Sports and Leisure foundation degrees

The best aspect of my university experience has been the supportive learning environment and access to diverse academic and professional opportunities. The teaching staff are approachable and knowledgeable, and the university provides useful resources that help students develop both academically and professionally. Studying in a diverse community has also helped me grow in confidence and cultural awareness. The most challenging aspect has been balancing academic responsibilities with part-time work and managing living costs, especially as an international student. While support services are available, clearer guidance on financial support, employability opportunities, and tailored support for international students would further improve the overall experience. Overall, the university is a great place to study, and enhanced support in these areas would make the student experience even stronger.

There have been difficulties with communication from certain faculties to the students, but there have also been some lecturers who have been extremely supportive who have helped me with both educational and mental issues I have had, especially in the third year.

A friendly atmosphere and a safe space. There are places to study, work and create that are full of students but also quiet spots for independent study. Super encouraging and friendly staff/ teachers, most are also easy to contact on teams outside of uni hours.

I really enjoy having a walk around the farm and taking part in farm skills sessions. The lecturers explain the topics in a way which is easy to understand and they make the sessions interesting and fun for us. We are currently doing our team challenge module and I think this is a great way for us to make new friends and communicate with people we haven’t necessarily spoken to before this. There are loads of on and off campus activities you can do and the student support is amazing, things like the library and the report advisors have helped me so much so far throughout my studies. I do struggle with the timetable as it changes each week and each day, I do believe this is down to being on the foundation year however I do find it extremely difficult to work part time around uni as I often finish at different times each day. For example one Monday I could finish at 11 and the next I could finish at 6. This therefore makes it difficult to explain to employers my availability.

It is a clean campus with lovely views and great tutors that are genuinely helpful and understanding. There are lots of clubs that you can join according to your interests and posters with information on to get help and support, which I think it very good to have visible. The selection of courses are fantastic and you can find out about them with ease from the website or staff as they are all friendly and very nice to speak with about concerns or questions. The smoking areas are a mess and over crowded with younger students that can quite literally get away with pretty much anything, they get a verbal warning and that's it. From verbal abuse to things being thrown at you to being shoved hard, they get away with it to outright bulling I have seen in front of me within these areas is alarming. Getting on the bus at the end of the day feels like a appointment with a near death experience as the naughty kids fights to get to the back of the bus, again pushing, shoving and elbowing is common practice, and for some reason none of them can just keep a seat belt on. But, when it comes to safe guarding it is sadly extremely lacking I have (and others) have had issues with other students sending inappropriate images or messages, even with proof and an email from the police they are still in attendance. I never got any follow up or help with this. I find this disappointing and disheartening as it does make me feel less safe on campus as though any issues will not be dealt with in a firm professional manner.