My Experience as a First-Year Student at the University of Chester

Hi! My name is Jennifer, and I’ve just wrapped up my first year as a BSc Biomedical Science student at the University of Chester. When I first applied for the course, I was looking for something as close to medicine as possible, and biomedical science felt like the perfect fit. Having worked in care for more than two years, I had a solid foundation in health, so diving deeper into the science behind the human body just made sense.

First Impressions

Before the course started, I was so excited to make new friends and develop laboratory skills. Little did I know how much this first year would challenge me and help me grow.

My first few weeks were way better than I expected. The environment was full of energy and a lot of international students. There were people to meet and places to explore. The welcome week was my favourite; we got a couple of vouchers for free/discounted food, drinks and fun experiences around the city of Chester. Honestly, it felt like the University wanted us to feel at home right from the start.

The University made the transition feel so smooth with tons of activities to get involved in, and helpful signposts all around campus. It was a great balance of fun and support that helped to ease my nerves.

Academic Experience

In my first year, we covered a wide range of topics like microbiology, cell biology, biochemistry and genetics. Each module came with its own challenges and surprises, but if I had to pick the hardest one, it would be Introduction to Biochemistry; the amount of detail was on another level for me!

On the other hand, my favourite module was Introduction to Microbiology. The lectures were well delivered, and we had access to Padlet after each class, which helped reinforce what we had learned. There was a lot of support available across all modules, and extra guidance was given when needed.

Working in the lab for the first time was a huge learning curve. At first, it was a bit challenging, just getting used to all the equipment and following proper procedures. But we had all the support we needed to succeed. Before every practical session, we carried out risk assessments and were guided step by step. We also had the chance to work with people from different courses in the lab, such as medical science, which helped build confidence and teamwork skills.

Being part of Chester Medical School comes with many career opportunities and societies, such as module-focused academic clubs and the chance to start a society if you wish. At the beginning of the academic year, every student is assigned a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), who is there to support you through your journey at university, with scheduled 1:1 meetings to check in on you or answer any questions you may have.

A Day in My Life

No two days are the same when you’re a biomedical science student, but here’s a glimpse into a typical day for me. If I had a 9am lecture, I’d be up and out early, since I live on campus and everything is just a short walk away. After lectures, I’d usually grab something to eat in my room, then head to the library to get some work done while the motivation was still fresh.

Evenings were a mix of winding down or winding up! On some days, I’d hit the gym with friends for a workout, and on others we’d head out for a night of fun. Finding that balance between work and social life was super important, and doable with a bit of planning.

To keep myself organised, I created a personal timetable in my room that helped me track deadlines, lectures and tasks. One of my best habits was setting personal deadlines two weeks before the actual submission date. That way, I had extra time for editing, or to deal with anything that came up unexpectedly. And, of course, once I ticked off all my assignments, I always made sure to reward myself with a little treat; it made the whole grind feel worth it.

Challenges I Have Faced

One of the first challenges I faced was trying to find a part-time job. Even though there were many websites listing job openings, it wasn’t as easy as I expected. Eventually, I discovered the UniJob feature on the University of Chester app, and that’s what helped me land my very first job. I even attended some of the CV workshops offered by the Careers and Employability team, which were especially helpful for international students. Thanks to that, I was able to secure an even better job later!

Of course, like many students, there were moments when I felt overwhelmed. The workload could really pile up, and sometimes I’d feel like giving up or falling into the trap of procrastination. But the truth is, procrastination only makes it worse; work starts to pile up and the pressure builds.

What helped me most was reaching out for support when I needed it. The University also offered weekly academic skills sessions, which became a great resource. Whether it was understanding an assignment better or just getting advice on time management, those sessions made a real difference.

Wins and Highlights

Looking back on my first year, there were so many moments that made me proud. One of the biggest was becoming a student voice rep and a student ambassador. Both roles gave me the chance to be more involved in the University community and meet new people.

Again, finding my circle, the friends who turned the University into a second home. Building those relationships made late-night study sessions and spontaneous outings so much better. Living on campus helped me build a healthier lifestyle too, everything is so close, from the shops to the gym, so staying active and balanced has become part of my routine.

Tips for Future Students

If you’re about to start your journey as a biomedical science student, here’s what I’d say: come with an open mind. Don’t expect too much, and don’t expect too little. It’s a process of growth, learning and discovery, and it’s different for everyone.

Don’t be afraid to explore friendships. Join activities and put yourself out there, you never know who might become part of your university story. One thing I wish I’d known before starting is to pack more things from home, little reminders that bring comfort on hard days really make a difference. And, above all, stay positive. University life can throw some curveballs, but there’s always a bright side if you look for it. Even when things aren’t going as planned, find the little wins and hold on to them. That mindset will carry you further than you think.

Reflections

This has been one of the best experiences of my life so far. I’ve learned so much, not just academically but about myself too. I’ve discovered strengths I didn’t know I had, made unforgettable memories, and built a strong foundation for the years ahead.

There’s still so much to explore. I’m looking forward to new challenges and opportunities, and hopefully securing a placement next year. If you’re thinking about studying biomedical science, we can’t wait to have you here! Trust the journey, stay open and enjoy every step of the way.