Hannah Escott

Hannah, from Kidderminster, graduated with a Geography and Psychology degree in 2012.

Why did you choose to study at Dundee University?

The wide range of modules really appealed to me. At Dundee I study across many different disciplines which meant that I did not have to specialise until I had experienced a broad range of subjects. It is also a leading research university which is great for being up to date with the latest studies. Dundee is a university that is moving forward rather than dwelling on old traditions, so there is a really positive, lively feeling around campus.

Of course, I wanted more out of university than just a degree. This is a social campus with many opportunities to meet a great variety of people, engage with your coursemates and join clubs and societies to learn new skills outside your studies.

What is the best thing about your course and why?

I love that my course is so varied and flexible, doing a joint honours is challenging but certainly worthwhile. In third and fourth year Geography there are many fascinating modules to choose from, and earlier year modules are interesting too, so it's easy to get enthusiastic about studying. The lecturing staff at Dundee are easy to talk to and get help from.

What has been your best learning experience to date and why?

The level two fieldtrip to Aviemore was fantastic! I developed my skills in real Geography, in villages, rivers, and glaciers. It's a chance to get to know your class mates much better, sampling the local chippies and pubs! It's very different to school fieldtrips, you are independent and treated like adults. I also like smaller class seminars where I can learn from my peers and get to know a topic in more detail.

What information do applicants need to know before starting this course?

Be open minded about studying different subjects, you may come with a study focus in mind, but studying at Dundee makes you realise how other study disciplines relate to your own. Make an extra effort to get to know your classmates, as they can provide help on assignments, exams and make study sessions more fun. It's important to take the first years seriously even if you think you learnt lots of Geography in school and college, university is different, so be prepared to develop your foundations.

What has been your best university experience to date?

I just love being fully involved in campus life, from my wide range of studies to my involvement in many different sports clubs. It doesn't matter that I have never done them before because there are always people willing to teach. This has given me many brilliant days out with great friends away from my studies, Dundee, and even Scotland. It makes me sit back and think "wow I never thought coming to Dundee University would give me this opportunity!" By having an active sporting life I've learnt how to manage time for my studies too.

What sports activities or clubs/societies are you involved with?

I was Captain of the Mountain Bike club (2010), Vice Captain of Trampoline club (2009-2010), Vice President of Horse Polo Society (2010) and an active member of the canoe club. I have also been involved in course related societies like Geography and Environmental Science Society and Psychology Society. Clubs and societies at Dundee welcome everyone, and have given me some of my most treasured memories.

Have you taken part in any student exchanges or work placements?

In the summer of 2010 I was awarded a Fulbright Commission Scholarship for Outstanding European Students, to study Climate Change and Sustainability at the University of Minnesota. This was a 5 week educational and cultural programme where I attended many fieldtrips, research centres, discussion groups, and went on cultural excursions. This was an amazing experience, it developed my cultural awareness and taught me to think in different ways. I would not have been awarded this without my experiences at Dundee University. Since then staff in Geography have really encouraged me to use the skills I developed.

In January 2011 I am continueing my 3rd year of study at Australian National University in Canberra. Opportunities like this are open to the majority of Geography students, you just have to enquire at the exchange office. The staff in Geography, Psychology and the exchange office has been fully supportive in this so I feel confident that will be successful in Australia too.

What was your experience of settling into life in Dundee when you first arrived?

Very exciting, with plenty of great opportunities to meet new people and try new things it was hectic, but 100% positive! I lived on campus and had a good time in Belmont Flats with my new friends, and it was easy to get to lectures and the library which was great as my mind was a jumble of new responsibilities associated with independence.

Lectures were hard to get used to as they were less personal than classes at college, and you are expected to be more independent learners quickly as there is no one to chase you for assignments or readings. Staff are still approachable and willing to help though. I developed a good balance of studies and social life so I did not want to go home during term time.

Do you have any advice for potential new students?

Coming to Dundee is the best decision I ever made! It's important to pick your university on what you want to study, the quality of staff, and what will make you happy and comfortable. It's very important to be open minded to new experiences, and people.