Prestige Chats With: Paralympian Stephanie Slater MBE
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As part of our new “Prestige Chats With” series, we were honoured to talk to retired British Paralympic swimmer Stephanie Slater MBE!
Stephanie started off her career as an able-bodied athlete but after suffering nerve damage to her left arm, she switched to parasport.
During her sporting career, she won Gold and Silver medals at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and competed in the Commonwealth Games and the World and European Championships.
She made the decision to retire after the risk of her conditions potentially causing further injury if she continued.
But that hasn’t stopped her! Stephanie is now a mature student studying Paediatric Nursing and she’s living in our luxury student accommodation!
We spoke to Stephanie Slater MBE about her sporting career and university life.
Q: Firstly, tell us a bit about yourself?
A: Hi, my name is Stephanie Slater MBE and I am 30 years old. I was born in Preston. I am a retired Paralympic Swimmer and won Gold and Silver medals at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. I have also competed at the Commonwealth Games, World and European Championships having won 11 Gold and 4 Silver International medals. I still hold a World Record in the S8 100m Butterfly.
Q: When and where did you begin swimming?
A: I started swimming at the age of 3 at Nick’s Swim School in Longridge. I then joined Preston Swimming Club at 4-years old.
Q: Why did you choose this sport?
A: I was very fortunate that I got to experience different sports growing up. I did swimming and gymnastics to a competitive level but had to choose between the two at 11yrs old. There were not enough hours in the day to do both competitively. Swimming got the nod and I never looked back.
Q: Talk to us about your memorable sporting achievements?
A: I have been lucky to have numerous stand-out moments throughout my swimming career. Getting my first GB tracksuit and representing my country, first as an able-bodied swimmer then after my injury as a Paralympic swimmer, winning 7 Gold medals at the European Championships and breaking the World Record, competing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Paralympics in Rio 2016 have all been standout moments. Having my family in the crowd to watch me made these moments even more special.
Q: What have you been up to since your retirement?
A: Following on from my retirement, I went to college to do an Access to Higher Education in Nursing course so I could apply to University. I also worked part-time in administration for the NHS at my local hospital. I gained a place in September 2019 at University to study Paediatric Nursing which has been a lifelong dream of mine.
Q: Do you enjoy being a mature student?
A: I thought it would be daunting going back to University as a mature student but going back to college prepared me for the academic work. I absolutely love my course, and everyone is so supportive.
Q: Why is it important to you as a mature student to live away from home?
A: Being a mature student, it was important for me to move away from home again for my independence but to also have the full university experience. Sadly, Coronavirus has taken a lot of that away but hopefully my final year I will get to enjoy being a student for the final time.
Q: How far away from university are you based?
A: I decided to move away from my family home to live at University. My hometown is just over 40miles away, but it is easily accessible via the train to pop home or family come over to visit. My Prestige Student Living Accommodation is literally a 5-minute walk to University and the Library which is perfect.
Q: Why did you choose Prestige Student Living over the other options in the City?
A: I chose Prestige Student Living Accommodation as their Studio apartments really caught my eye. Not only are they modern and spacious but they were right on the Universities doorstep and near to all the amenities.
Q: If you were to give advice to other mature students moving into the city, what would you say?
Have a list of what is important to you and do your research. Chat to other current students and visit places to get a feel for them. If you are living away from home, decide whether you would like to share accommodation or have a studio apartment. Visit all the student accommodation and ask lots of questions. You will know when you walk in if it is somewhere you can see yourself living.
Q: What’s your favourite thing about Prestige Student Living?
A: I absolutely love my room and the amenities the apartment has to offer, together with its central location. You could not ask for anything more. The staff are always welcoming, and nothing is too much trouble. I have always felt very safe which is really important when you live on your own.
Q: What do you do that makes you happy?
A: I love going to watch musicals and try to see as many as I can. (Pre-Covid!) Spending time with my family and friends also means a lot to me.
Q: Finally, tell us about something about you that might surprise people?
A: I cannot stand the smell or taste of coffee! It really makes me heave!!!!
We’re so glad we got to chat with Stephanie Slater, we found out lots about her and her incredible achievements and we’re honoured to have her staying in our luxury student accommodation! If you’d like to take part in our Prestige Chats series, speak to your property manager and they’ll be happy to help you get in touch/provide you with the relevant email address to contact.
