Hussna Waka

The University of Chester was my first choice for many reasons. I am currently studying a BA in International Relations with a Foundation Year, and after about three years here, I can confidently say the support has been exceptional. I was initially hesitant about starting with a Foundation Year because I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the university supported me in numerous ways. From helping me find extracurricular activities such as sports and societies to providing academic guidance, the support I received helped me adjust to UK culture and build lifelong relationships.

The city itself is beautiful. I deliberately chose a smaller university in a smaller city because I wanted a close-knit community, and I have absolutely no regrets. Coming from a small city in South Africa, I believe choosing a similar environment made my transition much smoother compared to moving to a larger city with less of a community feel.

Throughout my degree, I have never felt that the support I needed wasn’t available. Having a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) throughout my course gave me peace of mind whenever I needed advice or felt unsure about where to access support. My PAT truly made a significant difference to my university experience.

The University of Chester has exceeded my expectations in every way. Not only is the academic and wellbeing support outstanding, but the range of UniJobs opportunities has allowed me to gain valuable work experience while earning extra money. Combined with the vibrant student life and the diverse range of sports and societies, you are truly spoilt for choice. My experience has been nothing short of amazing, and I feel confident in my future employability skills because of everything the University of Chester has provided me with!