Best aspects: Very accommodating, with easy access to almost every building required for lectures and practicals Could be improved by a higher accessibility to get to the school of ocean sciences, even if just for the first year.

Lectures are relatively easy to understand, and if you miss them, they are all recorded as well as the presentations can be easily accessed online. Course hours is around 9 hours a week and the lecturers are easy to get a hold of.

I like that we are forced to keep the halls clean by the mentor team, its somewhat annoying at times, but in the long run it makes the space a lot nicer. The value for what we get is pretty good, free gym, 2 cupboards each in the kitchen, and a shelf or two in the fridge with a shelf in the freezer too. Shops are pretty close to halls

The beautiful scenery and surrounding area make it a perfect place to study a subject such as an environmental science. The facilities are some of the best I’ve seen compared to most other universities I had looked around. The staff and student union are incredibly helpful and understanding, and have always been able to convey information clearly in a concise manner. There’s always an event happening every single day and they span a wide selection of genres- from movie nights and pub crawls, to workshops, club socials etc. it’s kind of impossible to be bored here (both in and out of lectures!). The only drawback I’ve found so far is, because it’s such a small close-knit city, it can be a little difficult to find work here while you’re studying- but there’s plenty of support for both finding a job and handling your money while at uni!

Course content is typically taught in-person but there is always an online recording available for every single lecture for those who are unable to make it for whatever reason. In-person practicals/field trips etc always come with digital materials to accommodate those who are physically unable to participate due to a disability or an absence. Days are never completely overloaded with lectures, they’re always spread fairly well throughout the week. With a mixture of early/late starts, some shorter days and some longer days, I never find my weeks to feel boring or repetitive. I personally would prefer to have more contact time with tutors but I feel like there is still a good amount of scheduled time with them throughout the year.

My biggest worry when moving into halls was noise levels- I feel the stereotype is that halls are always poorly constructed with thin walls but I don’t have a single complaint when it comes to these halls. There is little to no noise audible from neighbours. The rooms are fitted with an efficient and quick heating system so you’re basically never left freezing in your dorm. The rooms are some of the most generously sized I’ve seen compared to any other uni dorm I have viewed personally- and there’s plentiful storage space already provided for you. Kitchen facilities and space are great, I personally find the kitchen has made for a comfortable, welcoming spot for friends and flatmates to congregate and get to know each other too! I feel your safety and comfort are taken pretty seriously here too, it’s incredibly easy to contact maintenance for any reason, plus regular fire alarms, and a good amount of security between your dorm and the outside. It’s super easy and straightforward to change rooms if you unfortunately don’t get along with your flatmates too. Views from most of the accommodations overlook the mountains and it’s such a stunning view to wake up to.