Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School Sixth Form: Case Studies

	Chris Priestley Chemistry (Masters) University of Liverpool
	"You meet hundreds of new people, some of whom really will be friends for life."

	Quick Menu
	» About the University » About the course

Duration at BRGS Sixth Form: : 2004-2006	Previous school: BRGS
Subjects studied:	Date of submitting these answers:
» Chemistry	September 2008
» Geography
» Maths
» General Studies
University you are at, why you chose this university, and give one interesting fact about your university:
University of Liverpool. As soon as I arrived it just felt right! It was mainly to do with the fact that I was made to feel extremely welcome by everyone I met, which the other universities I visited didn't do.We have the largest Student Union building in the UK!
Best things about your university city:
Due to the Capital of Culture status in 2008, we have had massive regeneration, with loads of new shops, museums and places to visit.
Worst things about your university city:
All the building work can get a bit annoying at times!
Social scene/nightlife in your university city?:
Great - the Ropewalks area in town is full of bars and clubs. We have a large shopping area, plenty of restaurants and loads to keep you occupied.
Popular activities at your university/ in your university city?:
The university has a modern sports centre offering various classes to attend and around fifty different sports clubs to join. I am a committee member in the Wushu (martial arts) club which is very successful.
Favourite places to shop
: I'm not a big fan of shopping but the city centre has every shop you could possibly want! The new Liverpool One development is very impressive too.
How much on average per week do a) Halls of Residence, b) Renting a house, cost in your university town/city?
In the first year I lived in the University's halls of residence. This was about £100 a week but was fully catered. For my second and third years I'm in private halls, which are around £80-£90 a week depending on which halls you live in. They're all en suite, with free internet and electricity bills, and have a shared kitchen.
What is the accommodation like in your university town/city?
There are plenty of private halls to choose from which are highly recommended. There are also privately owned houses and flats, most of which are signed up to a code of conduct run by the Student Guild to ensure you aren't being ripped off.
How much on average do you spend on food shopping per week?
I can usually get by spending £20 a week, but obviously it depends on whether you want to eat Smartprice beans! There is a huge Asda not far from the main student housing which is cheap, and several smaller Tesco Express shops, which are more expensive but very convenient.
What is the course you are studying? - Was it your original choice when applying for university?
Chemistry MChem F102 (Masters) This was the course I applied for and needed BBC for entry, but this has increased to ABB now.
How many years does your course last?
4 years
What you enjoy most about your course/ what impresses you about it?:
The majority of lecturers are very good at their job and really make the subject interesting. The workload is manageable, and as long as you put the effort in you won't be studying 24/7! Also for the first two years you study all aspects of Chemistry, so you have a really good idea of what you want to specialise in for the final two years.
What you enjoy least about your course, and what could be improved :
The lab work was frustrating for me in the first year because there were too many people for the space available. This has apparently been rectified for this year.
How do you rate the teaching standards on your course, and do your tutors/lecturers/the university give you the right support for your studies?:
The teaching is of a very high standard, and the lecturers are very willing to offer support if needed. In the first year I got all of the text books I needed provided for free which is a major bonus!
What A Level Grades/UCAS points did you have to achieve to be accepted onto your course?
I needed BBC in my A levels, or CCC to get onto the 3 year BSc course. This has risen to ABB for entry this year.
Why did you choose the particular course you are studying?
I have always been interested in Chemistry, but to be honest I have no idea about what I want to do when I graduate!
Best thing about being at university:
You meet hundreds of new people, some of whom really will be friends for life. Also, living on your own for the first time (in my case at least) is a great experience.
Worst thing about being at university:
Some of your flatmates can be a pain - you need to learn when to let things slide and when to make a stand! There will always be someone who comes in to the flat at 4am and wakes everyone up.
What do you plan to do after you graduate?
No idea yet! I'm hoping to get some relevant work experience from labs, which may give me a better idea.
If you were to recommend going to university, what would you say?
Do it! You will probably be apprehensive about certain things, meeting new people and living on your own, but you soon get used to it.
Do you get homesick? If so, how do you deal with it?
Personally no I didn't, I enjoyed the experience of living away from home. I still speak to my parents occasionally, and I do go home at the weekend sometimes to meet up with friends which is the advantage of only being about 50 miles from home.
Do you think you made the right choice? Or looking back, would you have gone to a different university/started a different course?
I had my doubts, but looking at the alternatives going to university was the best choice for me. I never had any doubts about Liverpool, I still love living here.
What have you achieved whilst being at university?
I received a bursary of £1,500 for getting over 70% in my first year so it's well worth putting the effort in!
Any other comments
I'm glad I didn't take a gap year as I think I would have been bored after a while. Also, the sooner you get into university, the sooner you finish and can start earning money (or so the theory goes)

« Back to Case Studies Menu