Phoebe
“I spoke to quite a few different people that attended Huddersfield and received positive reviews from everyone about how much they loved studying here.”
What attracted you to the University of Huddersfield?
Huddersfield was one of only a small number of universities that offered a Professional Policing course, so I did some research online and from that I felt that I would love it here. The website showed off the University in such a positive light and I loved the opportunities that it showed that I could have.
I looked at lots of universities when deciding where to study but I was drawn to Huddersfield for a number of different reasons. I loved the modern look and feel of the campus, as well as all the buildings being close together. Also, I spoke to other students who studied here and what stood out to me was how they felt they were treated by the staff. Often at university, students can feel distanced from their lecturers but everyone I spoke to at Huddersfield told me how personable the lecturers are.
Why did you choose to study the Professional Policing course?
Since I was a child, I have been interested in the work that police officers do and was fascinated watching Police Interceptors as a child! And I’ve always wanted a job which allows me to be constantly active and challenges my mind on a daily basis.
I had the option to complete a degree apprenticeship with the police, but this would have required a lot of learning on the job, which I didn’t feel ready for. Coming to University instead has allowed me to gain a lot more life experience and confidence, whilst learning about the theory of policing before actually going into the role.
What is your favourite thing about your course?
My favourite thing about my course is that because we are quite a small group, it allows our lecturers to get to know us on a more personal level. This helps as it feels like you can talk to them about anything and they know you by name rather than as just another student.
Also, being in a small group allows our lecturers to give us lots of feedback on any assignments and essays, which is super helpful for future improvement on our work.
What was your experience of the Headstart scheme?
I found out about the Headstart Huddersfield scheme when I attended an Open Day and spoke to Student Ambassadors, who told me about how it could help me gain more experience before attending university.
I enjoyed completing Headstart it as it helped me to reflect on my experience of attending an Open Day and by doing this, I realised how much I wanted to come to this university. I also got a better idea as to what University work would be like, so I was able to bridge the gap between college and university level skills.
I would definitely recommend Headstart because it gives you the opportunity to gain 8 extra UCAS points, which is really helpful. It also helps you to develop skills which are useful for university such as writing and research. It doesn’t take long to do but can be very beneficial for your future.
“Attending an Open Day helped me to gain more information about the University, and as a result I was confident in choosing it for one of my UCAS options.”
Did you find it useful attending Open Days and Applicant Visit Days at Huddersfield?
I found the Open Day useful as there were lots of different stands to give me information about different services and areas of the university. I went to a talk on my course which was highly informative and allowed me to meet my Course Leader and ask them questions. I also took an accommodation tour, which was helpful to give me an idea of the quality of the student halls I would be living in if I chose Huddersfield.
Once I received an offer from Huddersfield, I was invited to an Applicant Visit Day. This day works quite similarly to an Open Day but provides more practical sessions for your course. For example, I attended a session where I was able to see the facilities that we would be using on my course. We also had a short lecture, similar to how our classes would be as students at the University.
“The Applicant Visit Day helped me to gain a clearer insight into what my course would look like if I attended this university, and this day helped me to decide that I wanted to attend Huddersfield.”
Tell us about some of the extracurricular activities that you have been involved in
During my time at Huddersfield I have been involved in women’s football. As part of this, we get access to training facilities and play matches most Wednesdays. We also have a weekly fitness session in the University gym where we do different activities such as spin classes.
We go out most Wednesday nights too with a different theme each week but also hold sober socials where everyone can get involved, such as going out for meals or bowling. I really enjoy being part of this team as it has allowed me to make new friends and socialise with people outside of my course.
Tell us about the Student Ambassador Scheme
This is a paid role and has been so useful to me as it allows me to get involved with many different opportunities such as helping with Open Days, leading campus tours and taking part in student panels. It’s a completely flexible role, where I'm able to pick when I want to work, which allows me to fit my jobs around studies.
Through being part of the Student Ambassador scheme, I feel that I have become more confident, particularly when talking to people and I can confidently lead groups of students in activities, which I think I would have struggled with before joining the University.
“I am so glad that I chose to study at Huddersfield and have thoroughly enjoyed it in the time that I have been here so far.”
What are your thoughts on the student accommodation in Huddersfield?
In my opinion, the student accommodation in Huddersfield is some of the most affordable across the country and there are lots of different options. I certainly feel that I get value for money with my room and the facilities that I have access to. For example, I have my own bathroom, which was very important to me when booking a room.
I also have free access to a gym, cinema room, study area and games room which has helped with making new friends and socialising. Plus, my room and the kitchen are both quite big and have lots of places for me to store my things; and my accommodation is about a five minute walk from campus so that makes it really easy to get to lectures.
What’s your favourite thing about being a student at Huddersfield?
My favourite thing about being a student at Huddersfield is that I have access to so many different services and departments across the University. For example, there is a dedicated Academic Skills Team who I have worked with purely to enhance my writing skills when completing assignments, which has been really useful and helped to improve my grades.
Another department that has been helpful to me is the Wellbeing Team, who work to ensure that students are coping with the pressures of university and make sure to assist them with any personal issues that they may be struggling with. Having so many different people to speak to at the University has helped me massively during my time here.
