Nicola Saunders

Nicola, from Glasgow, graduated with a Geography and Environmental Science in 2012.

Why did you choose to study at Dundee University?

I visited for the open day and immediately felt at home. It's a small city but very cosy and everyone was really friendly.

What is the best thing about your course and why?

The course is very interactive and the field trips are extremely useful as you can see physical and human aspects happening in the real world. The lecturers are one of the top reasons I chose the subject. They will do anything to help you and are extremely understanding if you are having any difficulties or problems.

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

If you don't know whether you would rather do human or physical geography, the first two years have both elements incorporated into the modules.

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

It was difficult at first leaving my friends back home, but being in halls was a great opportunity to meet lots of new people which made it easy to settle in. I wasn't the most confident of people and was a bit awkward when meeting new people but having to live with people you just met for a year made me interact with them and after 5 years of being here, I still remain close friends with one of them. As a first year, you tend to notice a lot of other people are in the same boat as you and that is kind of comforting.

What sports activities or clubs/societies (if any) are you involved with?

I did karate for a while but gave up as it wasn't for me. I go to the gym and I'm a member at the rock climbing centre.

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

There's not really one moment but I can definitely say that gaining confidence in myself and finding a great group of friends has been one of the best parts of being at uni up here.

Do you have any advice for potential new students?

Be open to new experiences and expect hard work.