Student University Experiences
This section provides you with accounts of different students time at university. Hopefully their advice and experiences will guide you to make good decisions for yourself. If you
click on the logo of each of the universities it will take you to that universities home page, where you can investigate further!
click on the logo of each of the universities it will take you to that universities home page, where you can investigate further!
Student Experience 1.
1) First Name:
Neil
2) University Attended:
Nottingham Trent University
3) Degree Studied:
BA Economics
4) A Level Subjects Studied:
Maths, Economics, Chemistry and ICT
5) Why did you choose your course?
Always had an interest in how the economy works and how different concepts could be used to explain and prescribe possible solutions and also the importance that Economics has in the real world both theoretically and in it's application.
6) Best thing about university?
Meeting new people with a common interest within the subject that I studied and taking on new concepts and being taught how to apply them in the real world.
7) Worst thing about university?
To start with, getting used to university life and balancing time between working hard; getting good marks and also the social aspect of university.
8) What are you doing now? Graduated? Still Studying?
I have recently graduated with a degree in Economics and I am carrying on to do a Msc (Masters) in Economic Policy.
9) Any advice for A level students?
Think long and hard about what you want to do further on in life. If its education you want to continue with think about where you want to get to in terms of job aspiration. Base your degree choice on something your not only good at but that you will ultimately enjoy and get the most out of the degree programme and will help you to progress in the job market.
Neil
2) University Attended:
Nottingham Trent University
3) Degree Studied:
BA Economics
4) A Level Subjects Studied:
Maths, Economics, Chemistry and ICT
5) Why did you choose your course?
Always had an interest in how the economy works and how different concepts could be used to explain and prescribe possible solutions and also the importance that Economics has in the real world both theoretically and in it's application.
6) Best thing about university?
Meeting new people with a common interest within the subject that I studied and taking on new concepts and being taught how to apply them in the real world.
7) Worst thing about university?
To start with, getting used to university life and balancing time between working hard; getting good marks and also the social aspect of university.
8) What are you doing now? Graduated? Still Studying?
I have recently graduated with a degree in Economics and I am carrying on to do a Msc (Masters) in Economic Policy.
9) Any advice for A level students?
Think long and hard about what you want to do further on in life. If its education you want to continue with think about where you want to get to in terms of job aspiration. Base your degree choice on something your not only good at but that you will ultimately enjoy and get the most out of the degree programme and will help you to progress in the job market.
Student Experience 2.
1) First Name:
Jack
2) University Attended:
Nottingham Trent University
3) Degree Studied:
BA Economics
4) A Level Subjects Studied:
Maths, ICT, Economics and Business studies
5) Why did you choose your course?
I liked the range of topic areas covered throughout the degree course, and Economics is something I found interesting over my A level studies.
6) Best thing about university?
Meeting new people, you meet so many different types of people from all backgrounds and you get to learn about lots of different cultures. Being able to study the subject of your choice at such an advanced level is a great experience.
7) Worst thing about university?
Having no money makes life hard for a few years.
8) What are you doing now? Graduated? Still Studying?
Just about to start my final year, starting to look at master’s courses and also employment in the civil service.
9) Any advice for A level students?
If you are planning to go to university, look around, there is no one place that suits everyone, think about what you want to gain from university and make your choices around that. Also study hard, as your results could shape the rest of your life.
Jack
2) University Attended:
Nottingham Trent University
3) Degree Studied:
BA Economics
4) A Level Subjects Studied:
Maths, ICT, Economics and Business studies
5) Why did you choose your course?
I liked the range of topic areas covered throughout the degree course, and Economics is something I found interesting over my A level studies.
6) Best thing about university?
Meeting new people, you meet so many different types of people from all backgrounds and you get to learn about lots of different cultures. Being able to study the subject of your choice at such an advanced level is a great experience.
7) Worst thing about university?
Having no money makes life hard for a few years.
8) What are you doing now? Graduated? Still Studying?
Just about to start my final year, starting to look at master’s courses and also employment in the civil service.
9) Any advice for A level students?
If you are planning to go to university, look around, there is no one place that suits everyone, think about what you want to gain from university and make your choices around that. Also study hard, as your results could shape the rest of your life.
Student Experience 3.
1) First Name:
Katie
2) University Attended:
London College of Music
3) Degree Studied:
BA Music
4) A Level Subjects Studied:
Music and Geography
5) Why did you choose your course?
I've played the clarinet and saxophone since I was 8 years old, and played in all the local bands etc. Music is all I ever wanted to do.
