Art and design degrees in Eastern England

Best - Love the fields and the lake - great lecturers - my course structure and content is great - great people very friendly - societies and sports are decent - public transport is decent - Y2K is good - bar is good atmosphere, great music, pool, kareoke, etc Worst - a lot of buildings seem run down and un used - when I first got here the amount of admin I had to do to set everything up was so annoying and long - Norwich isn’t a great city getting more unsafe and expensive - SU pints are becoming very expensive - construction has been going on for ages - in first year maintenance were over all the time, sometimes very early on Sundays for very unnecessary reasons and sometimes cos everything was broken - the amount of 9ams I’ve had especially on Thursdays has been a pain especially given how much the SU promotes sports nights - sometimes events aren’t really promoted at all and you just have to hear about them through the grapevine - quite often busses into the city don’t turn up at all which is VERY annoying - tap water in Britten house was gross, as were the showers, could CONSTANTLY smell sewage - single beds !!!!

It's great for people who want to experience university life in a city location but also not too busy all the time. The university itself could be better if we had more contact time with the university, and a few more facilities, like a kiln.

Choosing a university is a massive decision, and the University of Hertfordshire (UH) is a unique beast. It isn’t a traditional "red brick" city uni, nor is it a sleepy rural campus. It sits somewhere in the middle, a "business-facing" powerhouse that feels like a professional launchpad. Here is the breakdown of the best, the worst, and the "wish-I-knew-sooner" aspects of life at Herts. The biggest "pro" of UH is its vocational focus. If you are here for Nursing, Law, Engineering, or Creative Arts, you aren’t just reading books; you’re using gear that costs more than a supercar. World-Class Facilities: The mock Law Court on de Havilland and the clinical simulation suites for healthcare students are genuinely elite. The uni invests heavily in making sure your first day on a real job doesn't feel like a shock. The 24/7 Lifestyle: Both Learning Resources Centres (LRCs) are open around the clock. Whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, the infrastructure supports you. The College Lane LRC is cosy and creative, while de Havilland is sleek and focused. Employability: UH has deep ties with industry. From Aerospace engineering to the "Herts to Hollywood" pipeline in animation, the focus is always on: “How does this get you a job?” The Campus Split: A Tale of Two Sides UH is split between College Lane and de Havilland. College Lane is the "soul"—it’s where the Student Union (The Forum) is, where most of the creative energy lives, and where the classic "campus vibe" resides. De Havilland is the "brain"—it’s quieter, more professional, and home to the incredible Sports Village. The Link: The Uno Bus system is the glue that holds these together. It’s one of the best student transport networks in the UK, making the 10-minute journey between campuses effortless. The "Worst" Bits: Where It Could Be Improved No uni is perfect, and Herts has its quirks that can grate on you after three years. The "Hatfield Hole": Let’s be real—Hatfield isn't a bustling cultural mecca. While it’s safe and functional, it lacks the "big city" excitement. Students often find themselves stuck in a loop between the campus and the Galleria Mall. The Social "Alcohol Gap": While The Forum is a legendary night out, there is a noticeable lack of high-quality, "dry" social spaces for students who don't want to spend their Friday nights in a club. More late-night cafes or hobby hubs would improve the community feel. Accommodation Costs: Like much of the South East, living on campus is pricey. While the rooms are modern (especially the newer halls), the rent can eat up a huge chunk of your maintenance loan, leaving you a bit strapped for the "fun stuff." Top Tips for Future Herts Students Escape to St Albans: When Hatfield feels a bit small, take a 15-minute bus to St Albans. It’s got the pubs, the history, and the "aesthetic" that Hatfield lacks. The Sports Village is a Must: Even if you aren't an athlete, the gym and pool are incredible. It’s a great way to clear your head during finals. Network Early: Because UH is so industry-focused, the guest lecturers are often high-level professionals. Don’t just sit in the back—talk to them after the lecture. The Verdict The University of Hertfordshire is perfect for the career-driven student. It’s for the person who wants to get their hands on the equipment, build a portfolio, and be 25 minutes away from London without paying London rent. It could improve by building more bridges with the local Hatfield community and diversifying its social offerings, but as a place to jumpstart a career? It’s hard to beat.

What makes University of Suffolk a great place to study is the supportive environment, approachable staff, and the strong sense of community. The accessibility of supervisors and student support services creates a space where students feel genuinely supported both academically and personally. One area for improvement could be increased opportunities for cross-disciplinary engagement and more structured networking with industry and funding bodies, which would further enhance students’ academic and professional development.

I love the support and population diversity. No discrimination and lovely place. The improving part, should be the student housing. They should be available during weekends. Can in Friday evening and now had to wait till Monday but they are nice. Also be price a bit much that chelmfords campus . I’ll let you on if I notice another thing cause I’m new here

I am in the second year of my Kingston awarded BA fashion design course and i absolutely love it. There are some pros and cons but the pros definitely outweigh the cons for me. The class sizes are very small enabling each student to get as much help as they need. The lecturers are incredibly supportive. The facilities are amazing and there is enough room for every student to have their own space. It is located in a really nice area of Cambridge as well. For fashion it is not the same as if you were in London but the train ride is only 50 minutes. Cambridge nightlife is not amazing but because the city is so small its easy to make friends when you go out. I have grown to really love this place and will definitely miss it when i am finished.