Anthropology postgraduate degrees in Central England

Best aspects: Good location towards city centre, quality food, many diverse and organized events for me to choose, different useful facilities and student support services Worst aspects: Lack of advertising in student support services

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.

The best thing in my own experience of the university is our lecturers. They are a delight to be around and I really feel like they care about us all doing well. Not just in a way of hitting targets for the Uni but for us as people who are trying to get into the career that we have set out to. The worst thing for me is the rooms are cold. The university thermostat is set to a number which is too low during the winter months in my opinion.