Lauren
McManus

Why did you choose to study your course at Brackenhurst?

The campus was beautiful and spacious; the lectures were structured in a way that I feel I could learn more effectively.

Tell us more about your course. What do you enjoy studying the most?

I enjoy learning about how the diseases can affect the animal's body and why a certain response happens. I also love learning about the behaviours of animals and why they may have a change in them. I also enjoy the practical as you are learning a lot about different species of animals, and the duties help with knowing all the husbandry protocols needed and why.

What do you think about the facilities available on your course and what do you use the most?

The facilities at the campus are amazing there is open gardens and benches to sit outside with friends and get a bit of fresh air, there is a very reasonable priced shop and a café and on the other side of campus a farm house for all to use which is very handy and has a fridge and other equipment in there if needed.

What do you think about Brackenhurst Campus? What do you get up to in your spare time?

I often will go to the shop and café and go in the farmhouse and go on walks around the grounds of the campus with friends as it is very nice and scenic.

Have you had any support from other departments? How was your experience accessing these/was the service helpful?

I have had some help from student support they gave me some fidgets to help me concentrate in lessons which really helped me and reduced my anxiety. The employability team were amazing sorting out my hours on in place as they hadn't updated and they rectified this for me.

What is your top tip for someone considering studying at Brackenhurst Campus?

It would be not to worry, everyone on the course is there because they love animals there will be people with very similar interests, don't worry about being different as everyone will be similar and you will find your people.

Have you been involved in any placements, work experience or volunteering as part of your course? If so, what did you do and what did you achieve? 

My work placement was done at a vet practice and developed my knowledge of what happens there behind the scenes and why.

Why would you recommend your course to someone considering studying it?

The course is amazing the lectures help in any way they can and are all so lovely and you never feel awkward and can just be yourself. The content may be hard at times but all you need to do is ask and they will help you!

What are your plans for after the course and how do you feel your course has/will help you to achieve that goal?

I am hoping to go to university to become a vet surgeon and this course will allow me to go into it as this was a better option of learning for me as it was different style then A levels which was not my learning style.

Any additional comments?

Everyone is so approachable, you can make friends with anyone, they hold great events which anyone can attend. There is a wellbeing Wednesday with lots of opportunities to do crafts and things like that and it helps with socialising and is fun to do with friends and does help!!