Picking up some decades later from undergraduate studies, I felt much stronger and more aware and knew exactly what I needed to continue with my career. So I can compare experiences of two universities, postgraduate study has given me much more than I expected and I see how time has changed efficiency in delivery and staff commitment to their careers and students. Of course this is based on personal experience of individuals and university but my experience as a postgraduate has been a very impressive and happy one.

Everything in the university is of a good standard, from building exteriors to interiors and their grounds, it is a very pleasant place to be no matter which campus. Equipment is efficient and everything runs smoothly. Nothing has ever been delayed due to equipment or system failures.

Great support and guidance, never overpowering but allowing you to make your own judgements based on experienced directives. Feedback totally useful and complementary, giving a strong sense of achievement and desire to build on it. Feeling in safe hands from day one, the interview sincere in tone, meant this would nor be an offer I would refuse.

I had no problems at all but I knew the if I needed anything they were there to help. University email system kept me in touch with what was going on. All facilities in Chester are good, it's a good university.

Yes, but there are no buses directly from the railway station to Kingsway Campus, easier to walk twenty minutes or get a taxi, which takes five minutes.

Excellent, it is a vibrant university across all the campus locations. Lots of emails to tell you what's on. Great sports fields, outdoor amphitheatre, it has everything you need and in peaceful environments, lots of trees and good vibes. Everyone seems friendly as if knowing you are a part of the team so you feel welcome.

Lecturers are my biggest like! Impressive always and so hard working and giving, a real joy to see and be a part of. Studentship also, everyone worked together well and supported each other in a professional manner. I wanted for nothing so there was nothing I disliked, I can't believe how smoothly everything ran during the entire programme.

3

I have had a very amicable meeting with my careers department and they have given suggestions and links to pursue my career and PhD possibilities.

If you're looking for a smaller city and don't think big city Uni life is for you, then Chester is a great option. Small city centre, not overwhelming, manageable, with beautiful architecture, and still everything you could need, with great train links to places like London etc, the location is great for this aspect. As a Fine Art student, the Arts Campus (Creative Campus Kingsway) is so vibrant and arty, as it houses Art, Music and Drama students. This makes for such a creative, inspiring space to have lectures and practical sessions in. The lecturers are so knowledgeable about their crafts, and the support is there for you at any given time. Because of the smaller class sizes, in comparison to big city universities, you get that personal one-on-one time with the lecturers, and they know you personally within the first few weeks. This makes for great feedback on projects, as they know you, and know what you can achieve. The facilities are great and include a huge range. You are encouraged from day one to make the most of them, in and outside of scheduled lesson time. The Creative campus is a little out of the way from the city and the main campus, which can be a hassle to get to for 9am sessions.

Contact time with lecturers is really good, they are very invested in helping you, and their knowledge of their respective fields is very good. You feel in safe hands. All sessions are in-person, which is good for a practical course. However some of the shorter lectures, like careers lectures that are only an hour and a half, could be online, especially for commuting students. The studio spaces for Fine Art students are really good, and both the space and the lecturers are really accommodating to each student's needs for scale and materials. You are encouraged to bring your own materials in, though there are communal basic materials such as acrylic paints, charcoal, pencils etc available in the store room. Some scheduled days can be long, with long hours inbetween each session, which can be tiring for commuting students, but you are encouraged to use that time for practical work in the studio, or studying in the library. Contact with lecturers is very good, and their doors are always open if you didn't understand something in a lecture. Either that or you can email them any questions.

Weekly cleaners to clean bathrooms, kitchen areas and hallways were always very good and thorough. On the cheaper end of the accommodation options, it is pretty good value for money. Inside the city walls, just off the main road into the city centre, it is great for nightlife, and only a 15-20 minute walk from the main campus. The kitchens are spacious, but a bit sterile. A bit like being on a high-school residential. But for the lower price compared to other options, it's okay. If you're not fussed about studio apartments or sharing bathrooms and kitchen, then this is a cheaper option. There is the option for choosing quiet accommodation, and you get placed in a house where other people have also selected the want for quiet accommodation. It can get quite loud though. University services are usually quite quick if things break, and there is an allocated on-site staff member who you can contact for any emergencies. Leaking showers are a problem though. The uni services only patch up the problem temporarily, instead of installing a whole new shower cubicle.