Poppy Westwood

   Student profile   

BA (Hons) Creative Writing and English Literature

Why did you choose BSU?

I chose to study at BSU because of its vibrant nature, history, and the Joint Honours course. I visited other universities, but none of them gave me the same level of excitement and feeling of potential that I experienced when I came here to Bath.

From the moment I set foot on the main city streets, to touring around campus, I felt a strange connection to the quaint scenery and the architecture of the place.

Inspiration was rioting in my head by simply staring at any building here and there in town, and there was so much to explore in such a comfortable space. However beautiful Bath Spa University is, the course was evidently the cherry on the cake.

Do other universities offer a course similar to this one? Perhaps, but the dedication, organisation, and wide variety of modules and subjects within the course won me over without issue.

Best thing about your course?

The best thing about my course is the opportunity that we are given to explore our own creativity. It’s difficult to participate in a course like Creative Writing and be told that you have guidelines which restrict your creative scope, but here at Bath Spa University the accommodation which is provided for our wide visions is outstanding.

The support given to us in the humanities department helps to foster our own growth and focus on the work that we choose to do.

In a joint honours course the work is pleasant, and evenly spread, and it often feels like we have been given the best of both worlds. Without the help from our team leaders and teachers the freedom that is granted to us might have been intimidating, but because of them my confidence and ambitions grew to greater heights.

What's been your favourite experience so far?

My favourite experience so far has been starting my own novel, meeting fantastic new people, and becoming my own person. All of these things could be considered all part of the same scheme but I believe that it is important to note that in your university experience, schoolwork isn’t the only lessons you will be learning.

From time management to friendships, living habits to social life, university at BSU is an utter adventure. Being surrounded by members of faculty and peers who genuinely care to help you is what makes this university uniquely itself, and aspirations such as writing my own novel would have been considered much more unachievable had I not chosen this school.

Favourite thing to do in Bath?

My favourite thing to do in Bath is pick out one in a million coffee shops, find a small spot inside, take out my laptop or notebook, and write with a mug of something warm in hand. It is as simple and as content as that.