Day in the life of a Biochemistry student
Learn more about what it is like to study at the University of Birmingham from a Biochemistry student.
Alen Thomas
A Biochemistry student at the University of Birmingham
My day began at 8am, I woke up got ready to head to university and had breakfast. I had a practical at 10am so I had to remember to pack my bag with my lab coat, goggles and bring my lab book.
Before heading off to the practical I quickly looked over the pre-lab and in-lab instructions quickly to remind me what it was about. This practical contributed to 25% of my module mark so it lasted for the full 3 hours. I had 2 hours before my next lecture, so I walked back to my accommodation, ate some lunch and headed to the lecture. I had 2 lectures back to back, so I went to both of them, made notes and then headed back to my accommodation.
Most days aren't usually as packed with lectures and practical as this day, this was busier than most days. I am a first year student and up until the end of semester 2 we had roughly at least 1 practical a week, and on average 2-3 lectures a day. With some modules you will have to do some pre-work before the lecture and for practical’s you will have to complete a pre-lab to make sure you are understanding what to do during the practical, and a health and safety quiz.
As this was towards the end of the semester, most assignments have already been handed in so once I get back there's no more work to be done for the week.
At 7 I was heading out with my friends to the movies, so I got ready and met them in vale park, We walked through the park to Cineworld which is only a 20 minute walk from the vale. We finished the movie, went and grabbed some food from the Nando’s nearby and then headed back together.
We ended up back in my accommodation and sat around playing FIFA against each other for the rest of the night as we were all free the next day.
Everyday there is free time to be able to do whatever you want. On most days I head round to my friends’ accommodations or go to gym and there's rarely any days where the work is so much that you can’t enjoy yourself. As long as you stay on top of all your assignments and try your hardest to keep up with lectures, you will enjoy your time at university and won't struggle with the course.