Adjusting to a different academic environment and enjoying Bath’s safe and welcoming atmosphere, Vaness reflects on her time at Bath studying BA (Hons) Education with Psychology.

She speaks about how developing her critical thinking skills has given her new perspectives, and how her professional placement has connected theory to real-world practice.

‘Mesmerising’ Bath and a balance of subjects I like

I’m from Hong Kong and studied the International Baccalaureate but was unsure of exactly what I wanted to do long-term.

I was interested in both education and psychology and liked that Bath’s course offered a mix of both fields and included a professional placement year.

I knew that Bath’s reputation and rankings were high, particularly in my area of psychology. I didn’t even look at the city until the day before I was coming to the UK – when I did see it in real life, it was even prettier than I imagined; I still find it almost mesmerising!

Academic foundations that make you more curious

I come from a country and culture where achievement is often more valued than curiosity and critical thinking. Since being at Bath, I’ve enjoyed finding out more about these different mindsets and it has already changed me and my understanding.

Teaching has been a real highlight. Lecturers are genuinely engaged and supportive, and most have experience in both research and education practice. I’ve found the content to be well-structured and thought-provoking, too.

However, what stands out is how interactive and open the environment is. You’re encouraged to question, to reflect, and to bring your own perspective.

My first year has given me a solid introduction covering both disciplines, with teaching that balances lectures, seminars, and independent work. I really enjoy the seminars where class numbers are smaller so we can debate on a more granular level.

The course covers a wide range of topics across disciplines, from social and developmental psychology to education policy, inclusion, and learning theory. Assignments often allow for choice in topic or approach, which makes the learning more personal and meaningful.

Campus life and finding a community

The Bath campus is compact and easy to navigate, which helped me settle in quickly. Everything is within walking distance — lecture theatres, accommodation, cafés, the Student’s Union — which helps to build a strong student community feel.

As an international student, I found it useful to join societies that gave me a taste of home again when I needed it. I joined the Hong Kong Christian fellowship as well as trying a few different things like fencing; both helped me meet new people.

I lived on campus in the first year and moved into a shared house in the city in my second year. Bath itself is a very liveable city. It’s safe, beautiful, and easy to get around and I have always felt comfortable here. You are close enough to visit bigger cities like Bristol and London, and can even go to Europe during breaks.

Real-world experience on placement

For my professional placement I worked in the Adolescent Learning Disability team and the Intensive Positive Behaviour Support team for the health board in Wales.

The role gave me the chance to apply what I had learned in a professional context. It was the first time I saw how the theories and issues we had studied — like widening participation or the impact of socio-economic background — play out in practice.

Working directly with children and young people is one of the reasons I wanted to do this course; and the placement experience adds depth to the theory. I have only done short internships before, so this longer placement gave me far more time to experience a variety of situations and understand the responsibilities of regular work.

The placement was a steep learning curve at times. I was able to use skills from my course in research, communication, and working in teams. It also gave me a clearer sense of what I might want to do next and confirmed that I am on the right path.

Coming back into final year, I can approach assignments with that background in multiple real-world issues.

When I need something to remind me of home I’ll pick up a bubble or fruit tea from Papaw near Bath Abbey or head to ‘Noodle Bath’ restaurant, a lovely little place run by a couple who speak Cantonese and serve delicious Asian food. There is also a sweet little Taiwanese café called Sugarcane Studio serving cakes and treats.

When studying I like a bit of buzz, so I tend to gravitate towards 4 West café on campus. If I’m in town, I like Mokoko, which has plenty of seating upstairs.

On a sunny day, like most people, I do enjoy sitting out by the lake on campus or by the Royal Crescent and Victoria Park in the city.

I have found myself getting used to the changes in seasons. The main adjustment was when it got dark at 4pm in the winter and then seeing sunsets as late as 9pm in the summer — this is not something you see in Hong Kong!

Looking back and thinking ahead

Over the course of the degree, I have built a broad skillset. I now feel much more confident in critical thinking, writing, analysing evidence, giving presentations, and working independently. The course also encourages reflection, which has helped me understand my own learning style and interests more clearly.

Bath has been a smart choice for me, and it feels like a second home to me now. I realise too that I would like to take my studies to the next level and am thinking about a master's next.