Holly Gallacher
)
My course and my studies:
I’m studying a Psychology BSC and have just finished my first year. I’m hoping to do some work experience abroad during my course to support what I’m learning at UEA!
What is your favourite thing about your course?
I love that there’s always more to learn about psychology. There’s a never-ending amount of interesting research that has been done and can be done, which I get to explore and contribute to at university. I like that the course is proactive, and you can really feel like you’re investigating human behaviour. The best thing about my course is definitely getting to learn about and understanding people’s behaviour, thoughts and feelings.
Adjustments:
I have 25% extra time and breaks during exams. I’m also allocated a smaller or separate room to work in from the main exam hall.
Support at UEA:
Due to finding stairs very difficult to use I asked for and was allocated a ground floor flat. I have a disability advisor who is really supportive and helpful whenever I have questions or difficulties. She supported me with getting a parking permit for the car parks at UEA and applying for disability-related financial benefits as well as reasonable adjustments for assignments. I have an academic advisor as well who has been very understanding of my health issues, explained absences when I have been unable to attend seminars and offered advice for my course when I needed it.
My journey to UEA:
I primarily chose UEA because I wanted to be as close to home as possible, partly because I rely on a lot of support from my family with my health issues. However, when I visited UEA on an applicant day I got the sense that UEA was a very supportive environment, more so than I had felt at other universities I had applied for. I talked to some student ambassadors during my visit that really reassured me and informed me of all the support available at UEA. I felt that there’s more adjustments offered at university than sixth form and more resources and support available.
What would I have done differently?
I would have tried to worry less! Which is easier said than done, but there is a lot of support at UEA and if you have any problems, concerns or questions I have found that there’s are many systems and staff around to help.
What is something I wish I knew before starting university?
There is a lot of change involved in transitioning to university. It might feel very scary and difficult at times especially at the start of university. I would urge you to talk to other people about it, friends, flatmates, staff, because they will almost definitely have felt similarly at some point or another and might be going through the exact same thing! Try to keep in mind that things will get less scary, and you will settle in eventually!
Hobbies and interests / clubs and societies:
Psychology is a big interest of mine (hence the psychology degree)! So, I am a part of the psychology society and the headucate society. I spend a lot of time with my family and nieces or hanging out with my flatmates! I also love photography, so I take photos around Norwich as it is so unique and beautiful.
My favourite thing about UEA / Norwich:
I’m definitely a foodie so I’d have to say my favourite thing about Norwich is all the amazing places to eat, including lots of the stalls in the market! My favourite thing at UEA has to be the bunnies everywhere!
My future plans are...
I am hoping to do a master's at UEA, in order to eventually work in the NHS in a mental health department that supports young people with mental health struggles. I might also come back to UEA in the future to do a clinical psychology Doctorate.