I was looking for a school with a strong reputation in management, and found the University of Bath consistently ranked among the top. When I reviewed the MSc in Strategic Retailing units, I knew this course aligned perfectly with my ambitions.

I watched a YouTube video about the Strategic Retailing course and it solidified my decision. The video gave me a clearer understanding of the skills I could gain and how I’d learn directly from highly respected professors in the field.

Since my first days here, I’ve experienced a unique sense of community. All staff members go above and beyond to support students. They’re always approachable, encouraging and dedicated to creating a positive environment. As an international student, I initially had some hesitations about adapting to a new culture, but their openness and inclusive attitudes quickly made me feel at home.

The campus and the city are peaceful and refreshing, with lush green surroundings that make it easy to unwind. I can engage with my studies and explore the city’s history. It’s a place where students are encouraged to grow academically and personally. That feeling of belonging defines the University of Bath.

So far, my favourite part of my MSc has been the small class size—we’re only 15 people. This makes it easy to get to know everyone and has created a friendly and close-knit atmosphere. Having a smaller group also means our classes are much more interactive. We can easily ask questions, jump into discussions and really get into the topics we’re studying.

Another big plus is the access we have to our professors. Because there are fewer of us, they can spend more time answering our questions and giving us feedback. This makes a huge difference in understanding the material. Everyone gets the support they need, and that makes the whole experience a lot more enjoyable.

The biggest challenge I faced when I first arrived in the UK was definitely the food! Luckily, the grocery stores here have a good variety, so I could find the ingredients I needed to make dishes similar to what I’d have back home.

I started exploring Bath and was pleasantly surprised to find spots that matched my taste. There are Turkish restaurants, late-night kebab places, and other Mediterranean spots with familiar flavours. Thanks to these little discoveries, I felt more at home and enjoyed the food scene here.

The weather wasn’t as cold and rainy as I had expected. However, it’s always a good idea to carry an umbrella with you, as rain can sometimes come unexpectedly.

Even though I come from a warm region and am not used to the cold, I find wearing a t-shirt, sweatshirt and a thick coat is usually enough to keep me warm. I rarely need scarves, hats or gloves, but during particularly cold weeks, they can come in handy.

As an international student, one of the best things about studying in the UK has been meeting people from so many different cultures. I’ve made friends from all over the world. It’s amazing to learn about their backgrounds and traditions.

One of my favourite things is when we organise food nights together. We bring dishes from our home countries. I get to try foods I might never have had the chance to taste otherwise. It’s such a great way to experience other cultures.

Having studied in Istanbul, I felt I’d had enough of the hustle and bustle of a metropolis. I wanted a quieter place where I could focus on my studies. Bath perfectly met my expectations. Although it’s a quiet city, it’s far from boring. There are many seasonal events throughout the year, and the city becomes vibrant during holidays.

Before coming here, I read online that Bath is one of the safest places in the UK, and I’ve found that to be true. Neither I nor any of my friends have ever experienced a situation where we felt unsafe.

Bath is a stunningly beautiful city with its natural surroundings and historical architecture. It’s peaceful and delightful, and I’m happy to live here.

If you're thinking about studying at Bath, my first piece of advice is to research the course content. Choosing a course that aligns with your career goals will make your studies feel much more meaningful and rewarding. If you’re looking for a specialised course, MSc Strategic Retailing could be a great choice.

If you prefer larger class sizes, this might not be the right fit for you. However, I found smaller class sizes more effective and engaging, so it wasn’t a drawback for me.

It’s important to have an interest in retailing and to want a career in this field, as the course is specifically designed for the retailing industry. You shouldn’t view this course as purely academic. It offers practical, real-world experiences through case studies and collaborations with various companies. For example, this year, we’ve worked with companies like IKEA and H&M, and we’ll continue working on projects with them.

I’d also recommend taking full advantage of the activities during Freshers’ Week, as they’re designed to help students socialise. It’s important to build friendships early and remain active in social events. This approach helped me to make friends here.

My future career goal is to successfully grow our family business and develop it by adapting to the future.