Anna Kirillova
Anna Kirillova, 21
BA (Hons) Hospitality Management, Third Year
Ipswich Campus
For me, choosing to study at UCS was an exciting and challenging step forward whilst also being a choice that I was confident about making. After transferring here from another university in the UK, I felt I wanted to study at UCS for the combination of its modern approach to learning and its exciting new building on the Ipswich Waterfront.
The Hospitality Management course at UCS appealed to me from the onset, with a varied array of modules on offer. One of my favourite parts of the course is the practical aspect of its learning approach. We are offered the opportunity to gain valuable experience in various areas of work within Ipswich itself, and can get a realistic understanding of the employment world.
Before I came to study at UCS, I grew up in Latvia and completed my school education over there whilst staying in my home town with my family. After finishing school I flew over to England to study at degree level. I then spent two years studying at a university elsewhere in England and went on to work in Spain for my year of employment. On my return I knew that I wanted to try something new which would satisfy my academic and social needs and prepare me for the demanding and competitive world of Hospitality.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my time at UCS has been the projects I have been involved in. Hospitality Management students, with the support of their tutors, are able to work with the Ipswich community in generating interest in local businesses whilst gaining valuable skills and knowledge from them simultaneously. We were even involved in the James Bond Premiere project in Ipswich and were invited to sit in and listen during the conferences and offer our opinion on how to approach the event which was a lot of fun as well as being very worthwhile for us all.
It was not only academic promise that drew me to UCS, but the environment studying here would allow me to experience. Ipswich and the surrounding areas within Suffolk are really lovely to spend time in, and the setting of the new building itself on the Waterfront is spectacular. It was a real plus for me that the building was so new and innovatively designed, I really felt like I was stepping into something fresh and constantly evolving.
I am so glad that I chose to study at UCS and feel sure that I made the right choice. As I continue with my third year I feel lucky that I am able to spend it here and enjoy the final part of my degree with the support I really need.