Student Profiles

James Stebbing, 3rd Year History

“My first year at University, I lived in a large Hall of Residence, and it was one of the best years of my life.  There were 1,100 students in my Hall all out to have a good time, and with a student loan to spend – how can you not enjoy that?!” James, originally from London, wanted a change of scenery when he chose his university, but still wanted the choice and opportunity that a big city offers. Manchester turned out to be a perfect match.

James hopes to be a lawyer, but chose to study History because he’d always enjoyed it, and thought he’d be more successful studying a subject he enjoyed. He plans to go on to complete a Law Conversion course after his degree, so that he can eventually become a lawyer.  He’s not always found studying at university easy, but says that “if you get in, you’re capable of doing the work, but a lot of it’s down to time management and getting the right balance between work and enjoying yourself”.

“I entered university from a one-parent, low-income background and financed everything myself. I know I’ll come out of it with a lot of debt, but I will also have a top class degree and a well paid job, so in the long run it’s well worth it.” James always wanted to have a university education because neither of his parents had been to university, and they’d struggled to get the jobs that they wanted. He decided that a degree would give him the best possible start in the career world. 

University hasn’t just been about work for James.  He’s made the most of the opportunities that it’s offered him.  “In the last three years I’ve studied for half a year in Toronto, Canada; toured Barbados with the University’s Rugby team and will graduate with a First Class honours degree [the best you can get].” 

“Coming to The University of Manchester was the best thing that I’ve ever done…there are so many great opportunities whatever university you choose to go to. Some opportunities are educational, but most are just life experiences that you couldn’t get anywhere else.”


Ruwa Kadenhe, 1st Year Dentistry 

“I didn’t study A-levels; I was working and travelling instead.  When I decided to start university, I called them to find out what my options were, and they advised me to do a one-year Access course.  It turned out to be great – I realised that you don’t have to be a genius to study for Medicine or Dentistry – just hardworking and willing to learn.”

Not everyone who goes to university has studied A-levels – university is open to people of all educational backgrounds.  Ruwa was 21 when she started her Access course. Having worked as a Dental Nurse, she was encouraged to go to university in order to become a Dentist. Her aim is to become a specialist, an oral surgeon, carrying out operations on people’s teeth and gums. 

Ruwa’s lived in a private flat with friends whilst she’s been at the University. She’s made friends through her course, and through her part-time job. There have been times when Ruwa’s been run short of money at University, but she’s made the most of the financial assistance that the University offers, and of the student discounts at high street shops.

Dentistry is a difficult course, but Ruwa’s found that if you put in the effort you’ll do well. “The professors and lecturers are there to help you, and from the start everyone does their best to help you pass.  Still, it’s all down to you as an individual to succeed.”


Naomi Regan, 3rd Year Geography and Geology

Naomi chose to study a combination of two closely related subjects – Geography and Geology. In Geology, Naomi has two hours of practical study for every hour of lectures.  “The practicals are really good. They give me a better understanding of the lecture material and the chance to talk to the lecturer in a smaller group.”  University lectures are often in large groups, so there are always tutorials or practical study times to give you the chance to ask questions and improve your knowledge.

 

Naomi makes the most of the library and IT facilities at the University, especially when researching for projects, and revising for exams. She has also found the library a valuable tool in preparing her dissertation. On most courses, you will write a dissertation in the final year. The dissertation is a long project or essay that takes up much of your time, and is a very important part of your degree.

 

Despite her time in the science labs, Naomi still has plenty of free time at University. Some of this time is spent researching in the library or studying at home. Still, there is also plenty of time to socialise. Meeting people and making friends is an essential part of being a student. Clubs and bars in student areas make socialising affordable, and many cinemas and shops offer discounts to students on certain nights of the week. 

           

Naomi usually goes out with her friends three or four nights a week. Sometimes they go to the local bar or cinema, and save a night out in the city for a Friday night. The city is one of the things that made Naomi come to Manchester. “It has a really young feeling to it, and there is so much to do.” She had visited the University before she came and had “loved it” – so much so that she’s planning to stay in Manchester after she graduates to study for a Master’s degree in Pollution and Environmental Control. She hopes a Master’s will lead her on to a great career in the Environmental sector.