A current BSc (Hons) Economics student, Abi always wanted to combine two of her favourite subjects.

However, the course alone wasn’t enough. As a budding and talented sportsperson, she needed to be in a place that gave her a platform to succeed outside the classroom.

In Bath, Abi has found that place. We spoke to her about her studies and love of sport, and how she’s balancing the two.

From Kent countryside to city life

I studied the International Baccalaureate at school, and it was my economics and maths teachers who really got me hooked. I ended up writing my extended essay on Economics, Maths and Behavioural Economics, and it sparked something in me — I knew I wanted to take it further.

When it came to choosing a university, I looked at league tables, of course, but I also wanted somewhere that took sport seriously. Bath ticked both boxes. Plus, the fact that my degree is a BSc, and more maths-based, made it stand out.

I’m originally from a tiny country village in Kent, so Bath feels like a big city to me! It’s busy enough to feel exciting, but small and safe enough to never feel overwhelming. It’s easy to get into London or Bristol, or to escape back into the countryside when I need some fresh air. I’ve genuinely loved every part of being here so far — from the course to the sport, the campus, and the city itself.

I came to visit after getting an offer and just loved the vibe of both the campus and the city. I actually started university a little earlier than most people, because I was playing performance hockey and we had pre-season training. That meant I got a bit of a head start settling in and exploring the campus. I still threw myself into Welcome Week, though and went to the careers fair, the sports fair, the societies fair – all of it. It’s such a good way to see what’s on offer and meet people.

Loving numbers and data

I really enjoy how my course blends theory with real-world thinking. You’ve got lectures to lay out the concepts, and then smaller seminar groups where you get to debate and apply it all.

That format has helped me build confidence and think critically — especially on topics like inflation or unemployment, where you’re working out how the maths links to real-life consequences.

Planning for my placement experience

The professional placement support has been really helpful, and I’m heading to Octopus Investments for my third year, doing asset management. I can’t wait to get stuck into the real world and see how everything I’ve been learning plays out in practice.

Sports and studies

Sport has been a massive part of my time at Bath. In my first year I played performance hockey and was lucky enough to be one of only few freshers on the first team. It was intense but such a fantastic experience.

The support from the university is incredible. We had regular physio, sports massage, strength and conditioning, everything you’d need. It’s also worth saying that Bath offers something for everyone, from total beginners to elite athletes, which I think is really important.

At the end of first year, I decided to switch things up and focus more on squash, still competitive, but slightly less intense than hockey. I’ve had loads of fun playing in internal tournaments, against other universities, and with local clubs.

During my second year, I pursued my riding journey in Bath, which I’ve done my whole life but hadn’t had time for during term time in my first year. I started riding for clients locally, as well as training my young horse, so between squash, riding, and my course, things got very busy!

In January, I had a bit of a setback when I injured my shoulder. I haven’t been able to play squash since, which has been tough, but it’s given me more time to focus on riding, which I absolutely love. I’ve still gone along to squash matches to support the team and stay connected – the friendships you build through sport are something special.

When it comes to studying on campus, I’m usually in the library — I find the quiet environment perfect for getting my head down. If I’m working with other people, I’ll head to the 4 West café or the management building, which has a great buzz.

When I’m in town, I have a bit of a tradition of going to Whittard and enjoying a free hot chocolate taster when they have one; I occasionally treat myself to some to take home too. As for nightlife, it’s not overly club-heavy, but there’s plenty of variety in the pub scene and different nights out to suit whatever music you’re into.

I went to the Humanities Ball this year, which was held at the Roman Baths. That felt like a proper “wow” moment.