Clinical and Health Research MRes

Aston University, Birmingham

The university is great and the location is good too. Student facilities are affordable, and there are many support systems in place. Academic staff are brilliant too. The only negatives are that the building itself is quite old, so some facilities could be improved (a bit worn down etc).

I think that area is nice and also very convenient as it’s in the centre of the city. Also, how the campus is decorated during different holidays which makes living on it more fun. I like how everything is given in detail so it’s easy to navigate especially as a new student.

One of the best parts of my experience at Aston University so far has been the strong focus on employability and real-world application. The support from lecturers and career services has been really valuable in helping me connect what I’m learning in class to future opportunities. I’ve also enjoyed the diversity on campus, meeting students from different backgrounds has broadened my perspective and helped me grow both personally and academically. On the other hand, one of the more challenging aspects has been the workload during certain periods, especially when deadlines for multiple modules fall at the same time. It can feel overwhelming, but it has also taught me the importance of time management and resilience.

The best aspect of Aston University is that it provides lots of opportunities that help prepare for life after graduation. They push the importance of doing a year on placement and well support students to find, prepare and complete them. Something Aston University could improve on is it's support for students with physical disabilities, making the building and course content more accessible.

I love Aston University, and being a placement student away from uni, has made me realise how much I miss it, I miss the great support I got at uni, especially for people like me who are neurodivergent. Some aspects of uni life at Aston are fantastic—like finally finding people who share your niche interests, I met my first ever best friend at Aston, and I have the freedom to learn in ways that work for you, and the sheer joy of deep-diving into subjects you love. But there are also real struggles—overwhelming environments, inconsistent support, and a system that often isn’t designed with neurodiversity in mind. Best Aspects 1. Specialist Knowledge & Passionate People – If you love a subject, uni can be a dream because you get to study it in depth with experts who are just as obsessed as you are. 2. Independence & Flexibility – You have more control over your schedule, which can be a relief if rigid structures (like school) didn’t work for you. 3. Supportive Communities – Finding like-minded people (often through societies, clubs, or disability groups) can be life-changing. 4. Accommodations (When They Work) – If your uni is on the ball, things like lecture recordings, extra time, and quiet study spaces can make learning much more accessible. Worst Aspects 1. Sensory Overload – Lecture halls, busy libraries, loud dorms, and unpredictable social interactions can be overwhelming. 2. Executive Dysfunction & Deadlines – Uni often expects a high level of self-organisation, which isn’t always realistic for neurodivergent students. Without proper support, falling behind can quickly spiral into burnout. 3. Inconsistent Accessibility – While some lecturers understand neurodiversity, others don’t. Accommodations aren’t always enforced properly, and you might have to self-advocate constantly. 4. Mental Health Gaps – Many universities have long waiting lists for counselling, and staff might not always be trained in neurodivergent-friendly support. Neurodiversity-Friendly Accessibility (What Helps?) • Lecture Recordings & Transcripts – Great for those who struggle with focus, auditory processing, or anxiety. • Clearer Deadlines & Flexible Extensions – A lifeline for people with executive dysfunction. • Quiet Study Spaces – Sensory-friendly areas help with focus and reduce burnout. • Neurodivergent Student Networks – Support from people who “get it” makes a huge difference. • Better Training for Staff – If lecturers and tutors understand neurodivergence, they can actually support students rather than making things harder.