Keele University is set back in the Staffordshire countryside, but it isn’t shy of facilities and great lecturers. My time at University has been in the middle of the pandemic and for me, the lecturers and the University have been understanding and cooperative towards any issues that the pandemic may have caused for students. The lecturers have brilliant communication with students, assignments are always given in good time, along with replies to emails almost immediately. They are always very helpful with assignments if the students are facing any problems. The university sends regular emails and updates regarding events happening at the university, whether this is strike action, social events or internships we can apply for. I think the university overall can be slightly disorganised when it comes to timetables as we do not receive our timetables till a few days before the semester starts and I think receiving the timetables earlier would benefit the students more, especially students who have part-time jobs, like myself. The course structure for Keele is one of the reasons I choose this University over my other choices, as you are able to choose modules from other subject areas to gain a wider range of skills and knowledge upon leaving University. There is also a wide range of assignment types, such as essays, reviews, podcasts and presentations. Keele takes pride in Student Voice and shows the importance of listening to their students, for example, in my first year, we also had exams but from listening to the students in the English Department, the university agreed and decided exams were not necessary for English Students, therefore, took exams from the English Syllabus. Overall I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Keele University and would recommend Keele, particularly if a student is interested in a smaller University, or a mature student like myself. I don’t live on campus, I live at home with my family as I am a mature student and I wasn’t too interested in student life but if I was applying for student life, I am not sure if Keele would be as appealing. I applied just for education and Keele has exceeded my expectations.

I will start by saying that I unequivocally loved Keele University. Despite its remote location there was a variety of students and teaching staff, with interests across the board being represented by the Student Union in societies. The campus is gorgeous and made a great change for a city girl like me, although I never really got used to the sporadic bus service to the nearest town!

I definitely think the experience depends on your degree programme. I studied English and the department was amazing, supportive, interesting and passionate about their subject. The same can’t be said for all departments, unfortunately, so look up your potential lecturers! See if they are interested in topics you like and if they’ve won things like teaching awards.

Overall I would highly recommend Keele University. As the campus is so isolated there is a real community feel, and the ‘Keele Bubble’ is something you can’t get at any other uni.