What brought you to the University of Cumbria?
I was originally set on going to the University of Birmingham; however, I found the Ambleside campus before confirming my options and did an online open day where I had a long talk with Simon - one of the geography lectures. I felt immediately like a person, not just one of hundreds of students at another university. Living in Ambleside allowed me to find myself through every outdoor sport possible, and I quickly realised I couldn’t have gone anywhere else.
Why did you choose to pursue geography at the University of Cumbria?
Geography was always the one subject I had a passion for at school, and I wasn’t sure what career path to follow at all. Therefore, the open and diverse nature of the course at Cumbria was really appealing to me. I was given the opportunity to mix human, cultural, physical, and environmental geographies, as well as taking more outdoor focused modules.
I love the fact that through the whole degree I’ve been out in the field nearly every week, and trips to Scotland and Southern France in second and third year provided me with the practical aspect of learning I like, and field skills I know will be helpful. The small class sizes are similar to those I had at school, so I felt I could truly have a voice and interact.
I also became close with the whole course and the lecturers. Furthermore, when it came to dissertation, we had complete freedom over our topic, so I found I could explore and research what I was interested in, away from the curriculum, in a way that worked for me.
What has been the most difficult obstacle you have overcome in your education journey so far?
I think mental health was a big obstacle when I finished school and then going into university at Cumbria. When I came out of the security, I found in covid lockdown at home, university was a big change. However, despite this, the community in student halls and in the rest of the university was brilliant and I gradually settled in.
What was the breakthrough moment for you when things began to fall into place?
I had a tour round the campus by Jack, a student on an open day, who had moved to the geography course in his second year after he didn’t enjoy having lectures with a large amount of people, at his previous university. I realised that I would be the same. Hearing about his field trips with Cumbria university really locked in that this was the right place for me. I had the same feeling after graduation where I realised, he was right and I’ve had the best three years of my life.
How did you find studying at the University of Cumbria?
I’ve loved every second of it, I wouldn’t have wanted to study anywhere else. I’ve made some amazing friends and feel like I’ve had experiences in three years that some people may only have in a lifetime. I’ve grown so much and learnt so many skills and it really is such a friendly place.
What skills are you learning that are helping you on your educational journey?
I think a big thing for me was being independent and organised with assignments. Assignments are very different to the homework I was used to at sixth form, so trusting myself, but understanding I could ask for help and having sit-down sessions with friends to work, I discovered can be really important. I think it also links to time management and getting priorities right, getting work done and having it planned so I could make the most of the mountains. Finally, I have gained a lot of confidence from interacting with so many people and from giving presentations in various modules.
How is University life beyond your studies - friends, socials, accommodation/travel, etc.?
I was worried before starting university about meeting new people, but there’s such a wide variety of people that you will find the right people for you.
I quickly made a family with the two other guys on my floor in student accommodation and have lived with them the whole three years since, we each dragged the others into some of the funniest things. Moving in with some third years in my second year also gave me a new perspective and I made even more connections. The reason I went to Cumbria university was to live in the lakes; some of the best memories have been spontaneous runs to Rydal lake in the rain for a swim after a long session working in the library, or running to a lecture at 9am straight from a wild camp.
Top tips for people looking to do the same course as you?
Embrace the outdoors. That’s why the course is in Ambleside! There’s plenty of trips out in pouring rain, snow, and sun, and they’re all brilliant! Just make sure you have the right kit. There’s plenty of really helpful shops in Ambleside though so don’t rush to buy things if you’re not sure until you get here.
You’ll realise how busy the lecturers are, but no matter what they will always make time for you to help with literally anything! So make the most of the fact they’re there for you.
Also, make sure not to shy away from talking to everyone you can from the get-go. After three years I definitely know everyone in my year group, and at graduation the sense of community and celebration of everyone from Ambleside campus was really special.
What are you up to now?
Now I’ve finished I’m staying up in Ambleside, it’s too nice to leave just yet! I’ve realised there’s no need to go straight into a job that uses my degree, so working in an outdoor shop part time is enough for now!
I’ve got plans for going on to a master’s degree at some point, but the lecturers are now helping me move towards publishing some research from my dissertation. Moreover, skills I have learnt from field trips have also opened up opportunities to work on research projects run through the university.
What are your next steps?
I’m planning more studying in the future, but I’m looking forward to some more life experience and traveling over the next year.
If Alex's story has inspired you, check out our Geography course and apply now.