Name: Siri Finsvik Andersen
Course: BA Advertising and marketing communications
Status: Final year
Place of study:Bournemouth University
My name is Siri Andersen and I have spent the last two years studying BA Advertising and marketing communications at Bournemouth University, on the lovely English south coast. I could not have made a better choice, as I really enjoy everything about being here….except the lack of snow, of course!
When I did a marketing course in high school, I decided that that was what I wanted to do, however I could not find a good advertising-related course in Norway and I have always wanted to study abroad.
I chose to study in Bournemouth as I heard from other Norwegians that the student life was brilliant, it was not as expensive to live here compared to my second choice, London.
I chose Bournemouth Media Schools because both my course and the school has an excellent reputation within the industry.
The Student Union is an active organisation that makes sure there is always something happening at campus. They communicate with the students using their own magazine, TV-channel and radio station, and cover a number of interests, particularly volunteer work, charity and political issues related to student life. There is a sports club or society for everyone at university, including ANSA for Norwegians. The Student Union-run nightclub The Old Firestation is extremely popular among most students, as well-known artists and DJ’s are playing regularly and they have different theme nights every day. There are several ANSA events during the year, organised by the Anglo-European chiropractic college or the University, the most successful ones being the traditional Christmas dinner and the big National Day celebration. There are quite a few Norwegians here, and many take part in “the Norwegian clan”, as our British and international friends call us…with a smile on their face. For them, Norwegians are known for their liking of great parties, which does not interfere with their academic performance, work or being a part of the general social life in Bournemouth. At the university, there is a great international environment, which is enhanced by the exceptional work of the International Office, including their International week every autumn, and the recently formed International student association.
What I like the most about my course is that we have group work, presentations and assignments in addition to exams, and seminars as well as lectures. These variations enable interaction and discussion among the students, and learning how to put theory into practise. There are a lot of well-known guest lecturers who gives us up-to-date insight of what is going on in the industry, and we work on live briefs from professional clients, which is motivating and exciting.
Bournemouth can be identified as a great student town, because of its size and nightlife. You will not experience being lost or lonely here, but you will not feel that you can’t breathe either. Unfortunately for some, there is a lack of offerings for those interested in art, however London is only two hours away, so there are opportunities for short-breaks and exciting days out in the dynamic, vibrant and colourful capital. Instead, Bournemouth can offer friendly people, a gorgeous beach, powerful waves and a fresh sea breeze. Nothing else improves your concentration more than a run by the beach! Being a student town, Bournemouth is acknowledged for its lively nightlife and it is just as busy on Mondays as on Friday nights. I guess this is the main reason why people from everywhere in the UK are travelling to Bournemouth to celebrate hen and stag nights and end of year-exams.
Being in my final year, I am continuously thinking about my future, and all the opportunities I am now facing. I would like to work in London for a while, to get valuable experience both professionally and personally. I believe that this will be very helpful later in life, as London can kick you in the face and be harsh on you, as most big cities. On the other hand though, it will offer you great career opportunities, improve your social and vocational skills and make you become more independent and self-confident. After a couple of years’ experience from the industry, and when my student loan is paid, I would like to get a postgraduate degree, either in America or in the UK. As for now, I must concentrate on my coursework and my dissertation, as this is a very busy and challenging year… It will be exciting to see where I will be in a year from now!
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