Libbie Hardy – MChem Student
Can you introduce yourself and a bit about your background?
I’m a fourth-year Chemistry student who joined the University of Liverpool straight from Sixth Form. I’ve always known I wanted to go to university, even though I wasn’t sure what to study at first. I’ve benefited from a stable home environment and consistent education since reception, which provided a secure foundation for personal and academic growth.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Liverpool?
I chose Liverpool because of its close proximity to my family in Warrington—it’s a home away from home. The city felt safe and welcoming, and its vibrant centre offered something completely different to my hometown.
What inspired you to choose chemistry as your field of study?
I loved organic chemistry at Sixth Form and was deciding between studying chemistry or psychology. Ultimately, I felt chemistry offered more post-university career pathways, and I knew I’d enjoy it more.
How has your educational journey shaped your approach to chemistry?
Having attended private education from a young age, I benefited from more personalised learning. In science subjects especially, one-to-one teaching really helped me understand complex material—something that can be more difficult in a standard classroom setting. This tailored support gave me the confidence and foundation to succeed in a subject like chemistry.
Have you experienced any challenges during your time at Liverpool, and how did you overcome them?
At the start of my university journey, I struggled with homesickness and questioned whether university was right for me. I decided to stick it out until Christmas, and after the break, everything started to fall into place. I found my friends, settled into the environment, and became much more comfortable. For me, the key was stepping outside of my comfort zone and investing time in the people and activities I enjoyed.
How would you describe the culture of inclusion within the Chemistry Department at UoL?
I’ve personally never experienced any issues with inclusion. However, I have noticed that recognition often goes to those who are more visibly involved in the department. Sometimes it feels like quieter students or those without the same opportunities might be overlooked for recognition or experiences.
How would you describe the support in place within the Chemistry Department?
The support is strong. The Chemistry Support Office is approachable and offers helpful advice for both academic and personal concerns. Having an academic advisor and attendance tracking is also helpful, particularly for students who may be struggling behind the scenes but haven’t yet asked for help.
What has the environment at the University of Liverpool been like?
The university environment is friendly and inclusive. You quickly learn who you connect with, and there are plenty of activities and societies where people can be themselves and pursue what they enjoy. It’s a great place to grow both academically and socially.
What advice would you give someone who wants to study Chemistry? (What would you have liked to know before you began your undergraduate degree?)
Be prepared for the workload—it’s more intense than it might initially appear. The timetable in first year doesn’t reflect the real time commitment. Tasks often take longer than expected, and you’ll spend additional hours outside of scheduled sessions and at weekends studying. Academic pressure is real, even for those who don’t think they’ll feel it. That said, after the first two years, things start to settle down and feel more manageable. If you’re passionate about chemistry, go for it—it’s demanding but incredibly rewarding.
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