Samantha Durrant, BEconSc Economics
Why did you choose to study (BEconSc)?
I have always been passionate about economics and BEconSc gave me the opportunity to further my studies. The BEconSc degree program was much more flexible than many others degrees I looked at, with a wide range of modules covering the whole spectrum of economics and finance to choose from. I felt this would put me in a strong employment position on graduation.
Why did you choose the University of Manchester?
I loved Manchester from my first visit. I wanted to study at a leading British University situated in a city, and Manchester offered this whilst still having accommodation campus's that were green and spacious, coming from the country side this offered me the best of both worlds. I was also very impressed by the amount of money the university was investing into its campus. Manchester also has an excellent careers service which I believed to be very important.
What do you like in Manchester as a city?
Manchester is a city full of diversity and culture. There are a million things to do and never a dull moment. The transport links are brilliant. I love that in Manchester you can live a cosmopolitan life style but still escape to the countryside. There are not many cities that offer that.
What has been the highlight of your course so far?
It is very hard to pick an individual highlight. I have really enjoyed studying this year; the courses are all so varied and each requires a different kind of thinking. The degree program has a society, B Econ Soc, which organises great socials. The end of year ball was particularly fun.
What is it like to study on the programme?
BEconSc is a relatively small degree and there are several modules just for our program. This has meant we spend a lot of time together and consequently have become a very close group of friends. Many degree programmes are large and somewhat impersonal so this is quite special.
What social/extra-curricular opportunities have been opened up for you by studying at the University?
I have become involved in a great deal of voluntary work, which is not only rewarding but really good fun. I am also a student ambassador and help to promote further education, working with the children can be more entertaining. The university also offers a wide range of fitness activities and although I am not a member of a particular club, I vastly enjoy using the wide range of fitness facilities from the aquatics centre to the gyms to the unusual fitness classes.