Choosing the right university can be a daunting decision to say the least. I remember it almost as if it was yesterday from choosing my top five, firm and insurance, before ultimately deciding on attending Brunel University. Prior to attending, I had been on a gap year that was coming to an end extremely quick after realising I would be starting my first year last September. Naturally, I began to panic regarding whether I had made the right decision and went from being so sure about my decision the year before to having to ask myself- is Brunel University good? I can confidently say after completing my first year that Brunel University is indeed good if not excellent. Here’s why.
Why Brunel?
When considering universities, I was initially drawn to Brunel for both its general and subject-specific unique selling points. Being a creative writing student and aspiring author myself, I was very much impressed and immediately captivated by the university’s star-studded faculty, ranging from the likes of renowned poets and authors, the late Benjamin Zephaniah and Hannah Lowe, to Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo. As a commuting student, I was also attracted to the university’s London location with a wide one-site campus in the heart of Uxbridge, which is very convenient for inner city students like me.
Location
The university’s Uxbridge location is also home to many attractions and activities for students to visit and partake in within their spare time, such as the Battle of Britain Bunker museum, Fassnidge Park, The Sharks canoeing & kayaking club and The Chimes/Pavillions Shopping Centre’s. Diversity was not a factor I considered. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see and learn that the majority of students attending were of an ethnic minority (66%) like me and based within the UK (68%), making it much easier to connect and stay in contact. The university also proves to be very convenient for international students as well as home students, with Heathrow Airport being a twenty-minute drive away/ forty-five-minute bus ride for students looking to go back home during Easter and Christmas break or go on a well-earned holiday after a long year of hard work.
My experience
Most recently I have completed my first year at the university studying as a creative writing student. Needless to say, I had my worries entering as a student who had not studied English further during my time in sixth form, let alone attending without knowing anybody.
These worries of mine quickly faded by the end of the first term after having the chance to connect with like-minded students on my course and outside of it, whether that was during my first few weeks or later in the academic year through the many events and socialising opportunities The School of Art and Humanities put on. An example being their talent showcase Arts@artaud. I was pleasantly surprised and relieved to see how fast I had caught on to the content for both creative writing and English literature, despite not studying it during the duration of my time in sixth form. By the end of the academic year, I found myself writing essays at a level I did not have the confidence I ever would have and massively credit that to the ASK team(academic skills) as well as my own hard work and perseverance.
Student Experience
As part of my research for this article I asked some of my fellow students for their opinions on their first year attending Brunel and some of the reasons they decided to go to the university in the first place. My fellow course mate, who currently studies English literature with creative writing alongside me said:
“Brunel has an extremely diverse student body, so I have never felt out of place anywhere on campus.”
Diversity
With over 60% of the student body being of an ethnic minority, it is no surprise she did not feel ostracised as studying among like-minded individuals of the same or different ethnicity would naturally make a student more comfortable, especially being a student growing up without that privilege.
I also asked another student, currently studying Global Challenges, about her time at Brunel, and she said:
“I enjoyed my first year at Brunel, the campus in Uxbridge has felt really welcoming, and I look forward to returning in September. One of the things I regret was not socialising more. What attracted me to Brunel was the fact that it was tucked away in the outskirts of London.”
I was glad to hear that they had both enjoyed their first year at the university, knowing its diverse community and location, were shared selling points for their attendance like me.
Campus activities
For students like Angel who mentioned they would like to socialise but are more reserved, the university offers a social sport program Active@Brunel, where for just £40 a year, students can take part in as many activities and classes. Another socialising opportunity available for students is by participating in weekly classes at the university’s Art Centre in activities such as pottery, painting, choir and musical instrument lessons.
Campus support
Lastly, my fellow course mate commented saying:
“Brunel University was where I always wanted to go from hearing about the attentive lecturers and how great the university is at catering to individual student needs. I was worried about being misunderstood and not listened to, but over the course of the academic year I had come to learn I was in safe hands. I’m really excited about what the next two years will bring.”
As a student who also had specific needs that had to be met, questioned if that would be possible and the implications of them not being done so, I can happily attest to her statement and confirm I also had the same experience. With the aid of the university, I was able to complete a support profile, leaving me confident that in the event I required support that it would be provided.
The verdict on whether Brunel University is good for students…
Throughout this piece, I had the chance to look back and reflect upon my time at university and list the many factors along the way that not only led me to my decision but also the pleasant surprises that left me satisfied. From its close location, diverse community and award-winning faculty to the endless leisure activities, the burning question I had prior to my attendance (is Brunel University good?) has most definitely been answered.
As said at the start of this piece, Brunel University exceeds good, and has in my mind solidified itself as an outstanding educational institute and I look forward to commencing my second year there. So, whether you are a prospective student in your last year of sixth form or college, unhappy with your current university and looking to transfer or taken a year or two out looking to begin higher education later, I strongly recommend you consider Brunel and if my suggestion alone is not enough, I invite you to read about the experience of my fellow students or better yet come visit on campus during one of their open days to understand the reasons for my high praises.
For more information on the university itself, find out about the next open day.
