe. If it more of a rainy day, the IV lounge has games you can play. Also there is a Weatherspoon's you can go for an affordable lunch, a 20 minute walk away. Great for a refillable coffee if you are studying.

What are the spaces available for studying and chilling in Heath Park?

Heath Park Library (Cochrane Building): Main dedicated study space on Heath Park campus. Designed for medical and healthcare students but open to others too. Provides quiet zones for focused work and collaborative study areas with relevant books and resources. Open 24/7 for students.

Students Union on Heath Park: There is a Students’ Union spot on the campus (The IV Lounge and IV Common Area in the Neuadd Meirionnydd building). These spaces are useful for socialising, meeting friends, and informal chill time between study sessions. While most formal cafe/social spaces are on the main Cathays campus, the on-site Students’ Union facilities may have informal seating and refreshments.

Specialist Study Areas and IT Rooms: Each school/faculty building on Heath Park (like dentistry, medicine, and healthcare) has its own study spaces and IT facilities. These are available round-the-clock and good for individual work or group study. Lecture theatres and seminar rooms may sometimes be used for group study or activities outside teaching hours.

Outdoor Parkland: Green Spaces Heath Park campus sits next to 100+ acres of parkland and playing fields, useful for breaks, relaxing, outdoor reading, or group chats when the weather’s nice.

Sports & Leisure Facilities:The campus has sports amenities (pool, squash, badminton, gym) — great for unwinding and taking study breaks.

What do I do if I want to prepare a hot meal on campus?

Bringing food from home is a great way to save money, so we have a range of facilities available for you to use.

The Cochrane Building: You'll find a hot water tap (perfect for instant noodles) and two microwaves (ideal for soups, meal prep, or last night's leftovers).

The Common Room (opposite the IV Lounge): A student kettle and microwave are available here.

How can I prepare for my first day on placement at the Heath?
Your first day can feel a little nerve wracking, but a bit of preparation can go a long way! Here are 10 steps to help you feel confident and ready:
  • Iron your scrubs or uniform the night before. It’s one less thing to worry about and helps you feel prepared.
  • Gather your equipment (stethoscope, notebook, pen, pocket watch, ID badge, etc.) so you don’t have to scramble in the morning.
  • Familiarise yourself with the site. The Heath can be easy to get lost in, so if possible, visit a few days before to find the wards, entrances, and locker rooms.
  • Meal prep and pack snacks. Breaks can be short, and food options may be limited.
  • Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
  • Email your team or ward ahead of time to introduce yourself and check start times and expectations.
  • Break down your sign-offs or competencies into smaller goals. Tackling them gradually can make them more manageable and give you a sense of achievement.
  • Do some light pre-reading to familiarise yourself with the content and make learning easier.
  • Plan to arrive a little early and make sure to introduce yourself every time even if it feels repetitive.
  • Be kind to yourself. Ask questions, stay calm, and remember it’s completely normal to make mistakes. Make sure to treat yourself to something small after your first day, you’ve earned it :)