Why did you choose to study your chosen course at the University of Liverpool?
Liverpool is a unique city for many reasons; it has a friendliness and warmth that allows it to be such a welcoming city for students. More personally for me, Liverpool is arguably the most Victorian city in the world. As a Victorian enthusiast, there is no better place for me to study nineteenth-century texts than here. However, aside from Victorianism, the University of Liverpool offered a welcoming student environment, an established prestige, and an intriguing variety of modules.
How has University been different from A-levels?
University provided me with more academic freedom than what was afforded at A-levels. Studying English at university is an almost entirely different experience. At the University, you are provided with an ability to enhance your own academic maturity and creativity, this is promoted by the knowledgeable staff and wide-ranging modules available to choose from.
What has surprised you most about Liverpool?
I am from Liverpool, however, exploring the city from a student perspective has been an entirely different experience for me. Revisiting the cultural hotspots of the city after learning so much at university provided a new lens of vision at these sites. I am happy with my choice of remaining in Liverpool.
How has your learning been facilitated since coming to Liverpool?
During my master’s degree fortnightly trips to Victorian historical sites in Liverpool were organised. The trips added a more physical element to my studies. It also provided more bonding between the students on the course and the lecturers, which facilitated an easy atmosphere to share knowledge and opinions on literature. Aside from the trips, the layout of seminars at Liverpool provides the perfect balance of a typical structured seminar alongside the ability to have casual discourse on the topic of the literature.
What extra-or co-curricular activities do you take part in, and how do these affect your student experience?
There are so many extra-curricular activities available to take part in here. Throughout my time of studying I have taken part in performances with The Liverpool Players, we perform pieces of literature for the general public. We have a dedicated English Society at the University providing social events for students of English. There are many other societies catering for a broad spectrum of interests. There are several theatrical societies and creative writing which lend themselves well to a student studying English. The societies are inherently very social which enhances the student experience and facilitates making bonds with fellow students with similar interests.
If you could go back, what advice would you have given yourself before going to University?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the University of Liverpool, I would advise others to make the most of everything that is available here. I would encourage students to explore different module options in order to enhance their general knowledge in their field, but also to identify exactly where their academic interests rest.
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