I used to live in Tamworth with my Mum, step dad and sister which is only about 20 minutes away from the uni. However, James (my fiance) and I decided that instead of commuting that far everyday, we would move into the city centre so that it was only a 15 minute walk through the town for me to get to Aston each day.
I had visited Aston once before I became a student there. In year 11 we visited to try and get an insight into what university was all about in an attempt to establish whether it would be an option for us in the future. At that point I thought that it was just a huge place, with a very confusing layout and that was about it.
Environment
However, when I started uni in October, my opinion soon changed. I realised that it is not a vert big place at all. In fact, it is a small, cosy and friendly environment. There is very little division between the students in different years as you will often find yourself passing the same faces at least twice a week. This made the ordeal of starting university and not knowing anybody a lot less daunting as it was quite comnforting to be able to recognise people even if I did not know them.
Layout
As for the layout of the uni, well my opinion has not really changed of that. It is quite con fusing sometimes but instead of trying to master the the layout, I just get to the right floor and keep walking until I find my room as the floors are in a doughnut shape... I will reach my destination eventually!
Technology
There are many many computer rooms within the uni and then lots more over in the library. The new printer system means that you can click print on your computer and then swipe your ID card at any printer in the uni and that is where your work will be sent. Pretty useful piece of technology!
Library
The library will be refurbed over the summer, but as it is, there are endless resources available; furthermore, if you cannot find what you are looking for there are plenty of librarians to assist you and even librarians designated to specific subject areas, so we have a law librarian who knows specifically how to assist us as law students.
Food
Cafe Lago on floor 6 used to be the main place to be... this has now gone and there is cafe tierra on the first floor. It serves a great variety of food so everybody can usually find something... even fussy eaters like me... and there is also costa coffee for when that vital energy boost is required. Reasonably priced also!
Lecturers
Most of the lecturers have an office in the Aston Business School Building which is useful as there is a system which allows you to book an appointment with them in their office hours to discuss any issues that you may have.
Overall opinion... very welcoming and comfortable place to be!!
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
My Journey to Aston
I attended a comprehensive school in Tamworth which is only about 20 minutes away from Birmingham.
At GCSE I studied the following:
*English Language
*English Lit
*Maths
*Double Science
*Religious Studies
*Sociology
*PE
*French
*History
From this I got 2 A*, 7A and 1D
I then continued to study my A Levels at the same school and at AS I studied:
*English Lit
*PE
*History
*Biology
*General Studies
I got an A in general studies and a C in everything else; I was pretty disappointed in myself to be fair. I dropped biology and decided to try and work harder in my final year.
It was during this year that I went through the UCAS application. I had decided a long time ago that I wanted to study law and when reflecting on the economy and the state of our country, decided that if I incorporated an element of business into my degree, it would be of more use to me once I graduated. It made me quite anxious that i was applying to study a degree which I had no experience of; I had not studied business studies or law at A level. When selecting my uni's, I had decided that I wanted to remain quite local. My final two uni's were Coventry and Aston to study Law with Management. I had a conditional offer from both; BBC at Coventry and AAB at Aston. I was advised to select a uni at my predicted grade level (Aston) and one just below in case I didn't perform well in exams (Coventry).
On results day I was so nervous. I knew that my AS results could have been better and that would have boosted my overall grades. I was amazed that I achieved:
* English Lit- B
* PE- B
*History- B
*General Studies- A
I was so shocked! I couldn't wait to get home to check UCAS to see whether or not Aston would accept me; they accepted General Studies (in 2009, but this is no longer accepted - please check entry requirements carefully) so I had ABB rather than AAB.
I was over the moon that it was Aston I would be attending in October rather than Coventry; it was soooo unexpected!!!
At GCSE I studied the following:
*English Language
*English Lit
*Maths
*Double Science
*Religious Studies
*Sociology
*PE
*French
*History
From this I got 2 A*, 7A and 1D
I then continued to study my A Levels at the same school and at AS I studied:
*English Lit
*PE
*History
*Biology
*General Studies
I got an A in general studies and a C in everything else; I was pretty disappointed in myself to be fair. I dropped biology and decided to try and work harder in my final year.
It was during this year that I went through the UCAS application. I had decided a long time ago that I wanted to study law and when reflecting on the economy and the state of our country, decided that if I incorporated an element of business into my degree, it would be of more use to me once I graduated. It made me quite anxious that i was applying to study a degree which I had no experience of; I had not studied business studies or law at A level. When selecting my uni's, I had decided that I wanted to remain quite local. My final two uni's were Coventry and Aston to study Law with Management. I had a conditional offer from both; BBC at Coventry and AAB at Aston. I was advised to select a uni at my predicted grade level (Aston) and one just below in case I didn't perform well in exams (Coventry).
On results day I was so nervous. I knew that my AS results could have been better and that would have boosted my overall grades. I was amazed that I achieved:
* English Lit- B
* PE- B
*History- B
*General Studies- A
I was so shocked! I couldn't wait to get home to check UCAS to see whether or not Aston would accept me; they accepted General Studies (in 2009, but this is no longer accepted - please check entry requirements carefully) so I had ABB rather than AAB.
I was over the moon that it was Aston I would be attending in October rather than Coventry; it was soooo unexpected!!!
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