Why I chose to study Chemistry at Birmingham

Choosing a university degree is a big moment, and for me, choosing to study Chemistry at Birmingham was shaped by personal growth, academic curiosity, and the environment that the University offers.

Discovering Chemistry

Chemistry was not a subject I immediately found easy. In fact, I initially struggled with certain aspects of it. However, over time, I began to appreciate just how adaptable and wide-ranging chemistry is. It plays a central role in so many industries, from healthcare and sustainability to materials science. Realising how versatile the subject is changed my perspective and encouraged me to pursue it further at university level.

Why Birmingham?

Birmingham stood out to me for several reasons. One of the main attractions was the balance it offers between campus and city living. The campus is green and welcoming and creates a strong sense of community, while the city centre is easily accessible, providing plenty of academic, professional, and social opportunities.

Academically, the University has really helped me enjoy my Chemistry studies even more. The Chemistry department offers strong teaching, modern facilities, and a course structure that allows students to explore different areas of the subject. This flexibility was particularly important to me, as it encourages curiosity and academic development.

Passion for diversity

Chemistry, like many STEM subjects, continues to see an underrepresentation of women. I believe it is important to encourage more women to pursue careers in these fields, and I wanted to study in an environment that supports diversity and inclusion. Birmingham’s commitment to these values made it an appealing place to study and grow both academically and personally.

Final thoughts

If you are thinking about studying Chemistry but feel a bit unsure, do not let that put you off. Chemistry can be challenging, and there were times I doubted myself. But the support from lecturers, lab sessions, and the wider Chemistry community at Birmingham made it so much easier to keep going. For me, choosing Chemistry at Birmingham felt like the right decision. I have already learned so much, made great friends in my classes, and I am really excited to see where this journey takes me next.