Charlotte Govey

In terms of career ambitions, I am really interested in preventing natural disasters and would love to work in humanitarian aid one day. My favourite courses are Development Geographies and Natural Hazards. I enjoy taking part in sport and am the netball captain for Kinvig (the geographical societies) netball team this year. At Birmingham, I also joined the Dance Society.

What is a typical day in your life like?

My mornings often start with a lecture that lasts two hours. After this I go to one of my favourite study spots to go over my seminar preparation, then I meet my friends in University Centre to eat lunch. After lunch, I have a seminar where in small groups, we discuss some of the content from the lecture earlier in the week before feeding back to the rest of the class. At 5pm, I have netball training on the outdoor netball courts then we often go for a drink at the pub after.

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

I was certain that I wanted to study Geography at university, but was unsure whether I preferred Human or Physical Geography. I was therefore first attracted to the University of Birmingham as the Geography course here allows you to continue to study both parts of Geography, or in your second and third years specialise in either Human or Physical Geography. After looking at the course online I decided to attend an Open Day and I loved the campus and how it was green it was, it also had a real community feel. In addition, you are so close to a really exciting city with loads going on.

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

The University of Birmingham was the right place for me to study Geography as the course allowed me to maintain a breadth of interests, as you could continue to study both Human and Physical Geography. I was unsure whether I preferred one over the other so being able to enrol on a course where I could do both and figure out my interests and strengths as I went along was exactly what I wanted. In addition, as the University of Birmingham is a Russell Group university with a huge research output, it excited me that my lecturers are also publishing leading research, journals and books within their field of expertise.

What is your student experience like?

Studying at the University of Birmingham provides an amazing student experience. There is so much on offer to get involved in. During my time at university, I have been netball captain for the Geography Netball team, volunteered with asylum seekers teaching English, performed in dance shows with the Dance Society and been a student ambassador; all of which have allowed me to meet like-minded people and make friends for life. Whilst at university, I have lived no more than a 20-minute walk from campus; therefore, all of these opportunities are so close and easy to access. Wednesdays are my favourite day at university as we all get the afternoon off. I often have netball training then I like to go and watch the other sports and support my friends in their matches. It's often followed by a club night at the Guild, which you go to with your sports team in fancy dress, it is always a really fun night.

How has Birmingham helped you throughout your studies?

The  Careers Network at Birmingham has helped me find internship opportunities and improve my applications. At Birmingham, it is really easy to make an appointment with a careers advisor who can provide useful resources and reassurance. In addition, having a personal tutor, which on my course, you meet with frequently and keep throughout your entire time at university, is really useful. You get to know them very well and you can go to them with any issue or problem and they are always willing to help or point you in the right direction.

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

The main piece of advice I would give a prospective student is to say yes to every opportunity. There is so much to get involved with at university, and it is never a bad thing to give something a go, even if you end up realising it's not for you. In addition, don't worry if you don't make friends instantly. By joining societies, sports teams or getting a part-time job, you will find your people eventually.

What is your favourite place in Birmingham? Why is it your favourite place?

My favourite place in Birmingham is Bournville, which is two train stops away from campus. It has a village-like feel and there are some really nice cafés and shops as well as the iconic Cadbury's World.

What's your favourite memory of studying at the University of Birmingham so far?

My favourite memory of studying at the University of Birmingham was the field trip to Rotterdam in my first year. On this trip, I made some of my best friends on my course as we all got to know each other. We conducted our fieldwork in the daytime but still had lots of free time and even went to Amsterdam for the afternoon.

What's your favourite place on campus/at the university?

My favourite place on campus is the Green Heart, which is a green space at the centre of campus. It hosts an artisan market once a month and when it's nice weather everyone sits out on the grass to eat lunch and enjoy a break from their studies. It is a really sociable place and what I picture when I think about campus.

What plans do you have for the future?

I am graduating this summer and I already have a place on a Master's course next year. Sadly, I will be leaving Birmingham however, I am excited to study International Disaster Management at the University of Manchester. The University of Birmingham has provided me with the skills and knowledge to get a place on a Master's in an area that really interests and excites me. Eventually, I would like to work in disaster response and humanitarian aid.