Student Spotlight - Hannah Williamson
“Studying at UHI Perth has helped me gain confidence, independence, new friendships, and valuable experience that will help me in my future career.”
NHS Scotland currently employs approximately 160,000 staff who work across 14 regional NHS Boards, seven Special NHS Boards and one public health body. At UHI Perth, our courses will provide you with the required skills and knowledge to take advantage of many different career opportunities within the NHS and other Healthcare organisations. In this week’s blog, we meet a student who relocated from the most northerly point in the UK! 🧳✈️
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Hannah Williamson, and I am originally from Shetland. Moving from Shetland to Perth to study at UHI Perth was a huge step for me, as it was my first time living away from home and being apart from my family. At first, it felt quite overwhelming because I was leaving behind everything familiar, but looking back now, it has been one of the best decisions I have made. The experience has helped me become much more independent, confident, and open to new opportunities and experiences.
What course did you study at UHI Perth?
HNC Healthcare Practice. The course has been a really important part of my journey because it has helped me grow both academically and personally. Before starting, I was quite nervous about whether I would settle in and cope with college life away from home, but throughout the course I became much more confident in myself and my abilities. The HNC gave me a strong understanding of healthcare practice and prepared me for the next step in my education. I am now getting ready to continue my studies in Aberdeen, which is really exciting because it brings me closer to achieving my long-term career goals.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I first heard about UHI Perth while researching healthcare courses and looking into different pathways into healthcare careers. I also spoke to people about opportunities in further education, and UHI Perth kept being recommended because of the support available to students and the positive learning environment. What really stood out to me was that the course offered both academic learning and practical experience, which I felt would prepare me well for a future healthcare career.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
I was living in Shetland and trying to decide on the best path for my future. I always knew that I wanted to work in healthcare because I enjoy helping and supporting people, but I was unsure about the route I needed to take to get there. At that stage, I was considering different options for further education and thinking carefully about how I could work towards my dream career.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I decided to choose the HNC Healthcare Practice course because healthcare is something I have always felt passionate about. My dream career is to become a midwife and study Midwifery at Robert Gordon University. However, at the time I did not get the exam results I needed to go directly into the course I wanted, which was disappointing for me. Instead of giving up, I decided to look for another pathway that would still allow me to work towards my goal. The HNC Healthcare Practice course was the perfect option because it gave me the opportunity to gain the qualifications, knowledge, and practical skills I needed while building my confidence and preparing me for university-level study. Looking back, I actually think this route has made me stronger and more prepared for the future because I have gained so much experience and personal growth along the way.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
The supportive environment and the practical side of learning. I really enjoyed learning skills that are directly linked to working in healthcare, especially communication, teamwork, and understanding how to support people in a professional and compassionate way. I also liked that the lecturers genuinely cared about the students and wanted everyone to succeed. It created a really positive atmosphere where I felt comfortable asking questions and developing my confidence.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
One of the most memorable parts of my course has definitely been adapting to living away from home and becoming independent. Moving from Shetland to Perth was a huge change, and at times it was challenging being away from my family and everything familiar to me. However, overcoming those challenges has been one of my proudest achievements. I made new friends, settled into a completely new environment, and learned how to manage things on my own. Another standout moment was realising how much more confident I had become throughout the year, both academically and personally.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
Through my course, I have gained a wide range of knowledge, skills, and experiences that will help me in my future career in healthcare. Academically, I have developed a much better understanding of healthcare practice, communication, professionalism, and patient care. Personally, I have learned how to work independently, manage my time effectively, and cope with challenges in a positive way. I have also developed important teamwork and communication skills through working with classmates and participating in practical learning activities. The course has prepared me for further study and has given me confidence in my ability to succeed in healthcare and eventually midwifery.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
Yes, my lecturers have been incredibly supportive throughout my studies. Moving away from home for the first time was not always easy, and there were times when I felt homesick or overwhelmed. The lecturers were always approachable, understanding, and encouraging, which made a huge difference to my experience. They created a supportive environment where I felt comfortable asking for help whenever I needed it, and their encouragement really helped me believe in myself and keep motivated throughout the course.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
One of my biggest achievements has been successfully completing my studies while adjusting to a completely new environment away from home. I am proud of how much I have grown in confidence and independence over the past year. Another major achievement for me is progressing on to further study in Aberdeen, which is a really important step towards achieving my goal of becoming a midwife. I am proud that I stayed determined and continued working towards my goals even when things felt challenging at times.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
What I like most about the campus is the welcoming and supportive atmosphere. The facilities are modern, comfortable, and designed to support students in their learning. I especially liked having access to quiet study areas and supportive staff who were always available to help. The campus environment made it much easier to settle in and feel comfortable, especially as someone who had moved away from home for the first time.
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I have really enjoyed studying at UHI Perth, and it has been such an important stage in my personal and academic journey. One of the biggest highlights has been meeting new people and making friendships with classmates who were going through similar experiences. Another highlight has been seeing how much I have grown in confidence since starting the course. When I first arrived, I was nervous and unsure of myself, but now I feel much more confident about my future and my ability to succeed in healthcare.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your studies?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, especially whenever I get the chance to go home to Shetland. I also enjoy keeping active, exploring new places, and taking time to relax and unwind. Since moving away from home, I have also enjoyed experiencing new things and becoming more independent, which has helped me grow personally as well as academically.
What are your future career plans?
To continue my studies in Aberdeen and work towards becoming a qualified midwife. I have always wanted a career where I can support and care for others, and midwifery is something I feel truly passionate about. I would love to be able to support women and families during such an important time in their lives and make a positive difference through compassionate care and support.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
Take the opportunity and believe in yourself. Moving away from home and starting somewhere new can feel scary at first, especially if you are leaving family and friends behind, but it is also an amazing experience that helps you grow so much as a person. The support from lecturers and staff really helps you settle in, and you quickly become part of a welcoming community. Studying at UHI Perth has helped me gain confidence, independence, new friendships, and valuable experience that will help me in my future career.