6) Best thing about university?
Playing music, meeting loads of friends, learning about the subject you want to study.
7) Worst thing about university?
Having no money and the final year was very stressful.
8) What are you doing now? Graduated? Still Studying?
I graduated in 1999, and started my own business teaching clarinet and saxophone in schools and privately.
9) Any advice for A level students?
If you work hard and take any opportunities that come your way, you can achieve anything.
Katie
2) University Attended:
London College of Music
3) Degree Studied:
BA Music
4) A Level Subjects Studied:
Music and Geography
5) Why did you choose your course?
I've played the clarinet and saxophone since I was 8 years old, and played in all the local bands etc. Music is all I ever wanted to do.
6) Best thing about university?
Playing music, meeting loads of friends, learning about the subject you want to study.
7) Worst thing about university?
Having no money and the final year was very stressful.
8) What are you doing now? Graduated? Still Studying?
I graduated in 1999, and started my own business teaching clarinet and saxophone in schools and privately.
9) Any advice for A level students?
If you work hard and take any opportunities that come your way, you can achieve anything.
Student Experience 4.
1) First Name:
Alex
2) University Attended:
University of Manchester
3) Degree Studied:
BSC Computer Science
4) A Level Subjects Studied:
BTEC National Diploma Software Engineering
5) Why did you choose your course?
It followed on from my BTEC diploma, so I already had the skills to form the basis of my degree.
6) Best thing about university?
The whole experience and being self sufficient.
7) Worst thing about university?
At times it can be stressfull.
8) What are you doing now? Graduated? Still Studying?
I am still studying and I'm hoping to progress to do a Masters degree in engineering.
Alex
2) University Attended:
University of Manchester
3) Degree Studied:
BSC Computer Science
4) A Level Subjects Studied:
BTEC National Diploma Software Engineering
5) Why did you choose your course?
It followed on from my BTEC diploma, so I already had the skills to form the basis of my degree.
6) Best thing about university?
The whole experience and being self sufficient.
7) Worst thing about university?
At times it can be stressfull.
8) What are you doing now? Graduated? Still Studying?
I am still studying and I'm hoping to progress to do a Masters degree in engineering.
Student Experience 5.
1) First Name:
Laura
2) University Attended:
Nottingham Trent University
3) Degree Studied:
BA (hons) Fashion and Textile management
4) A Level Subjects Studied:
English Lit (AS) Textiles, Applied Business and Sociology
5) Why did you choose your course?
I chose to study textiles because it has always been something I enjoyed. There was a lot of good courses on fashion and textiles at Trent but the reason I chose mine was because it offered a placement year.
6) Best thing about university?
Socialising and making new friends. Being part of a society (women's football). Learning things I didnt know before (Both academically and personally - Mainly how to cook!)
7) Worst thing about university?
Trying to get your head around the different style of writing required of you at university, Settling in to begin with.. The pros deffinately outweigh the cons!!
8) What are you doing now? Graduated? Still Studying?
Currently I am working at Burberry on a 2 month contract, following a successful internship - As well as preparing for final year!
9) Any advice for A level students?
I would say university isn't a necessity, think before you apply, do i really need a degree for what i want to do? The most important thing is to do what you enjoy, even if academically this isnt your best subject! I would also thoroughly recommend a placement year (especially if you are thinking of going into the fashion industry!).
Laura
2) University Attended:
Nottingham Trent University
3) Degree Studied:
BA (hons) Fashion and Textile management
4) A Level Subjects Studied:
English Lit (AS) Textiles, Applied Business and Sociology
5) Why did you choose your course?
I chose to study textiles because it has always been something I enjoyed. There was a lot of good courses on fashion and textiles at Trent but the reason I chose mine was because it offered a placement year.
6) Best thing about university?
Socialising and making new friends. Being part of a society (women's football). Learning things I didnt know before (Both academically and personally - Mainly how to cook!)
7) Worst thing about university?
Trying to get your head around the different style of writing required of you at university, Settling in to begin with.. The pros deffinately outweigh the cons!!
8) What are you doing now? Graduated? Still Studying?
Currently I am working at Burberry on a 2 month contract, following a successful internship - As well as preparing for final year!
9) Any advice for A level students?
I would say university isn't a necessity, think before you apply, do i really need a degree for what i want to do? The most important thing is to do what you enjoy, even if academically this isnt your best subject! I would also thoroughly recommend a placement year (especially if you are thinking of going into the fashion industry!).
