LLB Law student Aaron from India, spoke to us about why he chose Birmingham Law School for his studies
"Prior to entering into the University, I was largely disillusioned with what I wanted to pursue in my future career, which is a problem I saw that various students faced. Through guidance from my family, friends and mentors who revealed what a legal career could hold for me, I decided to pursue the route and found the University of Birmingham to be the best place to start my journey.
The University being in one of the largest cities in the UK with a diverse student population was a really attractive factor as an international student. I also wanted my university experience to allow for an easy osmosis between a purely academic campus lifestyle and the ability to experience a real-world commercial application of my studies. The placement of the campus in its own pocket within Edgbaston allowed for a detachment from the glaring city lifestyle. However, easy transit systems through train and bus allowed for an easy permeability into the commercial scene in Birmingham, with various firms branched in one of the fastest growing cities in the UK. The university’s reputation as being part of the Russell Group along with the beautiful red brick architecture really sealed the deal.
Some of my best experiences in the course came with the ability to openly interact with my lecturers and other academics about topics that interested me. The University allows for students to book academic support sessions with lecturers and other academics in the university to interact on any topic on their course that engages them or to ask further questions in areas which they might be unsure about. Students are also able to interact with academics on their future career pursuits and gain advice on the next steps that they can take to reach their goals. I find it a privilege to have the opportunity to interact with individuals who are some of the most accomplished in their fields and to be able to gain insight into different unique aspects on law and peer into how they achieved their goals.
I have had the privilege of being a part of the European Law Students' Association (ELSA) as a Year Representative and part of The Holdsworth Club as a BAME Coordinator as part of their Diversity and Inclusion team. I was also appointed as Head of Marketing for ELSA UK’s 22nd National Council Meeting held in Birmingham in March 2020. Being part of these societies and working with the committee in organising and hosting events allowed for unforgettable experiences which have helped develop and demonstrate leadership and effective teamwork. I am also part of the University’s Kickboxing Society which introduced me to an engaging sport and helped tackle stress.
The International Student Team provide really useful advice around different areas in which international students might face issues in their time at university, from information around visas and post-university immigration to bespoke workshops and Academic Skills Sessions for academic support and overall a smooth transition into studying law in the UK. Each student is also assigned to a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) with group tutorials scheduled for students to ask a variety of questions and learn more about the university and their academic and future career pathway. International students are able to schedule personal meetings with their PAT who will aid and signpost them to different resources to offer the best support.
Birmingham’s diverse nature is what makes it such an attractive city to live and study in. As an international student, I enjoyed engaging with individuals from different parts of the world and hearing different stories which really allowed me to adjust into the new environment. It is also the second most populated city in the UK and has a bustling entertainment scene. The ease of transport across the city and to University really allows for a brilliant student experience.
I aim to enter into commercial practice upon graduating, however, I am also interested in banking and consultancy and other avenues in business services. The benefit of a law degree is in its wide application into different fields and the relevance of a legal education in a number of different roles. The Law School’s Centre for Professional Legal Education and Research (CEPLER) careers team host various talks on different career pathways within and outside the legal profession for law students and are always open to interacting with students for advice. I have also been supported through the advice of my own tutors and different professors on the next steps to take and on figuring out the right pathway for me.
International students considering Birmingham should be comforted by the University’s vast experience in dealing with students from varied backgrounds. The Law programme has a number of students from various countries and backgrounds and the support offered by staff and the Law School’s support structures will ensure that you are always heard and advised whenever any issues arise. Studying in Birmingham is a truly invaluable experience and I hope that you will choose the University of Birmingham just as I have. "