I chose to study BSc (Hons) Psychology and Criminology at Birmingham City University. Here’s why…
Life balance
I am a Psychology and Criminology student living in Birmingham. I’m about a 20-minute commute by bus, which stops right outside campus.
I am also a mature student and a Mum, so it was really important for me that I choose a university which has an easy commute. This enables me to get to and from university in time for the school run, including all the other commitments that come with ‘Mum’ life.
As well as the excellent transport links, there’s also lots of parental support. When I attended an Open Day, it was evident that the academics and staff understood that people come from all different walks of life - I really loved how diverse and welcoming BCU was. You can still enjoy the university experience and join societies like the ‘Parents & Carers Society’ or even just the society for mature students! BCU instantly took away any fear I had about starting my undergraduate degree as a mature single Mum. I knew I would fit in, finding the perfect university/home life balance, and I did.
Teaching quality
A huge part of me coming to BCU was based on the support of the lecturers and staff. I had left school with not many GCSES and I was really worried that I would not be able to even understand my lectures, let alone write an essay. I worried for nothing because the staff are so supportive, and they put all the content we need on Moodle, so I can go back and recap on lectures and seminars.
There is even the Centre for Academic Success and also Psychology mentors, who supported me massively, especially in my first year, to write academically which particularly helped to build my confidence. Knowing that BCU had all this amazing support really helped to confirm my decision to study here, and I think I instantly knew BCU was for me. I really struggled with my confidence, but when I met the Graduate + team, they told me they’d have me walking on glass, volunteering and more - they were not lying! I recently completed my platinum award and my confidence has blossomed.
Mental health support
Finally, the biggest reason for me coming to BCU was the mental health support. I think that might have actually been the first thing I asked about because I have a mental health disorder. When I heard they had a mental health team on campus, I felt so relieved and having that knowledge that, if I needed help, there was someone I could talk to was completely reassuring. It was not only the mental health team though - it was evident that everyone took wellbeing seriously and it was at the forefront of everything. Since starting university, I have become a Mental Health First Aider and had the chance to create my own ‘Mental Health First Aid Society’.
These are my reasons for choosing to study here, and they’ve kept me motivated and helped me when I needed it. I have felt empowered after this degree to start my postgraduate studies at BCU, and I would not have it any other way or be anywhere else.