Student Profiles

Undergraduate Student Profiles

Amita Bhakta

My name is Amita and I'm in my 3rd year studying BA Human Geography. I have found my degree to be fascinating and I love what I do. In every year there's been an opportunity to learn something new. For example, one of my favourite subjects has been about the ways that indigenous people interact and engage with the environment. I have recently carried out research for my final year dissertation project, which examines the relationships between greenspace and wellbeing in Leicester. I have been investigating how the environment, through people using greenspaces like parks and allotments, creates a positive impact on people's health and wellbeing.

I have also been a volunteer for the University's Environment Team since 2009, which has allowed me to take part in various environmental campaigns such as Big Green Week and Fairtrade Fortnight. My environmental work within and beyond the department culminated in me receiving a Leicester Green Life Award, which was for the best environmental contribution by a young person in 2010. I hope to continue this work and to help to actively engage both students and staff with the environmental topics that flourish at Leicester's Geography department.

Chris Gill

I’m Chris and I am a fourth year BSc student.  The Geography Department here is really friendly and all of the staff are very approachable. It’s also really easy to get to know all of your fellow students during your degree, especially through the camaraderie built up during the field trips. Last year I was fortunate enough to be offered the chance to study abroad, which meant that I got to study in the beautiful city of Vancouver at the Simon Fraser University. The year abroad was beneficial in many ways. Beyond the obvious adventure of studying a new place, I got both to learn new material and experience a different teaching style to a UK university. I also got to meet so many people and I now have friends from all over the world, which is great for a Geographer looking to travel. If you’re looking for a fun, friendly University with lots of opportunity for adventure, be sure to check out Leicester.

Adam Jackson

After studying Geology at A-Level I decided to study BSc Geography. Now in my 3rd year, the course has been really interesting and covered a good range of topics. Having also taken Computer Science at A-Level the GIS modules have been particularly interesting, but they don’t assume you have any computer experience so no one is left behind. I have really enjoyed the course and the department and very pleased I picked Leicester.

Rosalinde Nicholls

They say time goes quickly when you’re having fun, and I can certainly vouch for that! My name is Ros and I am in my second year student studying for a BSc Geography degree. Perhaps like many, when I first decided to study Geography at university, I wasn’t really sure which aspect of the subject I liked the most. The first year here at Leicester gave me a solid grounding in all aspects of Geography – human, physical and the ever developing digital branch – and allowed me to know that the choices I have made for second year were definitely the right ones.

We had a fun-filled field trip to Exeter during the Easter holidays of the first year. What was great about this trip was that everything we had been learning about in lectures came to life in the field, and also it provided an opportunity to get to know people on your course and the lecturers really well. University is not all about studying, and outside work I have got involved in several societies. I am the Hiking Club Captain this academic year, and while it is quite a commitment, I am definitely enjoying the new challenges it carries with it. The Geography Society, and the University Concert Band and Orchestra provide nice breaks to evenings that might otherwise be filled with work. I am looking forward to the many more adventures that the rest of my time here at Leicester will bring!

Olivia Palm

I am a BSc Geography student currently in my third year. The wide range of courses on sustainability, and environmental change really appealed to me, because I am considering a career in sustainable development and climate change adaptation. During my two years here I have visited geographically interesting sites both nearby and abroad and my degree enabled me to carry out research in an exotic location like Barbados. I have truly enjoyed being surrounded by approachable and caring members of staff who have contributed to making my time here unforgettable.

Matt Young (Geography Society President 2011-2012)

I love being a Geography Student at the University of Leicester! I came from a different university a few years ago and I can really see how the course here has been developed to bring out my full potential. The whole atmosphere in the department is something that I think makes Leicester Geography Department at a great place to study. The Geography Society is extremely active and you can always find someone you know floating around the geography building. It’s a really great thing to be a part of!  Last year, I went on the New York fieldtrip and it was amazing. I think the way Geography is taught at Leicester really inspires us and to actually get out into the field (well, in this case the concrete jungle!). To come to Leicester was one of the best decisions I have made. I’ve met so many people and have enjoyed both the academic side and social side to university life.