"the course has been both engaging and reassuring, helping me feel confident that I’ve chosen the right path"

Starting university felt like a huge step but it’s been a positive and rewarding experience so far. From moving into halls, to finding my way around campus, the transition was definitely daunting at first.

However, the welcoming and supportive environment at Hallam made it much easier to settle in. Studying Climate, Sustainability and Environmental Management (CSEM) has only added to that sense of belonging as the course has been both engaging and reassuring, helping me feel confident that I’ve chosen the right path.

Applying theory to the real world

So far in the course we have completed a range of assignments that have built directly on what we have learned in lectures and seminars. We have developed the knowledge needed to respond to common climate misconceptions and worked in groups to design posters that propose sustainability improvements for locations around Sheffield. We have also produced ArcGIS Story Maps that explain the role and significance of a selected IUCN Ecosystem Functional Group.

Working towards these assignments has helped me develop practical and transferable skills that will be valuable as I enter the workforce and pursue a career in the industry. I believe having this experience has strengthened my ability to apply theory in real world contexts, adapt to challenges and approach professional tasks with confidence and independence. 

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Learning beyond lectures

Although obviously a lot of teaching is classroom based, CSEM also places a real emphasis on learning beyond lectures and seminars. From day one, we were out in the field exploring the environments that we were to study. The field trips add an important practical dimension allowing us to apply theoretical ideas to real environments. We regularly visit the Peak District National Park, which is only a short drive from campus and, in my opinion, a real benefit of studying at Hallam.

I am really looking forward to the upcoming field trip to Wales which supports the module we’re currently working on. We will be visiting Parys Mountain, Cwm Idwal and the Centre for Alternative Technology. It should be a great opportunity to apply what we’ve learnt already in a more practical setting, whilst also allowing all of us pupils to get to know each other better outside the classroom. I’m also hopeful about the opportunity to travel to Iceland in my second year at university. I believe it would offer a unique chance to explore themes I’ve studied on the course in a very different geographical context.

Extracurricular life

Outside of the classroom and the field, I am also a member of the swim team here at Hallam. I’ve found that being a member of a society has had a huge impact on my university experience. I have been able to rediscover my enjoyment for competitive sport and have committed to training again.

Being part of a regular training environment has allowed me to establish a strong day to day routine, which supports my studies by improving my organisation and time management skills. Through this, I’ve also been able to meet other students from ranging years of study and have formed friendships that have become an important part of my experience at Hallam. ​​​