Why Greenwich?
The University of Greenwich's welcoming atmosphere truly stood out to me. From the diverse and inclusive student body I encountered on the open day to the friendly staff, I felt a real sense of belonging. This, combined with the stunning location overlooking the River Thames and Canary Wharf, created a truly inspiring environment.
I chose to study BA International Business with Spanish as it reflects my desire for a flexible and international career path. Our globally interconnected world fascinates me, and I believe fluency in Spanish (which I began studying after A-Level) will be a valuable asset. The programme's broad focus on international business appealed to me as well; I didn't want to be restricted to a single role after graduation.
In fact, the beautiful setting played a big part in my first-year experience. Some of my best memories involve spending evenings with friends, whether relaxing in the park or strolling by the river. My best friends from other universities even loved visiting Greenwich, enjoying afternoons in the park and evenings by the water. The combination of a supportive environment, a fascinating programme, and a stunning location made Greenwich the perfect choice for me.
What does a typical day look like for you?
TERM TIME:
- Wake up and make breakfast/get ready for lectures
- Make my way down to the Greenwich campus using the Avery hill commute bus (which is free!)
- Attend the lecture
- During the break – grab some lunch with my friends
- Attend the corresponding tutorial to the lecture
- Take the bus back to Avery hill
- Make dinner
- Prep for the next lecture by reading the pre-prepared uploaded PowerPoint
HALF TERM TIME:
- Breakfast and gym
- Everyday = different
- Day trip to another city e.g. £10 train tickets return to Brighton!
- Day out in central
- Or even a few hours in the library working on some assignments or projects
Social scene at Greenwich...
The social environment at Greenwich is an incredibly rewarding experience. Sure, there will be moments of homesickness, loneliness, and stress – that's part of navigating university life for the first time. But the good news is, everyone feels it! You're surrounded by people on the same journey, all eager for new experiences and connections.
Thankfully, the university does a fantastic job fostering that connection. Throughout all the campuses, there are events happening all the time, catering to a huge range of interests. Whether you're an extrovert or an introvert, there's something for everyone. In fact, living independently was a blast for me – a chance to grow and discover myself. Now that I'm back home, I find myself missing the vibrant university lifestyle more and more. It's a truly special time, and the social environment at Greenwich is a big part of what makes it so memorable.
Extracurricular activities and the university experience...
My first year at Greenwich has been all about getting involved! Being a Student Ambassador and UKSR Ambassador allowed me to connect with prospective students and share my love for the university. But the role that truly surprised me was Programme Representative. Gathering feedback from classmates and liaising with programme leaders and senior lecturers boosted my confidence in networking and communication. It's been amazing to connect with staff and even second and third-year students!
This experience, along with the other roles I held, solidified my belief in the value of extracurricular activities. They're a fantastic way to build your professional and academic portfolio, enhance your reputation, and stand out from the crowd. Plus, they're just plain fun! I highly recommend getting involved in anything that piques your interest – it'll enrich your university experience in ways you might not expect.
Most rewarding experience?
Both becoming a Student Ambassador and being accepted onto the summer programme in South Korea have been incredible in their own ways.
Representing the University as a Student Ambassador fills me with pride. Sharing my positive experiences with prospective students is truly rewarding, and the interview process itself was a huge confidence boost. It gave me valuable insight into the professional world and the skills needed to succeed, which feels like a big step forward.
On the other hand, getting accepted onto the competitive summer programme in South Korea is an honour I can't wait to experience. This immersive programme blending academics and cultural exploration for a month is the kind of unforgettable trip you dream about. Both experiences have pushed me outside my comfort zone and contributed to my personal and professional growth. It's hard to pick just one, but together they represent the amazing opportunities available at Greenwich!
Career after Greenwich...
Figuring out my exact career path hasn't been easy, but that's where Greenwich's amazing employability team has been a lifesaver. They understand that many students, myself included, don't have a specific job title in mind yet. Thankfully, the university offers a variety of resources to help navigate the overwhelming world of career options. From career webinars and workshops to dedicated events, they provide the tools to narrow down your interests and identify potential paths.
My BA in International Business with Spanish is a perfect example of this flexibility. The broad scope of the programme exposes me to a diverse range of industries, giving me a solid foundation to explore various career options after graduation. Combined with the support of the employability team, I feel confident that I'll be well-equipped to find the perfect fit for my skills and interests.
Would you do anything differently?
If I could rewind and do my first year at Greenwich all over again, there are a couple of things I'd tweak. First, I'd definitely get involved in more societies! The university has such a vibrant range of student groups, and I know I would have benefited from connecting with people who share my interests outside of academics.
The other thing I'd change is my approach to the workload. University is definitely an adjustment – there's a lot of independent learning and research involved. While it's important to work hard, I would tell myself to take breaks and avoid letting the pressure consume me. Starting assignments early would have been a lifesaver too! Overall, though, my first year has been amazing, and these are just minor adjustments I'd make to make it even better.
Advice for new students?
Incoming Greenwich students, get ready for an incredible adventure! Here's some advice from a recent first-year to help you make the most of your experience:
First things first – budgeting is key. University life can be expensive, so plan your spending wisely.
Next, don't underestimate the power of connection. Strike up conversations with your classmates – you'll be forming study groups and friendships in no time. Group chats are a lifesaver for keeping track of deadlines and sharing resources.
Speaking of resources, take full advantage of the pre-prepared lecture materials. Make notes beforehand based on the PowerPoints, then actively engage during the session. This will help you absorb the information far better than simply copying slides. Lectures become a chance to build on the foundation you've prepared, catching insights from your professors and classmates.
Finally, and most importantly – have fun! This is likely your first time living independently, so embrace the excitement and adventures that come with it. Explore Greenwich, join some societies, and make the most of this transformative time in your life. Good luck!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please note that the availability of modules (and opportunities offered to, and services for, students) can change over time and things may not be available from one year to the next. In the case of modules, please always check the 'What will you study' section of the course webpage for the course and entry year you are interested in. You can find an index of all our subject areas, within which you will find the individual course pages, at: https://www.gre.ac.uk/subjects
