Frances Ebele Okwuonu
Programme: Law (L.L.B) degree
Year of study: 2nd
Nationality: Nigerian
Why did you choose Law at the University of Liverpool?
University of Liverpool is one of the Russel group universities and this symbolizes it’s competence with research. Also, worth mentioning is that the University Law School offers an opportunity to every first-year law student to have a combined degree choosing from a wide range of different minors of their choice, though it is not compulsory to continue with the minor throughout your degree (you can drop it after first year). This opportunity is a very good one which some other universities do not offer.
More notably is the practical experience the University Law School provides to help understand what is being taught in lectures, ranging from court visits to pro bono services where you handle real life situations to a lot more.
What have you enjoyed most about the programme so far?
No doubt studying Law is very challenging and requires a lot of hard work. But I would say I am enjoying every bit of the struggle and stress. One of the most enjoyable things for me about my programme here at University of Liverpool is that we are given the opportunity to work at your pace. More like an independent learning. Although we have deadlines and everyone is expected to meet the set deadline, the time frame, I think is sufficient to enable one conduct their reading and research.
Are you involved in any clubs or societies?
Yes, I am a member of the Legal Society and currently the Secretary of the Afro-Caribbean Society of the University. I am also member of the University Sports & fitness Centre.
How do they add to your overall university experience and what skills can you gain?
Joining clubs and societies at the university helps you make new friends and acquire more skills or develop the ones you already have. Being part of a society or club makes you feel welcomed and settle in properly. This is because you are in with like-minded people who share the same culture, belief, interest or goal as yourself. The friends you make from these societies helps you make the most out of your university experience by engaging in one activity or the other. More like life outside the lecture hall, a place less formal that helps you relax.
What do you like most about the city of Liverpool and why?
Liverpool is a very friendly City which makes it stand out. As an international student who has just arrived a new Country/City the reception one gets from the people in the community goes a long way in helping them adapt to their new environment.
More so, Liverpool is relatively inexpensive compared to other cities in the UK, this is because majority of the residents are students. As a result of this, things are therefore made in a way that students get good prices and quality for their everyday essentials including student discounts in almost half the local shops in the city even in terms of transportation. This I believe would help international students enjoy their stay while studying.
The social life the city offers is also worth stating. There is always an event to look forward to, whether it is a school organised event or a night out.