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Finding a diverse and welcoming environment in campus life

Audrey, a BSc (Hons) Economics and Mathematics student, talks about how Bath’s diverse community and academic support has helped her settle and feel at home.

Audrey smiling, at a train station platform
Audrey studied further maths, maths, economics, and chemistry at A level, which led her to choose BSc (Hons) Economics and Mathematics at Bath.

First-year BSc (Hons) Economics and Mathematics student, Audrey Coursey shares her top tips for settling in. She talks about her experiences on the course, city life, feeling supported, and getting involved with different activities.

The foundations for a future in economics

I grew up in Wimbledon in London. My mum is Spanish, and my dad is half Nigerian, half English, so I speak Spanish and Catalan and have family scattered everywhere!

I did further maths, maths, economics, and chemistry at A level. When I saw BSc (Hons) Economics and Mathematics at Bath, I realised I could combine maths and economics equally in my next steps in education. Study areas that really interested me like probability theory, which is key in quantitative finance, sit alongside different topics that are new to me, like development economics.

Another factor that drew me in was that Bath has a good reputation for placement opportunities, especially for the finance industry. That definitely swayed me, as getting a good placement early on is helpful for getting a graduate scheme or job later.

I really noticed the diversity of people when I came, and the number of international students. Where I went to school, backgrounds were all very similar; at Bath, there are people from everywhere, which makes it very comfortable for international students or those with international families. This diversity was another reason I chose Bath.

A campus where everyone feels welcomed

Aside from the course, Bath offers so many support services; like the well-being service. These services stand out on the website and are very apparent and accessible when you get here. The disability service is very responsive and hands-on.

With everything on one campus, it is easy to meet people and quickly create a community. I joined the hockey team, and the Wednesday night sports socials are great. All the different sports have their socials at the same time, and you can see what other sports clubs are doing and interact with them. It creates a big team feeling.

I did think about the benefits of a campus university versus a city university before coming here, but I didn't realise how much of a difference it would make until I arrived.

I signed up for many different societies during the freshers' fair - which is held on the Parade, a central hub on the campus.

Societies are a great way to meet people. Both the clubs I want to stick with, hockey and musical theatre, have incredible facilities are everyone is really welcoming.

‘I really noticed the diversity of people when I came, and the number of international students. Where I went to school, backgrounds were all very similar; at Bath, there are people from everywhere.’
Audrey Coursey BSc (Hons) Economics and Mathematics (2028)

Making the most of life outside the classroom

I didn't know anything about the city before coming here and I had never visited.

I realised that Bridgerton, a series I love watching, was filmed in Bath; I could not believe the places filmed were real and not sets! It’s a very beautiful place to live; it’s not too big and overwhelming, but not so small that there's little to do. It's a very good in-between. Plus, it is very easy to get in and out of town; there are buses 24/7 too and there are lots of other students around, especially at night, so it feels safe.

In the city, I stumbled on an Italian deli that makes the best paninis! My friends and I always go there. The Royal Crescent and Victoria Park are also gorgeous places to sit and watch the sunset.

On campus, I like the lake area - when the sun's out, it's so nice to sit there and relax and clear your mind. For studying, my go-to place is the fifth floor of the library, where there are little cubicles and places to plug in. It is quiet and a great place to get things done. 4 West café on campus is good for a bit more atmosphere and just sitting with a panini and a mocha. It's a cute café with sofas and tables.

Support and resources that make a difference

I am someone who likes to ask questions to understand things as deeply as possible, so having lecturers who are always happy to talk and regularly mention office hours for appointments is brilliant.

Having an academic advisor, too, means you can schedule meetings at any time. One of my lecturers, who gives talks to 400 students at a time, says when you have a question just shout it out. That has made everyone feel comfortable asking questions.

The tutorials are much smaller, often with about 10 or 15 people. The lecturer comes around, and you can ask individual questions easily. If someone doesn't want to ask in front of 400 people, they can ask one-on-one in tutorials and seminars.

I had one problem early on when I broke a finger! I was a bit stuck with not being able to go to lectures. My advisor was so helpful and told me how to catch up and to contact the Director of Studies for other resources, for example. I did that, and it was all fine. Everyone was super helpful during my mini-crisis!

If I have any tips for new students, it would be to try as many new things as possible early on. The more things you sign up for, the better chance you have of meeting people you connect with. The tasters in the first few months are a great opportunity to try new things and see what you like. It's important to have a variety of friends and experiences.

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