Natalie Pullen

"The overall university experience has helped me to become more confident and has allowed me to balance part-time work, studying, and socialising in order to have an effective work life balance."

Why did you choose the University of Plymouth to do your degree course?

The University of Plymouth was my first choice as I loved the location, the variety of sports and societies on offer, and the variety of practical and business elements present on the BSc (Hons) Events Management course. I wanted to find a course that prepared me for the events industry through practical application instead of just focusing on theory. 

The course also has many business elements to it, such as preparing business plans and a variety of guest speakers sharing their own experiences from a business perspective. Other bonus features on the course are the ability to gain extra certificates valued within the events industry, such as an IOSH Crowd management and control certification.

How have you found your time here?

I have loved being at the University of Plymouth and gaining independence away from home. Becoming involved within a sports club also helped with the transition into university life as it provided another social aspect in addition to housemates and friends on the course. 

Competing at sports competitions within the South West and the BUCS league provides the opportunity to socialise with students from universities all around the South. 

The facilities at the University, including the twenty-four hour opening times of the library, are also a bonus to students who don’t necessarily suit a nine to five learning regime. 

The overall university experience has helped me to become more confident and has allowed me to balance part-time work, studying, and socialising in order to have an effective work-life balance.

Would you encourage prospective students to study with us and why?

I would encourage students to consider studying at the University of Plymouth due to the location, facilities, and support available. Plymouth has a great balance of city life, park areas, and waterfront at the Barbican and Hoe which reminded me a lot of my hometown in Bournemouth.

When picking a university it is important to look at the location as well as the course, as you will be living there for a minimum of three years!

Plymouth has lots to offer outside of the normal studying perimeters to help get the right work-life balance. The facilities at the University are fantastic with the twenty-four-hour library as well as access to computers and printers all over campus.

There are also a number of cafe’s and the Students' Union on site, broadcasting a number of sports games and providing areas to socialise and grab a coffee on the go.

Finally, the University offers a lot in the way of support to students with regards to financial bursaries, employment on campus as student ambassadors, and catering or bar staff opportunities, as well as support through faculty staff and general well-being.

Fire dancer at Chinese New Year celebrations