Student Experience 6.
1) First Name:
Adam
2) University Attended:
Nottingham Trent University
3) Degree Studied:
BA Business Economics
4) A Level Subjects Studied:
Economics, Business Studies and Sociology
5) Why did you choose your course?
The mix of business and economics allowed greater scope for understanding why certain decisions by government and the private sector have a major impact on people's lives.
6) Best thing about university?
Course friends and meeting people from different areas of the UK/World/Walks of life.
7) Worst thing about university?
Nothing!!
8) What are you doing now? Graduated? Still Studying?
I graduated in 2010 with a 2:1 and im currently working in a 5 star hotel as a conscierge.
9) Any advice for A level students?
Act upon advice, work hard and you will succeed.
Adam
2) University Attended:
Nottingham Trent University
3) Degree Studied:
BA Business Economics
4) A Level Subjects Studied:
Economics, Business Studies and Sociology
5) Why did you choose your course?
The mix of business and economics allowed greater scope for understanding why certain decisions by government and the private sector have a major impact on people's lives.
6) Best thing about university?
Course friends and meeting people from different areas of the UK/World/Walks of life.
7) Worst thing about university?
Nothing!!
8) What are you doing now? Graduated? Still Studying?
I graduated in 2010 with a 2:1 and im currently working in a 5 star hotel as a conscierge.
9) Any advice for A level students?
Act upon advice, work hard and you will succeed.
Student Experience 7.
1) First Name:
Hurshil
2) University Attended:
Nottingham Trent University
3) Degree Studied:
BA Economics
4) A Level Subjects Studied:
Economics, Psychology, Business studies, History
5) Why did you choose your course?
Amazing economics teacher showed me benefits of studying economics, as in terms of wide variety of job prospects after and the benefits, such as being able to help other countries.
6) Best thing about university?
Creating a friend network across the country, being able to enjoy a good nightlife yet gain something as well. Learning how to self study and time management!.
7) Worst thing about university?
Stressful exam periods, debt, again time management if not achieved properly then one will have to suffer social or grades.
8) What are you doing now? Graduated? Still Studying?
Graduated recently with a degree in straight Economics and I'm planning to continue on to a Msc (Masters) course at University of Nottingham in Economic Development and Policy Analysis.
9) Any advice for A level students?
Base your decisions on what motivates you to do better, do a degree that can take you into a lot of avenues, don't limit your choice, economics in my opinion is a good degree as you have many choices you can go into after, so many subjects have an economic module in, accounting and finance for example, but most of all make sure you enjoy learning, you can't go to university just to party, you have to do work otherwise you'll come out with a mountain of debt with no job prospects.
Hurshil
2) University Attended:
Nottingham Trent University
3) Degree Studied:
BA Economics
4) A Level Subjects Studied:
Economics, Psychology, Business studies, History
5) Why did you choose your course?
Amazing economics teacher showed me benefits of studying economics, as in terms of wide variety of job prospects after and the benefits, such as being able to help other countries.
6) Best thing about university?
Creating a friend network across the country, being able to enjoy a good nightlife yet gain something as well. Learning how to self study and time management!.
7) Worst thing about university?
Stressful exam periods, debt, again time management if not achieved properly then one will have to suffer social or grades.
8) What are you doing now? Graduated? Still Studying?
Graduated recently with a degree in straight Economics and I'm planning to continue on to a Msc (Masters) course at University of Nottingham in Economic Development and Policy Analysis.
9) Any advice for A level students?
Base your decisions on what motivates you to do better, do a degree that can take you into a lot of avenues, don't limit your choice, economics in my opinion is a good degree as you have many choices you can go into after, so many subjects have an economic module in, accounting and finance for example, but most of all make sure you enjoy learning, you can't go to university just to party, you have to do work otherwise you'll come out with a mountain of debt with no job prospects.
Student Experience 8.
1) First Name:
Kimberley
2) University Attended:
Loughborough
3) Degree Studied:
BSC Psychology
4) A Level Subjects Studied:
Combined English Language and Literature, Fine Art, Psychology, General Studies and Biology
5) Why did you choose your course?
Originally I wanted to study Fine Art at University, and I only picked psychology because I needed to make up the numbers for my A-Levels. However, when we studied into the health and clinical field of psychology, I realised I wanted to embark on a career within the health sector, and promote healthy living in communities and the NHS public sector.
6) Best thing about university?
