Anna Hamilton

What is a typical day in your life like?

In a typical day at university, I would wake up at around 8:00am, ready to head to campus for around 9am, whether that's for a lecture or to head to the library to get some work done. Most days I have around 3 contact hours on campus, consisting of both lectures and seminars, and the timings of these vary day to day. Around 12:30pm I head home to have lunch and spend a bit of time chilling with my housemates, before heading back to campus at around 2pm for afternoon classes. On my way home I usually stop off at the gym on campus for either a gym class (I particularly enjoy spin classes and body pump classes) or a workout in the gym. Once I am home I cook myself dinner and spend the rest of the evening either watching the television with my housemates, or heading to the pub with some friends.

How did you know that the University of Birmingham was the right choice for you when applying to university?

I attended an open day at the University of Birmingham and instantly loved the campus. It felt like such a safe and secure area, especially with student accommodation only being a short walk from the campus. The amount of green space really appealed to me, and I loved that it didn't really feel like we were only 10 minutes away from the second largest city in the UK.

What made University of Birmingham the right place for your course?

The Liberal Arts and Sciences programme at the University of Birmingham is so unique as you can pick such a variety of modules from different departments in the University. As someone who didn't want to narrow down any opportunities, this was exactly what I wanted and the endless possibilities really excited me.

What is your student experience like?

My student experience at the University of Birmingham has been so varied and exciting. I have been lucky to make friends from a variety of places, including my first year accommodation, my course, as well as joining a sport. Joining Korfball has really shaped my student experience. It has been fun to take part in a BUCS sport, without feeling the pressure of needing to play at a really high standard to begin with. It has also provided a great social opportunity, from training sessions, to away day journeys, to Wednesday sports nights at the Guild.

How has Birmingham helped you throughout your studies?

Birmingham has been particularly helpful throughout my studies in aiding me with my year abroad application. They have guided me towards picking universities that would provide a good fit for me, and also providing support when I was writing my application.

What advice/top tips would you give to prospective students?

My main tip to prospective students is to get yourself really stuck in to the experience. Whether that is trying a new sport, going to a social event within your accommodation, or reaching out to a new friend to get coffee. You never know what might strike your interest, or who you may meet - and that's what makes university so exciting!

What is your favourite place in Birmingham?

My favourite place in Birmingham is Bournville, which is a short walk away from Selly Oak (where most students live after their first year). It is a quaint town with a lot of history behind it, and I really enjoy going for runs or walks around the area. There is also a lovely cafe which students like to visit and, most notably, Cadbury World which offers a student priced ticket. I mainly love it as I feel it provides a bit of escapism from the student-heavy life on campus and in Selly Oak!