Studied in University of Northampton
LLB Intensive (Business and Law)
Prior to my enrollment, I searched online for affordable UK universities. From there, I narrowed it down to a few universities and ultimately chose UON.
Why did you choose UON for your studies? (i.e. the course, location)
UON offers the intensive LLB law program. The program allows me to graduate and kickstart my career earlier. The intensive program is more affordable than a typical 3-year degree. Moreover, Northampton is close to London. The train station has frequent direct trains to London and Birmingham. This means that I can enjoy living near to a big city while enjoying a lower cost of living.
I love the support given by my tutors and the university’s staff members. I feel like they are always willing to help me with any doubts I have in my studies. For instance, tutors are prompt to respond to emails, meaning that I do not have to wait long to dispel any doubts. The library staffs are also very supportive. Not only can use use the library, students can book one-to-one session with librarians who are able to provide guidance on researching skills. Furthermore, the university campus has excellent facilities. The environment in the university is also very conducive for studies as the waterside campus is brand new.
The Changemaker hub at Northampton is fantastic. They organise many events ranging from talks to workshops that allow students to upskill and prepare for their career. Moreover, students can get CV and interview advice from the changemaker representative which is extremely helpful.
The intensive degree program allowed me to save significantly on time and money, whilst giving me the opportunity to to start my working career a little earlier then my fellow peers.
I love the tutors the most as they are always very supportive. The tutors always encourage students to speak up in class, reminding us that there is no such thing as a stupid question or a stupid answer. I find this really helpful for me as an international student whose native language is not English. The tutors are always patient and ensure that students understand before progressing onto the next topic. The classes are also conducted in small groups. This is important as tutors get to pay more attention to the students and students get to speak or answer question more often. Moreover, they provide excellent feedback, this helps improve my writing skill. Furthermore, the course contents are uploaded on NILE which I find very useful. This is because it allows me to know what to expect in the next session and prepare accordingly. I can also access to PowerPoints on NILE for revision purposes.
No. But I am sure the University will organise more activities in the future when the Covid situation improves.
I only speak with them during class. However, I am pretty sure that they are willing to meet any students in need outside of class.
My course is assessed by both written assignments and exam. Exam normally constitutes multiple choice questions with short answers. We usually receive an assignment in the middle of the term and complete a written exam at the end of the term. My tip for completing assignments is to seek help when needed.. The tutors and academic librarians are more than willing to give their time to support us. Also, be consistent in your studies and never prepare for exam at the last minute.
The modules help students develop critical thinking. This is helped by the fact that tutors like to ask questions in class and guide students to think and come up with the answer themselves. Most importantly, tutors are willing to accept a wide range of opinions, not just expecting a single, specific opinion.
I am involved in the law society. I also regularly attend jiu jitsu trainings organised by the club. Sports and societies in UON is fantastic and most importantly free.
The people in Northampton are very friendly and helpful. The town centre is also very historic and beautiful. Northampton has a few pretty parks where I can go for a walk to enjoy myself and take a break from my studies.
It was a little challenging at first to voice out my opinion in class as my English Is not very fluent. However, tutors and classmates are extremely supportive to international students and encourage them to speak up.
UK universities grant a lot of freedom to students. I find this positive as they instil self-discipline and self-motivation in students. There is nothing that is compulsory except for assignments and exams of course! Students are also not forced to join extracurricular activities against their will. Most importantly, diversity of opinion is recognised here in the UK.
The cost is definitely higher than my home country. However, I think Northampton is still cheaper to live in, compared to major cities such as London and Birmingham. I doesn’t really matter for me because I rarely eat out and prefer to buy groceries from supermarkets and make my own meals.
What tips would you give to potential students interested in this course and career? (i.e. preparing before you arrive in the U.K, how to make the most of your time etc.)
International students must check the UK and their home country travel rules and plan accordingly. Try to connect with course mates before coming. Students usually set up WhatsApp groups to know each other before coming. The social media pages of the University also provide invaluable tips for students arriving to the UK so make sure to follow their pages. Do also remember to check the welcome pack sent by the University as they are really helpful and can provide an overview of the University and the town. Lastly, bring warm clothes especially if you are arriving during the winter months.
UON has a wide range of societies and sports that are free to join. This is great because it helps students to gain extra-curricular skills and provide opportunities for students to network and meet new friends. Moreover, UON is extremely supportive of international students. There are many programs that help international students adapt to living in the UK. Most importantly, the teaching at UON is world-class which is not surprising as the University received the TEF gold award for teaching excellence. The campus facilities are equally fantastic.
I am enjoying life at UON. It is great to meet new people from different countries and make many new friends. This allows me to learn about others culture and widen my perspective. The excellent support I receive from tutors will definitely prepare me for my future career.
