Development Economics postgraduate degrees in Eastern England

As an international student, one of the most rewarding aspects of my university experience has been the supportive and student-friendly environment. Adjusting to a new country and education system can be challenging, but the university’s approachable faculty, student services, and peer support made the transition much smoother. The staff are always willing to help, and there are numerous resources available to assist with academic, personal, and cultural adaptation. The university’s inclusivity is another key strength. It celebrates diversity and provides a space where everyone feels respected and valued, regardless of their background or nationality. This inclusive atmosphere has helped me build meaningful connections and collaborate with people from all over the world, enriching my learning and broadening my perspective. Furthermore, the welcoming and accessible environment has made a huge difference. From orientation events to student societies, there are constant efforts to make international students feel at home. The campus facilities, online learning tools, and support services are highly accessible, ensuring that all students can participate fully in academic and social activities. If I can point out something that can be improved is Food. It’s funny how something as simple as food can make such a big difference in how “at home” you feel in a new country. Encouraging more international food options on campus or hosting cultural food events could make a meaningful (and delicious!) improvement to student life.

I find my university a great place to study because they have so much systems in place to help and support students through university life. So far I can’t find any fault because I have access to so much learning materials and support with wellbeing.

The University of Hertfordshire has great facilities, but there are quite a few unnecessary procedures that could be streamlined, such as booking appointments for even the smallest matters. My experience so far has been disappointing from an academic perspective. I was expecting better quality education, but instead, most of the lectures consist of simply reading from PowerPoint slides, and the practical sessions have been far from engaging. While I understand that self-study is important, not all students, especially international ones like myself, have prior industrial experience or expertise. It's crucial that the university recognizes this and provides clearer, more detailed information about the curriculum, how exams work, and what is expected in terms of assessments. Relying solely on self-study and putting too much responsibility on the students isn’t fair, especially when we're paying for a quality education.

It’s a great place to study because of the supportive lecturers, friendly environment, and good learning resources. It could be improved by offering more practical sessions, quicker feedback, and additional career-focused support.