BSc Psychology, Durham University

Name: Olivia Buckley

University: Durham University

Program: BSc Psychology

Year of Study: Year 2

Contact details: olivia.buckley@durham.ac.uk

Instagram: @oliviagrace1999

Facebook: Olivia Buckley

Institution: Program:

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Campus Facilities: Academic Environment:

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Social Life: Career Planning Opportunities:

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Overall Experience:

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Contrast Between Workload hours in University vs High School:

I did less work in university than in high school

Same number of hours

1-3 more hours of work in university

4-6 more hours of work in university

7-9 more hours of work in university

10+ more hours of work in university

What made you choose your institution over others?

Durham has many unique advantages. The collegiate system makes every student part of a smaller, closer community as well as the university community as a whole. This not only makes you feel valued and recognised, but also opens up a huge new set of opportunities within the framework of your college. This includes: more welcoming, less competitive college sports teams; arts societies; college bars; and finally, being part of the committees that run events for each college. This is not everyone's cup of tea, but Durham's system definitely provides the feeling of being supported and part of something while still at a fairly big university. Unlike Oxbridge, your course isn't associated with your college, so you get the chance to meet a new set of people in lectures. Durham is a lovely city to live in: it has got a historical centre and the river is very pretty so there is always somewhere to go for a walk for some peace and quiet. If you're after a bustling city that has got lots of choice and is not as student focused, Durham might not be for you. However, so much of our social life revolves around student societies and colleges that we are never short of things to do.

What did you wish you knew before choosing your specific program?

The approach that university lecturers take, even within the same discipline, is totally different to school. First year is just as much about learning to study at degree level as it is learning new content. Don't panic if it takes a while to adjust and your marks drop at first because of this.

What was your best experience at university?

It is a nerdy one, but that buzz when you drop on something that you are really excited about within your subject. Studying at degree level means you find out about areas of your subject you didn't know existed but may be what your career ends up focusing on. Being able to share that feeling with course mates and friends is nice too, as there are so many like-minded people around you.

What was your worst university experience?

I used to go to UCL, but things there didn't turn out as I'd hoped. Coming back into a uni environment following a negative experience and struggles with my mental health was super daunting and I still have this niggling fear that things will go wrong again for me. But this experience gave me the maturity and insight to know that even if that does happen, its not my fault and I am capable of making that tough decision to stop and make a change.

What is the hardest part about your program and what were the steps that you took to overcome any difficulties?

Learning a new approach to studying and researching within science. I hadn't studied psychology before and it took a while to adopt the techniques a psychologist uses as opposed to a medical student (my previous subject). Speaking to my academic adviser really helped to get advice and feedback tailored to my strengths and weaknesses. Be sure to take full advantage of their support because they are one of the few people at university dedicated to helping you!

What was your favourite module/course and why?

Psychology is an accredited course so there is no module flexibility until 3rd year, which I haven't reached yet. However, you can chose an elective module from outside the department in first year. Language modules are super popular, and having studied French quite a bit before uni, I chose stage 5 (of 6) French. This was one of my favourite modules of first year and it came as a welcome refreshing change from my main discipline. A language is a great skill so I'd recommend pursuing one on the side if you can.

What tips and advice would you give to first year students?

Don't put too much pressure on yourself: this is counterproductive. Things don't always fall into place right away, if at all, and that is just fine.