Environmental Science postgraduate degrees

My university experience had its highs and lows. The best part was the supportive academic environment, with passionate lecturers and plenty of resources like well-equipped libraries and study spaces. The vibrant campus life, with diverse clubs and events, made it a great place to meet people and grow personally. However, there were some downsides, like the high cost of living and occasional administrative delays, which could be frustrating. Improving affordability and streamlining student support services would make the experience even better overall.

My university is a great place to study because of its supportive learning environment and strong sense of community. The lecturers are approachable and genuinely care about students’ progress, while the campus provides excellent facilities like modern study spaces and a well-equipped library. There are also plenty of opportunities to get involved through societies, events, and career workshops, which make student life both engaging and rewarding. However, there’s always room for improvement. It would be even better if there were more quiet study areas during busy periods, as well as clearer communication about timetables and upcoming events. Expanding mental health support and offering more practical, hands-on learning experiences would also help students feel even more supported and prepared for life after graduation.

I would say that the city is amazing, the nightlife and the people and places to go and experience the proper Liverpool culture are great. The uni campus is very nice with lots of places to sit, surrounded by nice architecture. I would say some of the educational buildings seem a bit outdated and sometimes the toilet facilities are a bit of a walk but other than that lectures are scheduled within proximity so that there is not too much walking around. The union is amazing with so many great societies and the bar and guild events are spot on!

The student union is a lovely space which holds regular events, and there is lots of support for students available. There is a nice atmosphere on campus with lots of places to eat and study. A new green space has recently opened giving it a bit more of a campus feel despite being in the city centre and lots of the buildings are very modern. I love that it is close to shops and amenities with good nightlife yet also a short walk from the sea and the barbican which are lovely places to relax.bI really like that all courses are on the main campus, as opposed to other universities which have a separate campus for healthcare students which can cause you to feel a bit isolated and do not have access to the same facilities other students do. Having said that, whilst the healthcare facilities are adequate, other universities I did visit seemed to have slightly better facilities (more modern, better layout and equipment available). The uni has recently opened a healthcare building however I am in my 2nd year and have not yet been able to use it which is disappointing. The uni halls are very basic and I though expensive for what was offered, however there is a good range of private student accommodation available in plymouth for better quality at a lower price which I would recommend. On the whole, my experience so far has been very positive and I would reccomend this university.

Personal Reflection on My Experience at the University of Aberdeen (2024–2025) My time at the University of Aberdeen, in the Artificial Intelligence Department, began with great optimism. I was eager to immerse myself in advanced topics such as machine learning, data science, and intelligent systems, and to learn from experienced lecturers and researchers. The environment initially felt welcoming and intellectually stimulating. However, my experience changed after a difficult interaction with one of my lecturers, who also served as the course coordinator for Machine Learning. I approached him respectfully to discuss a grading issue I had identified in one of my assessments. After review, he acknowledged the marking mistake. Although I appreciated his honesty in admitting the error, this incident unexpectedly affected the atmosphere around me. Over time, I began to feel a noticeable shift in how some people treated me. Certain lecturers and fellow students appeared distant, and a few even avoided interacting with me. On several occasions, I was excluded from group projects because some classmates declined to have me join their teams. This created a deep sense of isolation and disappointment, and I often found myself suffering in silence throughout my academic journey. Despite these challenges, I made a determined effort to remain focused on my studies and uphold my commitment to learning. I continued to engage with coursework, contribute meaningfully wherever possible, and seek knowledge beyond the classroom. Through this experience, I learned to rely on my inner strength, discipline, and integrity. Looking back, this period taught me profound lessons about resilience, fairness, and self-belief. It showed me that adversity, while painful, can also be transformative. I now carry forward not just the technical skills I gained, but also a deeper sense of empathy and the courage to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult.

The university often hold different types of activities for students to participate, which allows students to get together and meet more new friends. Also, it is convenient to have a Costcutter on campus and a LIdl within a 10 min walking distance. Meanwhile if student needs help and went to the student hub, it often take a long time for queuing up to seek help.

As an international student, I was really scared when I first came to Middlesex University. I didn’t have much experience or confidence, and I was worried about meeting new people. But my classroom became a safe space for me. My professors were very kind, understanding and never made me feel judged. There was no discrimination at all. They cared about us not just academically but also emotionally. When I felt low in class, they took time to ask if I was okay and even guided me to get mental health support. That meant a lot to me. One of the best parts of my course ( MSc Criminology with Forensic Psychology) was the practical learning. We went on many field trips, like visiting the Higher Crown Court in London. The university also offers the Common Studies Programme in Critical Criminology, where students get to travel to other countries for conferences. All our modules were helpful and well structured. I was also chosen as the Student Voice Leader for my course. This gave me a chance to speak for my classmates, and I saw that the university genuinely listened to our feedback. For example, we requested fewer on-campus days, and our professors changed our timetable from 3 days to 2 days a week. They are very flexible and understanding. Middlesex didn’t just teach me academically; it helped me grow as a person. I used to be very shy and introverted. But I became a Student Ambassador, which is a paid part-time job at the university. This changed me completely. The employment team was very friendly and helped me create my CV and gave feedback too. As an ambassador, I learned confidence, communication, time management, teamwork and how to travel independently. I even handled events like HE fairs and spoke to students, parents and teachers. My managers were patient and taught me everything properly. I’m really proud to represent Middlesex as a student ambassador. There are also many facilities and opportunities on campus, careers fairs, sports, societies and fun activities. Sometimes I feel sad that my student life is ending, because the university has so many resources, and I couldn’t use everything. Middlesex also offers scholarships and alumni discounts, which make it even more supportive for students. I am not the same person I was when I joined. Now I am more confident and ready to face the world. Middlesex gave me not just a degree, but also courage, kindness and beautiful memories. I never felt like a left-out international student. I always felt like I belonged here. To me, Middlesex is not just a university, it is a place full of care, support and real experiences. I would choose it again without any hesitation.

During my time at Surrey, I benefited from a wide range of workshops and entrepreneurship competitions, which helped me keep expressing and refining my ideas. The English courses and academic support for international students also enabled me to adapt quickly. The campus community is diverse and well resourced; by attending talks and taking part in industry projects, I expanded both my network and hands-on experience. At the same time, living in the Manor Park (MP) residences comes with practical challenges: unstable internet in common areas, year-on-year rent increases, limited capacity that makes it hard to meet overall demand, and high prices for accommodation listed on the university platform. The cleanliness of shared kitchens and the maintenance of facilities also have room for improvement. Overall, the strengths lie in the density of opportunities and a comprehensive support system, while the main challenges are the cost of living and core infrastructure. If the university continues to upgrade the network, make rent adjustments more transparent, improve commuting/transport links, and enhance the upkeep of communal areas, the overall experience would be even better. osen,