Hi, I am a second-year student studying BSc Planning and Real Estate. After finishing a year of university study, I have gradually adapted to the pace of study and life at the University of Manchester, and I love this place increasingly in my heart. In the following, I will introduce my feelings and learning experience in two parts.

Firstly, I want to share why I chose to study at the University of Manchester. The University of Manchester has a long history, and as of this year, I was lucky enough to have witnessed and celebrated its 200th anniversary. The university is also one of the richest universities in the UK in terms of history and culture.

Throughout my year of study, I have come to believe that the University of Manchester’s commitment to student success is reflected in its emphasis on teaching, personal development, and career preparation. The University of Manchester has a strong focus on student work ability. For example, the university provides students with a wide range of work placement opportunities and professional development resources to help them acquire practical skills to make valuable connections for their future careers. On my course specifically, every year my personal academic advisor has regular 1-1s with me where we discuss aspects of the course I am finding difficult or personal planning and so on, which I think has helped me a lot.

The University of Manchester has a lot of facilities that are useful for students’ study time. We have different study and reading areas for students to choose from. The Main Library has a rich collection of books whilst a more modern place to study is the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons, where there are a range of study areas, including small group discussion areas, personal study areas, computer use areas and so on. I usually write my homework here!

This year, the University of Manchester has introduced more AI. We have a special AI experience area, you can record videos, like engineering and science students are equipped with advanced laboratory materials room.

Lastly, I want to say why I chose my degree. I have been influenced by my parents since I was a child to be interested in a career in urban planning, gardening, and landscaping, etc. The University of Manchester’s planning program is one of the best in the world, and it has always been something I have aspired to. I have learned about the courses involved in my degree before, but after I really studied them, I found them interesting.

During time in class, our lecturers will lead us to go on field trips to learn about the real situations in the neighbouring areas such as going to Chester and Lancaster for example. We will walk through the small towns by the lake together to find out the most information we can, which makes me feel very engaged in my degree. My degree, to me, feels three-dimensional as I can see the future career path I want to pursue clearly. It was important for me to see the profession in three dimensions and clearly see the future career direction that I can be involved in. That is why I really like my degree!

These are all my thoughts, I hope it can be helpful to you who are reading this, and I look forward to meeting you at the University of Manchester!

Written by Betty, a current BSc Planning and Real Estate Student.

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