Student profile: Freya Darbyshire

Why did you choose to study your chosen course at the University of Liverpool?

I really liked the openness of studying English at Liverpool. It’s a really flexible degree programme studying both English Language and English Literature as I’ve not had to stick to an equal balance of both. Not all universities offered this either. Compared to A-Levels, it has also allowed me to explore a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, some that I would never have known existed if not for my tutors. 

How has University been different from A-levels?

If I could sum up how university has been different from A-levels in one word I would say ‘independent’. In GCSEs and even A Levels to a certain degree, students are told what answers examiners are looking for. However, university lets you be more independent in choosing your own essay questions and is more about making one argument in an essay rather than counter-arguing, and making it as convincing as possible.

What has surprised you most about Liverpool?

Just how much is going on the city. There are so many things you can be a part of like events going on at the cathedrals, communities you can be a part of. If you just go there with an open mind then you’ll find there’s so much you can be involved in and like-minded people to meet that’ll help you not miss home so much!

How has your learning been facilitated since coming to Liverpool?

I have had some help from Lizzie, Liverpool’s resident Royal Literary Fund fellow. She has helped me to improve my grammar in essays and has given me pointers that I now use to help me write my essays in a more fluent style. I also like how tutors offer to talk over essay ideas before you submit it, to help you get the best grade possible, which is really useful as then mistakes are avoided when writing it up.

What extra-or co-curricular activities do you take part in, and how do these affect your student experience?

I’ve been a writer for Ellipsis Magazine since I started and then I joined the committee last year as Deputy Culture Editor. Joining Ellipsis has definitely enhanced my student experience as I feel more involved in university life, interacting with great people on the team and with students when looking up events in the city for them to review and then chatting to them in weekly meetings.

If you could go back, what advice would you have given yourself before going to University?

Not to worry. When you arrive at university, Liverpool university helps you with settle in smoothly, emailing you about anything you need to do, like registering online, and at Welcome Week you can sign up for societies and even register for the doctors. Welcome Week is about easing yourself into uni life and you really don’t need to worry about doing too much pre-work. Your tutors will email you if you need to do anything!