Step into a day in the life of BA Ancient & Medieval History student Libbi and explore lectures, archives, societies, and Pho-fueled evenings in Birmingham.
This is what a typical day for a BA Ancient and Medieval History student looks like:
History courses tend to have less contact hours than others so I might spent 0-3 hours a day in taught classes or 9-12 hours a week! Our personal tutor meeting are informal and happen about once or twice a semester, with the ability to speak to staff every week in their office hours.
Travel onto campus via bus, reading relevant materials or listening to podcasts about the ancient Silk Road!
Lecture on the Roman World, I make notes on paper and others on laptops.
Study (complete readings for seminars and organise my notes from the lectures) in my favourite building, Mason Lounge in the Arts Building. I use the uni laptops, microwave and printers there. I love the relaxed vibe, not silent but quiet enough to chat and study with friends.
Lunch time, walk down to Selly Oak or grab something on campus to eat. Or heat up some home food in the microwave if I’ve planned ahead! If the weather is nice I’ll sit outside or walk along the canal.
Study (check emails, more reading, assignment prep). Head to the library to pick up useful books, and head to our special archive to receive a book I requested. Our SCONUL scheme means I can have a book shipped from abroad if my university doesn’t own a copy! Grab a drink from the Library café or snacks from our convenience shop on campus.
Society Committee Meeting at Joe’s Bar. As the Chair of Blood Donation Society, I meet with the committee to arrange events, email our members and plan announcements on socials. I might grab my favourite curly fries or a dessert!
Two-hour Seminar on Discovering the Middle Ages with up to 10 other students and module teacher. We discuss what we have read, think about topics and share our ideas. We might watch an educational video or chat in groups then share with the room.
Head into town on the bus or train and grab some Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) with friends from university and home!
Watch a film, opera or ballet at the theatre or cinema! I recommend crazy golf and clubbing in Digbeth too!
Back at home, set my alarm for 9am as I have no classes tomorrow and like to sleep a little longer on days off. At home, I will study and can be more flexible with downtime and readings.
I have a passion for history and thinking of joining the Civil Service or maybe working in the depths of a museum workin...
