STUDENT LIFE LAST UPDATED : 20 DECEMBER 2017
Our first year Media and NTI students have just completed their first semester and have settled into University life. We thought now would be a great time for them to let you know how they’re finding life at university and what they’ve been up to so far.
First year Television student Sophia Elliot (pictured) and Music Industries student Olivia Barlow share their experiences so far.
How have you both found the first few months of university life so far?
Olivia: University life has been exciting and like nothing I have ever experienced before. I have met loads of awesome new friends and gotten to know Birmingham really well, experiencing all the amazing things it has to offer from Digbeth to the Jewellery Quarter there is definitely something for everyone in Birmingham!
Sophia: I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at university so far and have made so many great friends that I hope to keep in contact with during my course. It has been a great way for me to develop my personal skills, whether this is living on my own, or gaining confidence I never had before.
What has been the most fun or interesting project or activity you have been involved with?
Sophia: I have really enjoyed my television module this semester as we have been working towards a final live show that we completed this week. I have been lucky enough to have been a part of a fantastic production crew who have been hard working individuals and I believe this has paid off with our show turning out very well on Thursday.
Olivia: I have really enjoyed writing my textual analysis of Louis Theroux’s Documentary: Louis and the brothel. I enjoyed this because the subject area really interests me and the analysis gave me an in-depth exploration of ideas that I wouldn't have considered otherwise.
What different types of projects have you been involved with so far?
Olivia: So far I have been involved in my Media Communications textual analysis and have also ran my own gig at the sunflower lounge for my Music Industries part of the course.
Sophia: I have, as previously stated, been a part of fab production crew within my television module and have also been a part of the Scratch society, where I have had the opportunity to practice my television skills and help direct a live show they created a few weeks ago.
What trips have you been on so far?
Olivia: I attended the 'We Are Robots' music industries conference in London, Brick Lane which helped give me an insight into the future of the music industry which will help benefit my future career choices.
What are you looking forward to?
Sophia: I am looking forward to going on a trip that may be run in the future to different studios around the country. I think this would be an amazing opportunity to see the industry side of my course and experience a new television studio atmosphere.
Olivia: I am looking forward to continuing along my course and exploring the different areas of the Media Industry. I am also looking forward to getting to know the ins and outs of radio production as that is my next module I will be exploring in the New Year.
Have you learnt anything unexpected through the course?
Sophia: I have learnt that I am a much more confident person than I appear to be, as here at university I have been able to develop my teamwork and communications skills that are needed within the television industry and become a more well-rounded individual.
How have you found your tutors so far?
Sophia: The tutors here at the University are amazing and are always there to help! Caroline has really been an asset to me within in this course as it is brilliant to always have someone to talk to. It is also amazing that all of the tutors are industry professionals and have worked in the media industry for many years. This has given me and my peers the confidence that we are learning from the best.
Olivia: All the tutors on the course so far have been amazing! They help support your ideas and suggest different scholars to read up about to broaden your knowledge in the subject areas of interest. the Tutors are also good because they don’t spoon feed you information but guide you towards the right direction which helps you think for yourself making you develop your own opinions.
Is studying at a university much different to studying at college?
Sophia: I believe that studying here at university is different to college because you have a lot more freedom in the work that you complete, but I believe this to be an asset, as we are given the ability to become creative individuals. If you are struggling then you have support there to help you, so in some ways, it is still a lot like college, you are learning about a topic that fascinates you and developing as an individual as you go along.
What advice would you give to students who are thinking of studying with us at Birmingham City University?
Sophia: I would say come with a creative mind and a passion for learning. The course is fantastic and you will really learn a lot about the media industry and all that goes into it. Don't be afraid of the unknown and instead embrace the amazing opportunity that faces you!
Olivia: I would say just get suck in and really get involved with everything going on! Start your assignments early and don’t be afraid to ask questions and get involved with class discussions!
Take a look at what our First Year NTI students have been up to here!