Lily Mulford

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

After achieving my A-level grades, I took a gap year and reapplied to universities where I confidently met the requirements. Although I was initially torn between commuting and moving away, visiting Birmingham made my decision clear. When attending the offer-holder day, I was drawn to the balance between the strong community of a campus university, paired with the energy and connectivity of a major city, particularly coming from London this was something which I valued when making my decision.

Why did you choose to study your course?

I chose to study Politics and International Relations because I have always had an interest in politics and current affairs. This led to me studying Politics at A-level, which deepened this curiosity and proved that my engagement went beyond personal opinion into academic interest. What excites me most is studying a subject that is constantly evolving and as a result is directly connected to everyday life, I enjoy looking at events in the news and feeling more informed because of my degree.

What is student life like for you?

I am very involved in student life at Birmingham, making the most of both academic and social opportunities. As my course has only nine contact hours a week, I have plenty of time for independent reading, personal study, and extracurricular activities. I am a member of BUDS (Birmingham University Dance Society), which has been a great way to stay active and meet new people and I’ve made many close friends through it. I also regularly use the Sport and Fitness gym on campus, which helps me maintain a balanced routine alongside my studies. Outside of university activities, my friends and I enjoy Birmingham’s vibrant nightlife, often spending time on Broad Street and in Selly Oak. We also enjoy more relaxed social activities such as movie nights, shopping trips, and exploring the city together, which has made my university experience both fulfilling and well-rounded.

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

My favourite memory this year was show week with BUDS. It was a hectic and busy week, but also incredibly rewarding. It was nice to spend time with my friends, working together towards something we were all passionate about, with a real sense of teamwork and excitement throughout the week. After our final show, we celebrated with post-show FAB, a night out in the Guild, which was the perfect way to celebrate all the hard work we had put in together.

What advice would you give to current or prospective students?

I would recommend getting involved early with societies and sports, this will help build friendships with those who have similar interests to you. It may feel intimidating at first, but everyone is in the same boat and is open to making friends, so it’s easy to find your people. I would also recommend taking things at your own pace, while there’s so many exciting events and things to do it can be slightly overwhelming, so it’s important to take time for yourself if you need it.