Erin
Why I chose Huddersfield
The thing that stood out most to me about the University was that it was close to my home so I could commute there, rather than having to get a train every day.
The facilities for photography students stood out to me as well, when I came on a tour. These include seven photography bays, a dark room to develop film and a photography store that has a wide range of cameras, lights, lenses and much more. All of this equipment is free to take out of the University and use, so this helps me develop myself as a photographer, which is amazing.
Applying to Huddersfield
I applied to Huddersfield through UCAS extra because initially I wasn't going to go to university, I was going to do an internship, but my plans changed. And I'm glad that I decided to come to university and especially Huddersfield because I've made a good friendship group and had a great experience so far. I definitely feel like this is the best option for me as I have always loved photography from a young age, so I'm glad I have chosen to pursue my passion.
My college tutor supported me with applying through UCAS Extra. I thought I had had little to no chance of getting accepted because I was applying after the January deadline, but I did get accepted, and I got an unconditional offer which I was thrilled about. And my family were too as I’m the first in our family to go to university. This just shows that even if you think something will not go through, do not lose hope!
“My experience of applying through UCAS Extra was good and the online application system was remarkably simple to use.”
Applying through UCAS Extra
I found applying through UCAS quite simple and easy to do. There was a step-by-step list of things to do on the website and it tells you whether you need to add more detail and when a section is complete. Due to me applying after the January deadline I had to make sure I had everything in order and my portfolio was ready, just in case the University wanted to have a meeting or interview with me, but fortunately I was very lucky and I was given an unconditional offer.
Coming to an Open Day at Huddersfield
I found attending the Open Day at Huddersfield very informative. On the day, I visited the Barbara Hepworth Building, where Photography is based. Here, my parents and I had a meeting with one of the course tutors in the photography studios, where he told us about the course and roughly what would happen on each year of the course.
On the main University plaza, there were lots of things happening, talks, tours, food trucks and entertainment. We attended a tour of the University where we saw the whole of Student Central, which consisted of the SU shop, the cafeteria, the sports hall, the gym, squash courts, the Students’ Union and the library. Our guide was very polite and took the time to go slow and talk through every place in detail.
We attended a talk where I found out that you can get jobs at the University, which I was really glad to hear. And when I started at the Uni, I was lucky enough to be able to find work with the Students' Union.
“I would say that the facilities on my course are some of the best I have seen.”
Pursuing photography
I choose to study Photography because I have always loved the thought of being able to capture something in a photograph, and I have always had some type of camera to be able to practice with.
The main thing for me is that I am studying something that I really do like. Plus, photography can offer quite a few career opportunities such as being able to work for yourself, working for businesses, and even hire companies.
Fantastic facilities
The facilities on the Photography course at Huddersfield are very good and there is a wide range of equipment available in the photography store such as lights and cameras. You can either use these in the studios or you can take them home. There’s also a broad selection of paper and printing stock – you can do any kind of printing here, and the price ranges for students are decent.
We have a very knowledgeable technician Jamie too, who is always happy to help you in whatever you may need. He has also produced loads of online videos to provide guidance on setting up lighting, cameras and other equipment.
Teaching
The tutors on the photography course bring in as many guests as possible to come and talk to us and show us some of their tricks, which is good for us to learn and make contacts for the future.
I would say that the teaching on the photography course is quite freeing. The tutors on my course usually teach from presentation slides which are recorded, so you can look back if you need help while doing your practical tasks. After we have had a lesson, we usually get let out to go and create our own work for the lesson that day. The tutors tend to stay in the room, so we can come and see them for advice on our work, or even just a general chat. That's what I love about our tutors, they are always on hand to talk.
Activities outside my course
On campus I have been involved in quite a lot of stuff. I have a job in the Students’ Union as a representative for the School of Computing and Engineering, which is nice as I am learning new things and talking to different students. I work as a photographer for the Students’ Union as well and take photos when they have events on. I have also taken photography for members of staff such as headshots for their professional profiles.
I am also a Student Ambassador and I have been for the past two years. This is a paid role and gives me a wide range of things to do, such as taking part in photoshoots, giving campus tours to college students and writing blogs for the University’s marketing team.
“As a commuter student, I still feel involved in campus and student life and I try to do as much as I can to take part in activities at the University.”
Commuting to campus
I decided to commute to University because I live in Huddersfield, so it made more sense for me to commute from home to campus, rather than paying to live in student accommodation. I drive to uni and it's not that long of a journey for me and there are quite a few car parks close to campus.
Even though I commute to campus, I get as involved in student life as I can. I have a job in the Students' Union and I'm a photographer for them too. I'm also a Student Ambassador and use the campus ActiveHud gym which I go to around three to four times a week. I am also part of two societies and three student networks, so you could say that I am quite a busy student!
I have also been doing photography collaborations with fashion students during my time here. This has helped me to build my portfolio and made me feel very much a part of student life, as these fashion students have seen my work and then asked me to help them.
My advice
My advice to anyone thinking of studying at Huddersfield is to make sure you choose a subject you want to study for three to four years. As they say, 'if you do a job you love, you never work a day in your life'. So if you choose a subject you love, you won’t feel like you are studying and you will sail through. So do your research, speak to people who have done the course and come to an Open Day at Huddersfield, so you can look around and get a feel for the place.