Bristol, UWE

After visiting a number of universities, the University of the West of England (UWE) was definitely the best institution for my full-time undergraduate degree in conservation biology. Other university visits felt like the students were an afterthought for the lecturers, whereas the lecturers at UWE are really interested in their students. Their doors are always open and they make your learning experience interesting and supported. They really are fantastic and go above and beyond.

For my part-time MSc I started a course in forestry at Bangor, but the lead lecturer for the first module was appalling and I left. This reminded me why I rate UWE so highly and always praise it to people when talking about my experience there. So I returned to UWE to do an MSc in Advanced Wildlife Conservation in Practice. The degree is run by UWE in collaboration with Bristol Zoo. So there is a wealth of amazing international experience being shared by lecturers and staff.

The last few years were difficult for many people for many reasons. However, last year I lived in a housing situation that saw people in the neighbourhood warring with each other and playing mind games, with others of us trapped in the middle trying to mediate. None of which was condusive to working or studying or good mental health. UWE was incredibly understanding and ensured I could continue after I moved. This year I restarted my first year, without having to retake the first module I successfully completed.

When I can, I take part in their Science Futures Fairs and share my experience of UWE with current students and my career path after my BSc. My current work role is UK Squirrel Accord Director and it is in no small part down to the wonderful time I had at UWE - in terms of both my study and social lives. As a mature student, it is great to attend a university with such a diverse range of ages, ethnicities and nationalities of students and teachers. It is a real-world university that focuses on ensuring students are equipped with the skills they need to succeed afterwards. UWE deserves to be praised and I hope this review encourages others to come to one of the UK's best institutions.