Grace Leather

How did you know that the University of Birmingham was the right choice for you?

I live relatively close to the city as I am from Leicestershire and would often visit Birmingham around Christmas time for shopping and the markets and always found it so fun and exciting! I made it one of my options, came to Open Day with my mum and realised how beautiful the campus was, I could really visualize myself living there and in the accommodation. I really liked the campus vibe but also being near a big city, it seemed like the best of both worlds! I just got an overall really friendly fun vibe from the city and the uni.

What is student life like for you?

I am well involved in student life. I work part time as a student ambassador and content creator and I also worked as an outreach mentor this year in a nearby school in Birmingham which was great experience! I am a part of many societies, as secretary of Women in Politics for next year, and events officer of the 93% club this year, I have made lots of friends through these! I sometimes attend politics netball too which was a great way to meet more people on my course, I also utilise my sport and fitness membership almost daily attending the gym and pool.

I have around 9 hours of lectures and seminars a week and I spend a bit of time everyday in the teaching and learning building (my favourite study space!) doing assignment work and readings.

On top of that my friends and I enjoy Birmingham nightlife, attending Circo and sports night, as well as many of the pubs and clubs in the city and Selly Oak. We also attend university related events such as the Races, having our own events in our student house like BBQs, dinner nights and birthday parties.

How has the university helped you throughout your studies? 

I have got a summer internship through the B-Experienced programme, a way for people who don't have internship/work experience to get some. It is with an NGO I am really passionate about and this will be great for my career progression! Society opportunities through the Guild have also helped me form a community and make friends. Regular careers network opportunities have also been beneficial to me (the weekly emails).

What's your favourite memory of university life so far?

We held a 'Friendsgiving' in my first year flat for my American year abroad flat mates, everyone made a different dish and we all cooked together. We combined their traditions with ours, singing Christmas songs altogether and we all got dressed up. We invited neighbouring flats too and it was such a great memory. I really miss my American flat mates but I will always remember that day! After we went to Sports Night too which was a great way to end the night.