As a first-year student who joined the University of Bath in September, my experience so far has been both exciting and challenging in the best way. One of the best aspects has been the supportive academic environment. Lecturers and tutors are clearly passionate about their subjects and are approachable, which has made the transition from school to university much less intimidating. The campus itself is also a huge highlight , having everything in one place, from lecture theatres to study spaces and sports facilities, makes daily life convenient and helps create a strong sense of community. Another great aspect has been how welcoming the university is to new students. Freshers’ events, societies, and group work opportunities made it easy to meet people and feel settled, even in the first few weeks. Bath really encourages a balance between academics and wellbeing, which has helped me grow more independent and confident in a short space of time. The main challenge so far has been adjusting to the workload and pace of university study. At times, deadlines across different modules can feel clustered together, especially as a first-year still learning how to manage time effectively. In addition, the campus can feel quite busy during peak study periods, particularly when looking for quiet study spaces. To improve the experience, clearer communication around assessment timelines and additional quiet study areas during busy periods would be really beneficial, especially for new students adjusting to university life. Overall, despite the initial challenges, my experience at the University of Bath has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s a place that pushes you academically while also supporting you personally, making it a great environment to study and grow.

One of the best aspects of my Business course is the variety in how it is taught. The combination of in-person lectures, smaller seminars, and independent study creates a good balance between learning core theory and applying it in practice. The seminars, in particular, have been really valuable, as they encourage discussion, group work, and real-world case studies, which helps bring business concepts to life. I’ve also appreciated how accessible lecturers and tutors are, whether through office hours, emails, or seminars, they are supportive and willing to clarify concepts, which is especially helpful as a first-year. Another positive aspect is the broad structure of the course. Being introduced to areas such as management, economics, marketing, and accounting early on has helped me understand how different parts of business connect, while also allowing me to explore which areas I might want to specialise in later. One of the more challenging aspects has been adjusting to the level of independent learning expected. While lectures provide a strong foundation, a lot of understanding comes from self-study, which can feel intense at times, particularly when multiple modules have deadlines close together. Occasionally, the pace of lectures can feel fast, making it difficult to fully absorb more technical content on the first go. To improve the course further, additional revision sessions or recap materials for more challenging topics could be helpful, especially during busy assessment periods. Clearer guidance on how much depth is expected for assessments would also help students manage their workload more confidently. Overall, the course has been engaging, well-structured, and intellectually stimulating. It has challenged me to think critically and develop skills that are clearly relevant to the real business world, making it a strong and rewarding course to study.

One of the things I like most about living in university halls is the convenience. Being based on campus makes getting to lectures, the library, and facilities really easy, especially as a first-year. Polden Court is well located and the rooms are a good size, with essential amenities provided, which made settling into university life more straightforward. Living in halls has also been a useful introduction to independent living and sharing space with others. However, one of the biggest downsides has been value for money. Compared to the cost, the accommodation feels quite expensive, and it doesn’t always reflect what is provided in terms of facilities and overall experience. Another challenge has been the social aspect while halls are meant to be a great way to meet people, flat dynamics can be hit or miss, and unfortunately this can have a big impact on how enjoyable the experience is. To improve halls like Polden Court, more affordable pricing or clearer justification for costs would make a big difference for students. In addition, more support around flat issues or opportunities to socialise beyond individual flats could help improve the overall experience and ensure students feel more comfortable in their living environment. Overall, while living in halls has been convenient and a valuable part of my first year, improvements around cost and social support would make the experience much better for students.