Congratulations on receiving your place at the University of Bath and welcome to the Department of Chemistry! I know the last few years have been a very challenging time and you should feel rightly proud of getting here. I hope you are looking forward to this new adventure at University. We are certainly looking forward to meeting you.
Aside from your academic studies there are so many other things going on at University, from social events, to sports and societies. I really hope you make the most of your time and the opportunities afforded to you. In fact, there is so much going on that it can sometimes be difficult to find a healthy and sustainable balance between your studies and other activities. It’s something I would urge you to think about right from the start, as it is definitely the secret to success in your degree and enjoyment of your University experience!
It is a big change to come to University and I know some of you may be worried about this new challenge. I want you to know that there are many staff in the Department who are here to support you; your individual lecturers, your personal tutor, your Director of Studies and myself, as your Director of Teaching. There is also lots of other support available across the University which you might find useful, either now or during your degree. For example, ways to develop the skills you need for academic study from the Skills Centre and disability, wellbeing and money advice from Student Services. Sometimes just speaking to another student who has been in your position is what you need and this is where our Peer Mentors are incredibly helpful. You won’t be the first person to have been worried about University but by making the most of the support available I hope you are one of the many people who find their time at University to be some of “the times of their lives”; making friends for life, trying new things and achieving success in their work.
I look forward to meeting you when you come to Bath and getting to know you over the coming years.
Gan Shermer, Director of Teaching