International Foundation Programme at the University of Bristol

The teaching style is very different from what I'm used to, but I like it, and my seminars are very interactive, which is obviously a plus. My Foundation has given me the chance to study Biomedicine and Chemistry at the same time, which is perfect for me, and I've already learnt a lot through my English and Maths modules, so that's really beneficial for my future.

It’s amazing how much effort the teacher puts into making sure that you actually understand, that you're getting the right skills to progress to university - I keep telling my family about that. I really enjoy walking round Bristol as a city - the buildings are beautiful, there are many green spaces, and the harbour is really nice. Plus everyone is very friendly and open.

One of the most important things I learnt was how to structure essays, think critically and assess pieces of information. In terms of writing and reading skills, I made huge developments. We were required to read a lot of information and derive the underlying meaning, which proved useful for my degree.

I’ve met with quite a lot of tech people here in Bristol, especially in my accommodation, so we get to share ideas, interact with each other, and get a different perspective of how the tech world is advancing and changing with time. Being in Bristol has meant that I’ve met people who have helped to shape my thinking about how tech is – how it’s been and how it should be.

The pathway course is helping me feel more prepared for university. If I’d just done my first year here straightaway, it would have been hard to understand what the professor was saying, and I would have had a lot of trouble doing my assignments and giving presentations. It’s very good to be able to prepare using this year and let myself embrace university life better.