So far I have settled in nicely, still getting to grips with the work though, it is very easy to find exactly what you are looking for when you need a hand in anything though.

I enjoy learning about the finer details of the course, I don’t like the number of days I am in.

13.5

Yes

My overall experience so far has been a complete rollercoaster. Academically, I feel like I could progress and become successful in the future. However when looking into my social aspects, I find everyday a different experience. For example, some days I feel like I completely fit in however other days I can feel quite secluded and lonely. I feel that this will go away in time and it is all part of adapting to new environments. We aren’t expected to find life long friends within the first term, however this isn’t the case and I personally know that I will naturally fit into a group of friends soon enough. This whole experience makes me appreciate that I can be my own person whilst still being in the comfort of an institution, and I would recommend Edge Hill University to anyone who wants some individuality but doesn’t want to dive straight into the deep end of real-life.

I am only two months into my first year at Edge Hill yet I have been given numerous opportunities to make money! Edge Hill genuinely understands that as students, a lot of us worry about stabling our finances, and they give us opportunities such as open days to become more involved and make a profit! As well as this, the Students’ Union is a great place to slowly climb the ladder of employability. For example I hope to become a member of the Students’ Union in later years, and they have provided me with multiple voluntary roles and opportunities to improve my transferable skills for later life, such as communication skills and teamwork exercises. Edge Hill as a whole has an astounding percentage of students who go straight into work within their degree field within six months, which is such an important aspect when studying a degree, because students want to feel as though their loving forwards.

I am currently studying Musical Theatre at Edge Hill and I immediately felt like I was studying at a higher level, but not in a way where I felt overwhelmed. There is a very balanced contrast between theoretical and practical work, which is impressive considering I work on three different aspects of performing at once (singing, acting and dancing). The only struggle I had when first becoming involved in my lessons was the social aspects, because of how big the classes were in comparison to my college class where I only had 9 other people on my course. The lecturers across the performing arts community are very supportive regarding all levels of ability, and are aware of which parts each student favours. Students are always tested against their abilities, for example, we are encouraged to perform both contemporary and legit styles in order to strengthen techniques.

12.5

As someone who is working towards being a part of the Students’ union in my later years, I can safely say that there is nothing that the Union doesn’t offer! From awareness ideas to student support, the Students Union is a completely open facility to all who need it. The Students’ Union aren’t just a hope desk, either; they have helped to bring a Subway onto campus as well as creating all expenses trips to places such as Cheshire Oaks, because most of the staff understand that many students won’t be financially stable enough to pay for transport to such areas. The staff at the Students’ union are incredibly welcoming and I consider myself friends with a lot of the members. For example I had the honour of helping LGBT officer with his campaign and it felt so liberating to support someone who I would have initially thought of as a higher authority. The Union really feels like a big group of friends who provide endless amounts of support and advice, which can help to make students feel more comfortable when first moving to university, as all activities regarding the Students’ Union is optional, so students don’t feel obligated to immediately be social.

Edge Hill’s facilities really accommodate students with night life academics. The catalyst, for example, is a very high quality building with rooms to book, computers and a large library that is open 24 hours a day, which accommodates to those who feel they are most productive at night. As well as this, the on campus shop is open from 7am-11pm from Monday to Saturday and open until 10pm on a Sunday which adds to the liveliness of the campus, as students can be seen at different hours oh night and day in the hub. Edge Hill also has a bar/club on campus with exceptional prices. The bar included multiple TV’s, booths and two pool tables, and the club is a very open space where performers such as Professor Green have been known to entertain. With regards to Performing Arts, audience members will get a very professional feeling as there is a Red Bar which offers pizza, snacks and drinks during intervals. The facilities within the Arts Centre include 2 floors of rehearsal rooms/dance studios and two theatres where performances from outside companies come to entertain or provide workshops.

With regards to distance and social aspects of Edge Hill, students can choose to take a free 3 minute bus to town or take a quiet and safe walk to Ormskirk which only takes around 15 minutes. Once in Ormskirk, there are facilities such as Mc’Donalds, Iceland, Whetherspoons and a boots, which come together to make a very homely setting for students and residents. I might also add that when in the local town, there is a guarantee that you will see at least 3 dogs per trip, Lancashire loves it’s Yourkie’s! Ormskirk also offers a number of privately owned letting agents who offer houses and flats within a 5 minute walk to the bus station as well as the student accommodation ‘Mccombs’ that offer top quality rooms exclusively for students that care for the needs and facilities that a student may need such as a washing mashing and a fitted desk.

From Harry Potter to netball-Edge Hill has all of the societies you could ever need to feel safe and comfortable! I for example attend Harry Potter, Musical Theatre, LGTB and sign language societies per week which all work together to create a flexible schedule so students can focus on their academic and social qualities hand in hand. Personally, the LGBT society provides a safe space for those who enjoy sharing and listening to experiences regarding their sexuality and gender, as well as opening up roles such as LGBT officer to further Improve the equality and happiness of those within the LGBT community.

Personally, I have been overwhelmed by the support at Edge Hill, as I am currently a carer to another student attending this university. Not only has the person I am looking after been appropriately looked after, but the university have also taken a great deal of care of me to ensure that my wellbeing isn’t being jeopardised at all. As well as this, my lecturers communicate with me frequently regarding my personal issues to ensure that I don’t feel too overwhelmed. Academically, there are many extra-curriculum lessons such as essay structure sessions in order to improve theory work for those who find it a weakness. There is also an exceptional amount of support with regards to moving to university, which is reassuring considering many students think that they are expected to fit right into adult life. Campus life offer appointments with the transitions team, who then collaborate with the local mental health surgery in order to ensure the full safety of students who may feel homesick or have financial worries.