I’m a 1st year Computer Science BSc student – with a year in industry, after a gap year spent at home, in London. I deferred my place on results day, so my entire university application process was done during my A Levels, the same as most of you!
Preface: my course is largely the same as a Computer Science BSc, but with the third year being replaced with an internship, and the third year content & final project then being moved to a fourth year. I view this as, amongst other things, a break in the fast paced cycle of learning and a fantastic experience that can only help with the quality of my final project and future job prospects. Most courses offer a year in industry, and I highly recommend finding out about it, whether prospective student or first year, it’s something give a moment’s thought.
I always knew that engineering or science were the subjects that I was best suited to; I even went so far as to choose Graphic Design GCSE in order to help with my application to be an architect/civil engineer. As my school career developed, I ended up embracing my tech passion, with Computer Science GCSE, A Level, and a trail of creatively damaged phones and computers in my wake. I realised that despite having an interest in Engineering (one that remains, and that I indulge in through Birmingham’s extensive list of societies – blog pending) that Computer Science was the course I felt truly passionate about. That was decided, then I had only the small matter of narrowing down where to study…
Shamelessly a city boy, having grown up in London and spent my childhood listening to depressing tube station announcements, I’d spent a lot of time exploring the capital and was proud to call it home. I was looking for somewhere new to go to University and study, without cutting my ties to the life I had already built up. It’s a personal choice, but I felt it important to remain around the flexibility and pace of city life (24 hour shops are a student’s very own oasis). Birmingham, England’s second city was just one of many cities I considered when I opened the good university guide, and prepared to be overwhelmed.
I’m a scientist – and a typical one; so I fell into the trap of listing out the stats from what I regarded as potential universities in a table, and then narrowed these down into 6 or 7. Each of these I visited on university open days to ask questions, explore the feel of the university and the local area, and get hopelessly lost. You’ll be pleased to hear that I only used the statistics to draft an initial shortlist, and have forgotten most of them. One which remains stuck in my mind however (and arguably the most important), is the very high student satisfaction at Birmingham. I strongly recommend putting down the university guides, picking up a railcard, and coming to ogle the facilities at any university you are seriously considering (especially Birmingham). I cannot stress how much more confident I felt in my decisions after some first-hand experience. The only problem I encountered, was the absolute desire I had to achieve my first choice’s entry requirements. It was Birmingham, then the rest.
I’m wrapping this post up from my desk at Birmingham, with Old Joe’s chimes reminding me to finish the writing and get ready for my second Semester lectures; tomorrow morning. If this semester is anything like the first, it’ll just build on my love for the university and the local area. I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve become very protective of the Midland’s reputation when back home.
I’ll be touching in regularly with thoughts, experiences, and advice over the coming months.
Henry
