First-year BSc student, Joseph Harrison has written this blog on how his first term has gone. Joseph touches on why he chose to study Geography at degree level, what the course is like so far and shares his overall impressions about living in London.
Hello fellow Geographers, I am Joseph Harrison a first year BSc student from the Midlands in the UK. I attained three A-Levels in Geography, French and English Literature.
Geography has always had such an appeal to me, from the early experience of seeing the earth from the ever-blue skied height of a plane to today, seeing the devastation climate change is having globally. Geography has always retained its pertinence to the world and to be part of studying the discipline at such an esteemed institution is an immense privilege.
Choosing King’s College was my intention from the beginning. The course offers a breadth that other competitive universities did not with the first year spanning human and physical studies. The staff are world class, with most leading research and studies used by policy makers and government officials alike. To be taught by these leaders is something I continually find an inspiration both personally and academically. The course structure is also a hugely beneficial aspect to the course, modules give the best introduction into the vast and expansive world of academic geography. Personal favourites include the Changing Natural Environment module; it examines climate change at great detail and offers great opportunities to succeed with assessment being comprised of coursework and examination. The staff in this module were passionate and they designed lectures and seminars that were extremely relevant to challenges being faced globally.
Away from the academics, living in central London has also been a truly enlightening experience. Having lived in the rural midlands for eighteen years, this change to London where arts, culture, and diversity are in abundance has been such an exciting thing to witness. The diversity London and the mix or culture and backgrounds even within King’s has allowed me and my peers to feel welcomed at every stage.
As we move into the second semester of the 21/22 year, I am very much looking forward to spending some time in the lab and continuing to experience a rich cultural education also. Reflecting on the first term, I would like to thank the geography student engagement team who provided such a welcome and a week of activity and bonding in the first week. As well as all the academic team who have meticulously planned and executed lectures and seminars. I wish everyone a happy and health second semester.