Kiran shares her journey into Liberal Arts at UoB—balancing commuting, creativity, and career goals with a love for learning and student life.
I'm a first year Liberal Arts student at the University of Birmingham. When I was at Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls, I studied Sociology, English Literature and Media Studies. The combination of these subjects meant that my future was open to a variety of career paths, which suited me well because I tend to be indecisive, and my A-Levels did not restrict my degree options. I understand that making decisions about life after university can be challenging, so I'd like to share my experiences with you to help inform your choices.
The fact that the content in all three subjects interlink really supported my revision for A-Levels and allowed me to apply an analytical perspective to the world around me. My passion for learning about anything and everything was perfect to focus on in personal statement.
Whilst I was studying at sixth form, I also volunteered weekly at the British Heart Foundation as a chance to socialise with the community (plus it looks great to employers on your CV). I found work experience at a production company called Ark Media which was useful to gain industry-specific knowledge and understand the reality of working in the media. It was also a great opportunity for me to start networking because to survive in most industries it’s important to build connections, no matter what stage of education or work you’re at.
Alongside my A-Levels, a few friends and I formed a short film club where we collaborated to develop projects for the school and some competitions. I was even a finalist in a competition for one of my own short films!
I chose to study Liberal Arts as I was able to explore multiple disciplines while having a career path in mind, as an alternative to committing to a single subject degree. Through my research, I discovered that having knowledge and experience in a variety of industries is increasingly appealing to employers. I found that some useful tools during research were UCAS, Discover Uni and university websites because what could be more convenient than having advice from students and staff themselves?
Personally, the scale that university operates at continues to surprise me as I am still adapting to the large environment. I am always trying to navigate all the opportunities and resources available to me.
As a commuter, I am grateful that public transportation is so affordable (take advantage of the student discount!) and accessible throughout Birmingham, it’s constantly developing too. Some days I have early mornings and late evenings, but then I remember that at the end of the day I get to go home to my family.
My favourite place to study on campus is the Teaching and Learning building. In my opinion, it’s the best place to meet with friends for study sessions as it has a café, plenty of seating and so many charging ports, which you will eventually find yourself in constant need of.
Some of my favourite activities to do in the city include going to concerts at one of the many venues around Birmingham, attending seasonal fairs such as the German market in December or the food festival in March, and finding new cafés and restaurants to try out with my friends.
Societies that I have previously been involved with include the Baking Society and Motor Racing Society, but I am always trying to fit in time for others in my schedule. If I find that I have some time while on campus, I am keen to attend events like the monthly Artisan Market or the Christmas Lights Show.
Following my degree, I hope to work within motorsport media, although I am not sure of where I will fit in yet! At the beginning of Semester 1, I researched part-time jobs available and I now work as a Student Content Creator. I have also been looking into subject-specific work experience opportunities and I am constantly up to date with the internships available and career events on campus.
Thank you for reading, and good luck with your studies!
I'm Kiran and study Liberal Arts as I want to work in marketing/journalism in the future. This allows me to explore vari...
