LLB Law with Criminology student Kathy from Hong Kong spoke to us about her experiences at Birmingham Law School so far and why she loves studying here
"I felt like it was time for me to step out of my comfort zone and away from the demanding learning atmosphere I had gotten so used to so I embarked on the journey to pursue a law degree at the university of Birmingham.
Not only does Birmingham deliver excellent education as one of the Russell Group universities, its commitment to diversity and inclusion also appealed to me a lot. Being Asian and a part of the LGBTQ+ community, I was delighted to learn about the extensive support system Birmingham offers for students, they make you feel really comfortable in this safe space they have created for everyone at University. I am pleased that they strive so hard to overcome unconscious biases and celebrate differences amongst individuals.
My first impressions of my course are that I enjoy how law and criminology complement each other so well. A lot of times the theories I learn from criminology help me to understand the law better, for example the motives behind certain criminal legislations. Many concepts and theories interconnect and mingle within the scope of law and criminology which makes learning about them more fascinating and captivating. I believe this course is able to equip me with a comprehensive perception of important issues in society nowadays and the professional skills expected in the legal arena, like critical thinking, communication and commercial awareness skills. The best thing about this course is that it opens up so many career opportunities for students, even when one doesn’t want to go down the legal path, there are still so many amazing career options to choose from like pursuing civil service or jobs within the criminal justice system.
In terms of the support provided for international students at Birmingham, there is an International Student Team which provides information regarding visas, registering with the police and the GP, setting up a bank account and accommodation. Settling in and administration has been made much easier for me thanks to their help. There is also a personal tutor introduced to you at the beginning of the school year. I approach my personal tutor often as they are extremely helpful with difficult situations and problems you encounter, no matter academic or personal. They are very friendly and hospitable and you can just approach them with anything, they often try their best to help and facilitate you in the best ways they can.
I am a member of both the Holdsworth Club and the European Law Students' Association (ELSA) society, which are law related societies that provide advocacy opportunities and regular socials with other law undergraduates. I was also involved in a drama show, Adrift, with the LiveArts society; and I became the campaigns coordinator for both UNICEF and Carnival RAG over the summer break through an online election. Both of these societies raise money for a good cause and offer volunteering opportunities.
I am also a volunteer with the Pro Bono Group where members commit to provide legal advice services to vulnerable members of the community. I have participated in training sessions with immigration lawyers and gained insights on immigration and asylum laws. The lawyers shared their mutual experiences of their clients having put their lives in jeopardy because they were clueless about the gravity of their immigration statuses and situations. These occurrences were heart-wrenching to learn about. I aspire to have a work ethic like immigration lawyers in the near future and am inspired by how they are truly driven by a passion to put clients’ best interests at heart and doing everything they can to keep families together.
I am hoping to become a corporate or commercial lawyer after I graduate. Every law student gets enrolled into the Centre for Professional Legal Education and Research (CEPLER). There is a diverse range of opportunities and services to brush up your professional skills and prepare yourself for the competitive legal market such as careers and employability talks. I recently participated in a talk targeting international students, where multiple international alumnus who have secured a training contract with top firms talked about their application experiences and tips for passing interviews and assessment centres. Application processes can sometimes be really overwhelming and frustrating if you do not have sufficient support or guidance. Talking to people who have been through it all gave me strength and encouraged me to persist in applying to a wider range of firms. I feel like now I understand better what firms are actually looking for in applicants. The CEPLER events really helped me to better formulate my applications and present my cover letter and CV more effectively.
Coming from Hong Kong, where everywhere is busy all the time, Birmingham offers such a nice change to that. I am enjoying the slower paced and more laid back life in this city. I am also a firm believer that a place’s culture and people reflect its values and fabricate the distinctiveness of the society. Everyone I have encountered, no matter international or local, has been really welcoming and hospitable. I have since then fallen in love with the close-knit and friendly culture of Birmingham.
If I was to offer advice to international students considering Law at Birmingham I'd say go for it if that’s what you have your heart set on. Birmingham University has the full package and I promise it is not going to disappoint or fail your expectations. From the picturesque and lively campus, the approachable and helpful student body, to the lovely mentors and teachers that treat your problems as their own, each and every one of those contributed to defining a sense of familiarity and belonging for me at Birmingham. Your hometown may have a completely different aura compared to Birmingham, but I think it is safe for me to say that Birmingham tingles me with a sense of belonging just as much as Hong Kong does. There had never been a single occurrence where I regretted my decision to pursue law at the University of Birmingham and I am certain that undertaking law at Birmingham could offer you a meaningful and precious lesson which would last a lifetime."