Deciding where to go for university can be a daunting experience. Whether as a British student or as an international one like myself, it’s hard to figure out what the best choice for you is. After spending more than two years at the University of York, these are the reasons why I think deciding to study Economics here was the best decision for me.
1. Course flexibility
One of the best things about the Economics at the University of York is how flexible the course is. Economics is a broad subject, which concerns many aspects of our everyday life but also expands historically and geographically. Even with a basic knowledge of the discipline, it’s hard to know what branch of it you’re really interested about – that is, until you try it!
This is why the Department of Economics allows you to change your course up until the end of the first year. This means that if by June you realise you love finance, or you’re really interested in econometric theory, but you applied for a straight Economics degree, you can still make sure to specialise in these branches by changing your course to Economics and Finance, or Economics and Econometrics, or – why not – Economics, Econometrics and Finance.
But don’t worry, you won’t be behind your new coursemates, because everyone does the same first year! That’s right, no matter your degree title, you’ll still share all your first-year modules with the entire undergraduate Economics student body.
2. Societies
There are many ways to socialise at university, but an easy one is to get involved in societies. Societies are run by students and are helpful in many different regards. Firstly, they’re a great way to make friends and get to know your coursemates better. Secondly, they enhance your CV and boost your employability. Whether you plan on running for a position on the committee, or you simply decide to tag along to the social and career events, you will acquire many new skills, meet interesting people, and engage with different lecturers and professionals.
Here at the University of York, we offer different societies related to Economics, such as:
The Economics Society is one of the largest academic societies on campus. ‘Econsoc’, as it is known, is involved in a wide range of activities to cater to the tastes and preferences of its members, such as social and career events. The society also organises an annual black-tie event, where students can celebrate the end of the Autumn term.
The Investment and Finance Society (IFS) has one of the largest membership bases in the North of England. This society represents the finance community at the University of York and aims to provide financial education and hands-on experience to their members.
York Community Consulting is a student-run pro-bono consultancy organisation. Getting involved in YCC will give you real-life experience with consultancy, which is a popular career with recent Economics graduates. It allows you to meet York alumni and external mentors from major firms, besides offering numerous social opportunities throughout the term.
3. Different teaching formats
Lectures, seminars, and workshops
Here at the University of York teaching happens in many formats. You will be expected to attend lectures, but don’t worry if you miss one! Most of the lecturers allow their lectures to be recorded, which means that you can easily catch up online. This is also really helpful during revision, as you are able to rewatch any lecture if you’re having problems understanding a specific topic.
Besides lectures, you are required to attend seminars. Seminars are my favourite teaching format: you prepare work in advance and then get to discuss it in a smaller class of around 20 students. Seminars are a great way to come in contact with new and diverse opinions, and that is what university is all about!
Finally, you will attend workshops, which are as big as lectures, but rather than presenting the content, the lecturer goes through a problem set that has questions similar to those that might end up in the final exam.
Generally, the lecturers in the Economics department are really friendly and available, and have your best interest at heart!
There are many elements you need to keep in mind when considering where to go for university. These are some of the aspects of studying Economics at York that I have enjoyed the most and to which I’m looking forward in this new term.
I hope I have swayed you towards choosing the University of York, but whatever your final decision is, I hope it is the right one for you, so that you can enjoy your university years as much as I am!
Lots of love,
Rosita xx
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