Eve Davidson joined Birmingham City University's School of Media in 2019 and is currently studying BA (Hons) Sports Journalism. She tells us how much she enjoyed learning about radio journalism as well as creating bulletins and what advice she would give to students starting their first year at BCU.
What were your expectations before starting your first year at university?
I didn’t know what to expect, I was nervous about everything; making new friends, not understanding what I'm being taught, the fear of failure really. I live in London which is a big city like Birmingham, so I knew I wouldn’t find it hard adjusting to life in a busy city.
How did you find the first few months of university?
It went very quick. I started to get into a routine, I learnt how to manage enjoying fresher's week, but not staying out too late to the point where I can’t wake up in time for my 9am lectures. I loved the independence and living by myself; it made me see things in a different perspective. Doing something you love and finding a course that interests you is so important to have a good experience in university.
What has been the most fun/interesting project you have worked on?
There are so many! Learning about radio journalism and creating bulletins was fun, interesting and a lot more difficult than I thought it would be. It’s so much more than someone giving you an update on the latest in sports for a couple of minutes. For an assignment, I interviewed a few female boxers from Women’s Boxing Club, which is one of the best female boxing clubs in Birmingham. I interviewed the boxers and coaches on their views on inequality in boxing and the progression that sport has had so far. This was fun to film and I finally started to feel like a presenter – I even put this video on YouTube!
It really surprised me that I would like my classes as much as I did. Obviously, I like the course and the subjects because I chose it; they make the classes interesting and they expect a lot from you, which motivates me! The lecturers also treat you like journalists, not students.
Have you had any work experience in your first year?
I got a SKY placement which I was extremely excited about, but unfortunately it got postponed due to COVID-19.
What is the community like in your school?
Friendly, nice, diverse and a genuinely nice environment - which is great! There are loads of clubs and societies to join. You should never worry about not fitting in, there is a place for everyone at BCU.
Are there any projects/trips/modules you are particularly looking forward to in your second year?
I’m looking forward to completing my SKY placement and more classes in global and community impact in journalism. The different impacts journalism has locally and globally really interested me and what type of news becomes global due to the person, the place or the severity of the news. I’m looking forward to live newsroom classes too because I want to be a presenter/broadcaster and these classes will help me to achieve that dream of mine.
Is studying at university much different to college/sixth form? If so/if not, why?
Not that much different. However, university is a little more laid back than sixth form, due to the independence and freedom you have. The work is harder and more advanced, but it keeps you on your toes. In university you are part of a wider community. Your routines are very different; you might have a meet and greet from a society that you joined or plans with your friends etc. That’s why managing your time is very different. Whereas with sixth form, you come home or you study at home/with your friends. I found sixth form repetitive.
What advice would you give to students who are starting university soon?
Enjoy it! You only get to experience university one time, so have fun, make memories and step out of your comfort zone. Work hard in EVERY year. People that say, “year one doesn’t really count” ... they are wrong, every year counts!
Learn how to balance your time with fun and work. Be organised! Write a timetable for the week, e.g. when you’re going out with your friends, study time, lectures. It’s really easy to go off track and have the mind set of “I can do that next week”, when in reality university goes very quickly. Above all else, go that extra mile when doing your assignments e.g. references, someone to read over it and getting that support from your lecturers.
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