You meet such a vast range of characters which helps develop yourself as a person. You realise how strong you are, and if you can get through living in halls, you can get through anything life throws at you! I had the best two weeks of my life in my Freshers fortnight!
7) Worst thing about university?
I have to work a lot more than anybody else I know in Loughborough. My student loan doesn't cover the cost of my accommodation, so to study there I have to work three days a week. It does mean I have to work even harder than other people during revision periods as I don't get as much time to revise - BUT I know that when I've graduated I'll be much more self-sufficent AND will have built up my CV at the same time. I'm also slightly less skint than other people when it gets to the end of their loan period!
8) What are you doing now? Graduated? Still Studying?
Still studying. Hope to graduate, then complete masters and PHD in health psychology. Would ideally then complete PHD in Clinical Psychology.
9) Any advice for A level students?
Pick a wide-range of subjects that include somthing you enjoy (which for me was Art) but also subjects you can apply widely e.g. English, Maths and Science. These will take you anywhere you want to go! If university isn't for you, take the time to explore career options which can still invlove gaining qualifications alongside earning money e.g. apprentiships and skills-based qualifications. If university is for you, then remember you don't have to venture to those closest to home! Work hard in your A-Levels, as good qualifications set you up nicely for the future, but if you don't do as well as hoped, don't ever give up! You can still do anything you want to do, even if you have to take a different route to get there!
Kimberley
2) University Attended:
Loughborough
3) Degree Studied:
BSC Psychology
4) A Level Subjects Studied:
Combined English Language and Literature, Fine Art, Psychology, General Studies and Biology
5) Why did you choose your course?
Originally I wanted to study Fine Art at University, and I only picked psychology because I needed to make up the numbers for my A-Levels. However, when we studied into the health and clinical field of psychology, I realised I wanted to embark on a career within the health sector, and promote healthy living in communities and the NHS public sector.
6) Best thing about university?
You meet such a vast range of characters which helps develop yourself as a person. You realise how strong you are, and if you can get through living in halls, you can get through anything life throws at you! I had the best two weeks of my life in my Freshers fortnight!
7) Worst thing about university?
I have to work a lot more than anybody else I know in Loughborough. My student loan doesn't cover the cost of my accommodation, so to study there I have to work three days a week. It does mean I have to work even harder than other people during revision periods as I don't get as much time to revise - BUT I know that when I've graduated I'll be much more self-sufficent AND will have built up my CV at the same time. I'm also slightly less skint than other people when it gets to the end of their loan period!
8) What are you doing now? Graduated? Still Studying?
Still studying. Hope to graduate, then complete masters and PHD in health psychology. Would ideally then complete PHD in Clinical Psychology.
9) Any advice for A level students?
Pick a wide-range of subjects that include somthing you enjoy (which for me was Art) but also subjects you can apply widely e.g. English, Maths and Science. These will take you anywhere you want to go! If university isn't for you, take the time to explore career options which can still invlove gaining qualifications alongside earning money e.g. apprentiships and skills-based qualifications. If university is for you, then remember you don't have to venture to those closest to home! Work hard in your A-Levels, as good qualifications set you up nicely for the future, but if you don't do as well as hoped, don't ever give up! You can still do anything you want to do, even if you have to take a different route to get there!
Student Experience 9.
1) First Name:
Jaspreet
2) University Attended:
Nottingham Trent University
3) Degree Studied:
BA Economics
4) A Level Subjects Studied:
Maths, Economics and Politics
5) Why did you choose your course?
Wasn't sure what my exact career path was going to be so decided to study something that I felt best suited my attributes.
6) Best thing about university?
Meeting lots of new people and the lifestyle.
7) Worst thing about university?
Small time span between coursework deadlines and the monster that is known as a dissertation.
8) What are you doing now? Graduated? Still Studying?
Graduated, looking for employment.
9) Any advice for A level students?
Attempt to find the balance between work and leisure as early as you can.
Jaspreet
2) University Attended:
Nottingham Trent University
3) Degree Studied:
BA Economics
4) A Level Subjects Studied:
Maths, Economics and Politics
5) Why did you choose your course?
Wasn't sure what my exact career path was going to be so decided to study something that I felt best suited my attributes.
6) Best thing about university?
Meeting lots of new people and the lifestyle.
7) Worst thing about university?
Small time span between coursework deadlines and the monster that is known as a dissertation.
8) What are you doing now? Graduated? Still Studying?
Graduated, looking for employment.
9) Any advice for A level students?
Attempt to find the balance between work and leisure as early as you can.