UQ Program: Bachelor of Laws / Commerce
I’m currently sitting in my residential hall in Manchester, UK thinking about what I could possibly write in my testimonial and what I could possibly share with you all. I have found it very hard to describe the experience I have had over the past five months (it has truly flown by), but to say the least it has been AWESOME!!! It is undoubtedly, the best semester I’ve had at university, probably one of the best I will have during my life and it is an experience that I will cherish forever.
On this exchange, I have chosen to take three courses from the School of Law as they have on offer numerous electives which are truly unique to the UK and EU. All of my three courses (Intellectual Property Law, Consumer Law and International and European Labour Law) satisfy the requirements of Level 5 law electives at UQ (Laws 5xxx) . The academic system is similar to that of UQ in terms of lectures, tutorials and workload. Unfortunately, for law students the lectures are not recorded, tutorial attendance is compulsory and there is real sense of participation in tutorials, so be prepared in your seminars/ tutorials – your tutor will pick on you! The exams are fairly similar to those of UQ with problem and essay questions, however, you are usually given questions to chose from, which is definitely an added bonus giving you the opportunity to explore Manchester, the UK and Europe!
Manchester is definitely a student city – there is no shortage of pubs, bars, parties and clubs. There are events on every single night of the week! The food is relatively inexpensive and they are open to the early hours of the morning and best of all, the alcohol prices can be as low as 1 pound per shot in clubs. If partying is not your type of thing, then Manchester acts as a perfect base for travelling in the UK and throughout Europe on weekends and during the 3 week Easter break. It is definitely an opportunity not to be missed! Travel by National Express (bus), National Rail (train) and budget airlines (Ryanair, EasyJet etc..) are fairly cheap if you book in advance and watch their websites for sales! During my time in Manchester I made weekend trips to Dublin, Edinburgh, Amsterdam and London, as well as day trips to various cities in the UK. During the 3 week Easter break I jetted off to mainland Europe beginning my journey in Paris. It is definitely an experience you will never regret! Don’t be scared as you’ll meet plenty of exchange students who are willing, ready and able to travel just like you, the hardest thing will be deciding which countries you want to go to and how it will all fit in!
Exchange is not only an extended holiday for you to meet all different friends from all corners of the world, to discover different cultures and to expand your horizons. It is definitely more than that!! Personally, it was without doubt a journey of self-discovery, an opportunity to recognize my strengths and weaknesses and reflect upon what I truly want in life. To say the least it was life changing! LIVE LIFE WITHOUT REGRETS – APPLY NOW!
Top Tips:
1. If you will be travelling in the UK via train remember to purchase a 16-25 railcard from any railway station, which gives you 33% off all rail travel throughout the UK
2. Remember to buy a bus pass from GMPTE Travelshop, which gives you unlimited bus travel throughout the semester in Manchester. Buses run 24/7 in Manchester and are very frequent during the day – the best way to get around Manchester!
3. If you will be travelling in Europe before, after or during Easter break checkout a ‘Eurail pass’ for affordable rail travel throughout Europe
4. Check out ‘Wilkinson’ in Arndale (City Centre) for cheap toiletries and household items when you first arrive in Manchester and throughout your semester
5. Please don’t bring too many clothes with you, the fashion in the UK is so much better and things are relatively inexpensive. Check out ‘Primark’, ‘ZARA’, ‘H&M’, ‘Topshop’!
6. If you want any more advice or information about Manchester, please ask the UQ Abroad Office for my details, I will gladly answer any questions you have!