Lancaster University
speciality: Mathematics

My first year in the BSc Mathematics programme at Lancaster has been an exercise in advanced independent problem-solving, starting with the classic puzzle: “What on earth was the lecture actually about?”

While I genuinely enjoy the intellectual challenge, my lecturers sometimes communicate with the clarity of a cryptic crossword clue. The main point of a lecture can occasionally feel like a hidden variable we’re meant to estimate, often leaving me unsure of what questions to even ask. Let’s just say it’s built character—and a heavy reliance on the fantastic support system.

And that’s the real win. The environment and campus are absolutely lovely, buzzing with a fantastic diversity of people from all over the world. It’s a great place to be. When the lecture material has me stumped, there are plenty of resources and brilliant people to help us find the missing pieces, from the maths support centre to study groups that have become my academic lifeline.

I’d recommend this programme to students who are self-starters, curious puzzle-solvers, and who don’t mind occasionally treating a lecture like an escape room. If you’re willing to actively seek out the excellent help available, you’ll find a strong foundation for your degree and an incredibly vibrant community to enjoy along the way.