George Harris

Computer Networks - BSc (Hons)

George wanted to find a safe, supportive and LGBTQ+ friendly city and university where he felt he belonged and could make new friends. His biggest challenge was adapting to the fast-paced student life and the ever changing, exciting city. George feels that BCU has supported him in all aspects of his university life so far and is coming towards the end of his placement year with Central England Co-Op, where he’s learnt real career skills he can apply to any challenges he tackles in the future. He loves being a part of the creative and innovative community at BCU and is excited to see what the future holds.

"The fact that Birmingham has a thriving gay village was a massive factor for me in choosing to study here. Moving somewhere that would give me a sense of belonging within a gay community was extremely important as I didn’t have that back home. I’ve joined the LGBT society at BCU, which has helped me to feel more comfortable to express myself in this new city, and was a great way to make new friends within the uni community.

BCU was always a first choice for me when looking at coming to university. I’ve always loved the central location of how close it is to the Bullring, New Street station, and Broad Street.

My tutors on the Computer Networks course, are also great at encouraging us to complete placements, to give us additional experience alongside what we are learning on the course.  I’m proud to say I was able to secure a placement year with Central England Co-Op and am learning real career skills, it has been an absolute blast so far and I’ve learned so much!

I continue to be amazed by the industrial links BCU continues to make with prestigious companies, such as HPE and Cisco, that are allowing us to have even more networking opportunities. BCU’s initiative in making these links never ceases to amaze me, and I’m excited to see what the rest of my time at BCU has to offer. 

The one thing that nearly put me off going to university was the heavy theory-based learning traditionally offered at most institutions. Luckily BCU offers much more practical, hands-on courses which really suits me. The Open Day at BCU really opened my eyes to all that goes on here and allowed me to get stuck in!

My biggest challenge at university has been adapting to the fast-paced student life and the ever changing city of Birmingham. Luckily, BCU is a place I can be safe, secure and supported. The student support services have been top-notch for me, and helped me in my time of need. Alongside the non-academic support, BCU, for me, have just continued to try their absolute best to innovate their courses to best suit the student’s needs. The whole community at BCU is very encouraging and welcoming for me, everyone is always willing to stop and help when you’re stuck

‘I AM BCU’ to me means I’m an important part of BCU, as is every other amazing student. Our intelligent, creative minds make BCU what it is today, and this has only been achieved by every single one of us, working together."