Syed
How did you end up in Clearing?
I ended up in Clearing because I got much higher grades than I thought I would get, so I decided to change course and pursue my passion for science. And I saw that Huddersfield had so many opportunities in applied science.
One of the courses I was interested in at Huddersfield was Biochemistry. This was due to Biochemistry’s large real word applications and huge job opportunities due to its modules covering so many bases for a vast number of career paths.
Why did you choose the University of Huddersfield through Clearing?
I chose University of Huddersfield for its homely feel and the fact that it isn't as busy and noisy as many city centres can be, meaning you aren't stuck in traffic all morning, as well as not being overwhelmed by crowded streets.
This, however, doesn't make it a boring place in any way; the University offers hundreds of societies to join and mingle in, as well as there being plenty of activities available in the town, such as bowling, laser tag, escape rooms, night clubs, the list just goes on.
Plus, Huddersfield is very close to big UK cities such as Leeds and Manchester, for those people who enjoy more crowded areas with plenty to do.
“My experience with Clearing was super supportive and reassuring.”
Tell us about your experience of applying through Clearing
I never thought I'd have the opportunity to choose from almost any university in England, so I was pretty underprepared for Clearing when I saw all my options in front of me. However, I was able to call the University of Huddersfield Clearing helpline and ask to speak an actual professor who taught some of the biology modules. We had a long chat about the courses I was interested in and the specifics of the modules, so I knew exactly what I would be studying during my time here. This academic ended up being one of my lab instructors when I started studying here and he was just as friendly and helpful in the Lab as he was over the phone.
Overall, did you find Clearing to be a positive experience?
I found clearing to be very positive and much simpler than I thought. When I called the University of Huddersfield Clearing helpline, everything moved at a pace where I could calmly assess everything and at no point was I rushed to make a decision. In fact, they even allowed me to call back multiple times throughout the week and they were helpful right until the end.
What’s your advice to anyone considering applying to university through Clearing?
When applying for University, make sure your course aligns with you future career aspirations, and even if you do not know what you'd like to do in the future, studying something you enjoy will help guarantee that you maintain interest in that field. Plus, you’ll meet loads of other people with the same interest in that field, who may have an idea for what they would like to use their degree for, so sooner or later you will figure out all of the different career paths your passion can take you down.
Are you enjoying your course?
I am enjoying my course very much as it covers biology and chemistry, both of which I really enjoy. It’s interesting to see how they link together with the human body, and I feel like I can further understand all the different little bodily reactions which occur to keep us alive.
I have also met many people on this course who I have become good friends with, as well as talking to my lecturers and lab instructors who are such friendly and talkative people.
What are the facilities and resources like on your course?
We have many labs for both biology and chemistry, as well as more general labs for other subjects such as forensic science, geography and optometry. Our microbiology labs are equipped with more apparatuses and machines than I can count, ranging from PCR machines all the way to light microscopes.
The University have also implemented something called lecture capture which records all our lectures, which means that if for any reason you were not able to attend your lecture, you are able to watch it from home. This is especially helpful when not all of the content is explained on the lecture slides and instead done verbally by the lecturer. So, whether it is to catch up, to go back and revise or even to make new notes, lecture capture is incredibly useful for it all.
How have you got involved with student life at Huddersfield?
I have been as involved as possible by taking every opportunity I could and joining as many societies as I could fit in my schedule, which has allowed me to continue all the hobbies I enjoy such as Maui Thai, as well as letting me find new passions I never thought I would such as dance. I am now I am involved in the annual dance showcase at the end of the year where we perform for the rest of the University!
I have also founded my own society, the “Anime Society” to allow students with shared interests to find one another and be able to converse and bond over their interests. I understand coming to a new place to study can get lonely without friends, which makes being able to find people who share your interests a priceless thing.
Tell us about your role as a Student Ambassador
Working as a Student Ambassador has provided me with the opportunity to work different jobs for the University and earn a very decent wage, as it pays much better than many common retail jobs.
What’s great about the Student Ambassador scheme is that there are no minimum number of hours in the year that you have to work, so if you suddenly find that you are overwhelmed with coursework and revision, you don't have to work any hours. The jobs are also fairly simple such as leading campus tours, taking potential students to some of the accommodations, providing assistance on course related taster days and talking about your time at the University.
Are you glad that you chose the University of Huddersfield?
I am extremely happy I chose the University of Huddersfield as it has been so welcoming. There is so much to do that I barely have time to play video games with my friends anymore as I am always going on social nights out, sorting out events for my society, attending Maui Thai and dance lessons, going mountaineering and hanging out with Uni friends; and shopping and exploring the endless food spots in the town centre.
