I’m not sure if I’ve ever mentioned on the blog, but many moons ago I was a student at the University of Hull. Many moons is approximately a decade and a year ago… That makes me feel quite old actually. I was studying for a degree in Psychology with Criminology. Although I only finished with a Diploma due to suffering badly with depression during my final year, being a student there before that really set in was one of the best times of my life.

Although I only lived 45 minutes down the motorway I did the “proper” student thing and lived in Hull too. This was partly because I wasn’t driving back then and didn’t fancy the long bus commute every day. I started my student living days in The Lawns in Cottingham, the University of Hull‘s very own popular halls of residence back in the day. I’m aware these will soon be closing down in favour of on-campus accommodation but I have many great memories. I made some wonderful friends on my very first day there.

On campus

The University campus itself was a great place to be. Being a bit of a book geek anyway, the Brynmor Jones Library was where I spent many an hour studying and writing assignments. I also have fond memories of many a coffee and cake with friends in the adjoining cafe!

When talking about the University of Hull, you can’t forget to mention the Student Union and the Sanctuary bar which was always a hive of activity. From boozy nights to society meetings to grabbing some lunch, it serves as a meeting place for many.

Off campus

Study as hard as you might, all students need wind down and fun times away from campus. I remember weeks where I was out most evenings; those were the days when I could last past 10pm without wanting to go to bed! If nights out are your thing even once in a while, then Hull is a great place to be – you’re sure to find somewhere that’s your kind of thing! Some of my best night out were in “Spiders”. The fairly new Bonus Arena plays host to some great acts too for a night of entertainment.

Going into my second year of Uni I moved away from halls of residence with a group of friends. We lived in a student house between Newland Avenue and Princes Avenue. The area is a hive of student activity with a variety of stores. From hairdressers to coffee shops, mini markets to clothes shops, it’s an easy walk to campus too. (I have a little extra snippet here! If you were ever a fan of Big Brother, you may remember Dan the hairdresser from series 5. I remember walking down Newland Ave one day and spotted him working in one of the hairdressers – the first thing I did was excitedly text my friend to tell her!).

UK City of Culture

Hull was accoladed as the UK City of Culture in 2017 and not without good reason. As well as being one of the UK’s largest ports (with easy ferry links to Zeebrugge and Rotterdam), it was also once home to historical names such as William Wilberforce, Mary Wollstonecraft, and Philip Larkin. Hull also boasts its own museum quarter in the Old Town for a look back at history, with four museums to visit. As a student you may or may not be flush for money, but you’ll also find two shopping centres – St Stephen’s and Princes Quay (hello Primark!) – with shops for pretty much every need and budget.

I moved back home when I’d finished Uni and got married, and then we had the boys. We still visit Hull regularly now – mainly for The Deep which is the UK’s only submarium and holds a number of accolades. There is always something different to see and it’s a great place to visit for those future marine biologists! The Deep is also close to the trendy Fruit Market which is a hive of activity. From microbreweries to traditional pubs, art galleries to independent shops, it’s the place to be!

I’ve really enjoyed reminiscing about my student days at the University of Hull. If you still don’t have a Uni place and are now applying through clearing, I hope I’ve managed to convince you of all the greatness that Hull and its University has to offer!

For those students in the States, MyDegreeGuide.com has a substantial list of universities that don’t have any GRE requirements for entry to study.

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