Undergraduate AdmissionsWhat it's really like
We interviewed a some of our current students about the whole Bath experience to help answer that crucial question - "What's it really like?"
Louise | Graham | Nicola | Penny Court
Louise Redsull -
Psychology society chair and Year 4 Psychology student
Louise studied her A levels at Ousedale Comprehensive School, Buckinghamshire where she got A's in Psychology, Sociology, History and Law. Because Louise has a visual disability she has lived in campus accommodation for the duration of her time here at Bath
Tell me about Year 1 Well, I enjoyed the atmosphere of halls and joined as many societies as I could; it’s a great way to meet people and I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to try out new things – like the Curry Appreciation Club!
And Year 2? Amazing! I joined more societies and volunteered with AWARE (Students' Union Academic & Welfare Advice & Representation). I also became chair of the Psychology Society.
What did that involve? Well, part of it is organising socials, which is a challenge. When only a few people turn up and you still have a good time, you know you can survive anything!
What has been the best part of your degree so far? I went to Australia for nine months for my Year 3 placement. I met the best friends and people who I would never normally meet or work with. The whole experience really expanded my horizons.
What are you doing at the moment? I’m working on my presentation for my dissertation. There’s more work this year so I’ve been a lot busier but I’ve still managed to join clubs. I’m really into trampolining, where I made lots of new friends.
What will you do once you graduate? Oh, I hate that question! I’m not sure what I will do as a career, but in the short term I’d like to travel and gain wider experiences.
Graham Blackman - Year 4 Psychology BSc
Graham went to South Wolds comprehensive school where he studied A level Biology, Psychology, Physics, Geography
Why did you choose to study at Bath? Mainly for of the Psychology placement scheme, but also because I’d visited Bath and liked the city; it’s a good size; beautiful and has a friendly atmosphere.
Did anything surprise you about university life? The style of work is completely different to school, it’s much more independent and it takes a while to get used to being in charge of your own studies. Once I adjusted I liked the flexibility.
Did you join any societies? Yes, I joined the Athletics Club and competed for Team Bath in the 400m for in Year 1. In Year 2 I became club Chairman. I had to organise events for the British University Sports Association Championships, which was an experience!
Where did you go on placement? I worked at Harvard University in the USA. I researched visual imagery with a university professor. The experience was incredible, although the work was hard.
What are your plans for the future? I’m studying extra units in Chemistry at the moment as I plan to apply to study graduate medicine once I have completed my degree.
Nicola Zeal - Year 2 Pharmacy MPharm
Did you take a gap year? Yes. I worked in a Pharmacy and then went to France to be a ski instructor.
How did you decide on Bath? I wanted to study at a campus university with good sports facilities. I researched Bath on its website and then came and looked around the campus. The students were friendly and clued-up and I liked the lay-out and atmosphere of the campus.
What about the course? I chose the course after I’d decided to come here. I opted for Pharmacy because it trains you for a specific job.
What did you like about Year 1? I loved living in halls; I’d buy a house like Solsbury Court if I could! In the summer we had barbeques outside, it was a really fun time. I joined a lot of societies: Gymnastics, Trampolining, Badminton, Golf, Pole Vault and Snow Sports. Some of the clubs you can join just for fun and others are more serious.
What did you find difficult in Year 1? Readjusting to academic work after a gap year. The style of learning is different; at school you can get away with buying a revision guide and cramming, but at university there is no revision guide, you have to learn things for yourself in your own way.
How do you feel about the course now? I am enjoying it more this year as I have got the hang of the work. It was a struggle, but I’m glad I stuck with it as I have made some good friends on my course and I am looking forward to the placement.
How are you finding living off campus? I feel grounded in Bath. The friends I share my house with are like my family and I feel really supported. I’m going to stay living here over the summer.
What is your social life like? I run the Rec. Club for the Sports Association which provides people with free sports equipment and facilities. I also chair the Gymnastics society so I arrange the travel and training for events and organise the events we host here at Bath.
What are your plans for the future? Firstly I want to spend a season skiing. Then I’d like to live in Bath for a couple of years working as a pharmacist for Boots.
Penny Court - Year 4 Psychology BSc
Penny studied in South Africa until she was 16 when she went to college in England to study A levels in Chemistry, Maths, Theatre Studies and English Literature
What made you choose Bath? I liked the campus and the drama, music and sports activities on offer. I was rejected on my first attempt so I took a year out, retook some exams and was accepted second time round.
Describe your first week here. It was quite daunting. It felt a bit of an anticlimax because I had built it up so much and I felt homesick but things quickly changed as I made friends.
Do you still feel University is an anticlimax? No, not at all, my only regret is that I can’t get involved with more of the things on offer. There just isn’t enough time in a week to squeeze everything in.
How did you make friends? Firstly through the people I lived with, who were from different courses and backgrounds. Later I met people through my course, through the hockey club and by going out in town. At university you never stop making new friends.
Do you have to be elite to play in the hockey club? No, the club caters for all levels. I play socially because I enjoy it and like the people on my team. Events are well organised and we have gone on tour to Spain and Dublin, but we don’t take things too seriously.
Where did you go on placement for Year 3? I went back to South Africa to work in an HIV and AIDS clinic for 10 months. I organised the placement myself but was supported by the university and my family while I was there.
How are you finding your final year? I’m loving being back at University, the experience just doesn’t stop. The work is harder but I still find the time to go out, meet new people and make new friends.
What have you found annoying? Not having enough contact time from staff in Year 1.
What has been the most fun? Going out with the hockey girls.