Jump to Course review
Jump to University review
Course review
Review by: Joseph N
University: University of Leeds
Course: Physical Geography
Year of study: 3rd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
Visit the Physical Geography forum and see what people are discussing right now!
Click here to go back
The course in general
How many contact hours do you have in the average week?
14
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
Geography, Biology, Physics, and Statistics.
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
Broadness of the subject and a lot of interesting topics within it. A lot of it relevant to today, e.g. climate change and its effects on the Earth.
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
That it would involve so much statistics as you progress!
The actual modules that you were able to enrol on within the school of geography.
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
Two lectures a day, every other week a lab session. Seminars are rarer.
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
Yes, quite a lot of journal and book reading.
Is there anything else you think is relevant or that you would like to add in respect of your course?
A good understanding of statistics is a massive bonus. Quite a lot of people struggle with this, myself included. However, I wouldn't worry too much, I definitely wouldn't say an A level in maths/statistics is needed, you can take them as electives if you want to brush up on it.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
The topics are actually interesting, up to date and engaging. Also, you are able to do fieldtrips which are really good at bringing the students together and are generally a good laugh.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
Some things (such as soil!) are not so interesting. Though the positives outweigh the negatives.
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
Very good, lecturers come up in a lot of the literature of the most current research. Facilities are good, could do with a bit of modernisation though.
Explain how you expected your course to be and how it compares to how it actually is. Give an outline of the content of the course.
Lots to do with climate change and its various effect on the biosphere, cryosphere etc. First year you study both human and physical modules so that is much broader, involves things such as politics etc. Teaching is mainly done through lectures, quite large lecture groups in geography.
Looking for more information on Physical Geography?
Are you doing this course? Write a review for us and help give prospective students the inside story! Click here.
Looking for another course? Or university?
University review
Review by: Joseph N
University: University of Leeds
Course: Physical Geography
Year of study: 3rd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
Visit the University of Leeds forum and see what people are discussing right now!
Click here to go back
Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
Definitely one of the best in the UK. Very social but got hard workers here too.
What is the academic life like at your university?
Good
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
Fresher's week was brilliant. It was just as I expected. If you're in halls you'll find making friends easy as long as you're open. Loads of nights out to go on, students taking over the city. You'll love it.
Are there any other notes you would like to add about life in general at university or anything else which would be relevant to a prospective student?
Don't be daunted about university, first year will be the best year of your life, especially if its in Leeds!
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
The University itself is brilliant, its the largest campus university ( I think! ) and its planted right next to the city centre. The best thing would have to be Student Union, which I think was voted the best union in the country this year. It has 3 clubs,2 bars, a supermarket and more.
Worst thing is that it has to come to an end (lame I know!)!
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
Ok. The gym gets too overcrowded because they're refurbishing the old one. Football/Hockey/Cricket/Rugby facilities are all very good but quite far out unless you live in Oxley or Bodington. I do use the sports facilities quite a lot but it's easy as my house has a car.
Sports societies are good, the boxing one's very good if you want to keep off the Fresher's flab and is actually quite a friendly society.
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
Very good, lots of good societies to join too. I would say it is quite alcohol orientated but I wouldn't say drinking is a must. It helps.
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
Leeds is a fantastic city. Loads of good club nights, good shopping. I feel safe there too, massive student community.
Accommodation
Do you live in a halls of residence or a student house (or college)? What would you suggest is best in your opinion?
Live in halls definitely. Easiest way to blend into the uni lifestyle.
If you are in a hall or college, is it catered or self catered? Which is better for the first year in your opinion and why?
I lived in self catered. I wouldn't say one is better or not better. It's a matter of personal opinion. I can cook so I cooked, if you can't maybe go for catered. I would say catered is probably the more sociable of the two, as you can meet people at dinner etc.Self catered sets you up for leaving halls as well.
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
About £70pw self catered.£80pw is average.
Looking for more information on University of Leeds?
