Why did you choose to study English at the University of Liverpool?
I found the lectures and tutors I spoke on open days really approachable and also really felt comfortable in South Campus, especially the Abercromby Square buildings – the Georgian Quarter is really pretty.
When I came to the university, I wasn’t sure if a dissertation would suit me so liked the flexibility the course here provided. I did end up taking one, but it was nice to know I didn’t have to.
What do you enjoy most about the course, and why?
The teachers are all so knowledgeable and really nice – it sometimes felt like meeting a celebrity of their field.
Can you tell us about an exciting project you have completed on your course?
There have been some really interesting creative project assessments throughout my time here, but I think my favourite piece on my course I’ve worked on was a classic essay on eco poetry. It was really aligned with my interests at the time, and I felt really proud and satisfied with the result. In terms of extracurricular stuff, I hosted a radio show on LGSM Radio which was a really fun way to explore my own style of presenting and investigating topics I was keen to share.
The SotA Showcase was also very exciting – it felt very satisfying to see the team’s hard work come together on stage and I think it’ll be useful as I approach graduation to have such evidence of the skills I’ve develop during my degree.
What does Liverpool have to offer as a city?
Liverpool for me was the perfect combination of not being so big that it was intimidating but still having lots of arts and a great night life packed into it. In first year concert square was the ideal destination for going out with new friends and was pretty cheap and easy to get to from all of the accommodation here. There’s also lots around the student area as Penny Lane and Lark Lane are super close to Smithdown Road and Greenbank Halls. Even Smithdown Road has some really nice bars popping up along it now – as well as the classic student pub, the Brookhouse. Liverpool offers lots of community and fun whilst still feeling quite intimate and safe to me.
Can you tell us about the teaching methods/how your learning has been facilitated?
Sadly my degree was heavily impacted by strikes and the pandemic, so my contact hours have been really minimal. The library does have a great selection of online resources that helped me with my independent learning between Teams calls etc. In the bits of normal teaching I have received, there’s been a mix of lectures, workshops (like lectures but more interactive), and tutorials. I have been really impressed with the tutorial groups being so small. It was something the university boasted when I was applying but I didn’t fully appreciate until I studied here.
What extra-or co-curricular activities do you take part in, and how do these affect your student experience?
I work as a Liverpool Ambassador at Open Days which is a really helpful was to earn some money whilst not having to venture from campus. I’ve also published articles for the Liverpool Guild Student Media. It’s been great to grow a portfolio of my writing and rewarding to see my articles go up online. The society has great contacts all across Liverpool so I was also cool to be sent as press to different events and write up reviews etc.
What are your ambitions for the future and how will your experiences at the University of Liverpool help you in your future career?
I’m planning to stay in Liverpool after graduation so I’m currently looking for a job here. The people I’ve met here will continue to shape me as I move forward in my career and long after I leave the city I imagine.
If you could go back, what advice would you have given yourself before going to University?
Don’t buy the Fresher wristband! It wasn’t worth the money and you’ll be more spontaneous in fresher’s week than you could ever imagine – don’t trying to plan it out by yourself in advance and just go with the flow, see where the night takes you!
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