Honest reviews of Aston University?
Heard mixed responses about Aston, could someone give me their honest review of the uni as I am deciding whether to put it as my firm choice. I am applying to their business school. How is teaching quality, student support, societies etc? Cheers
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Hi there,
I'm a final year student at Aston and while I don't do a business based course, I have a few friends who do - and they are all fond of the teaching quality on their courses. what course will u be studying at the business school?
what Aston does very well on is the level and availability of feedback for exams/assignmentss, which will help you to learn and improve during your studies. lecturers seem very friendly and are willing to help.
student support staff are very helpful - be it academic, pastoral, financial etc.
In truth, while aston does have an array of different societies and the sports ones are good, I wouldn't say that a lot of the other ones are 'active', with not as much socials going on - I think that's probably because aston is a relatively small uni compared to others (being campus based and all), hence societies are a lot smaller.
hope this helps. feel free to ask me any more questions you may have or want to know about anymore of my experiences 🙂. Shame coronavirus is making final year fizzle out into nothingness...
I'm a final year student at Aston and while I don't do a business based course, I have a few friends who do - and they are all fond of the teaching quality on their courses. what course will u be studying at the business school?
what Aston does very well on is the level and availability of feedback for exams/assignmentss, which will help you to learn and improve during your studies. lecturers seem very friendly and are willing to help.
student support staff are very helpful - be it academic, pastoral, financial etc.
In truth, while aston does have an array of different societies and the sports ones are good, I wouldn't say that a lot of the other ones are 'active', with not as much socials going on - I think that's probably because aston is a relatively small uni compared to others (being campus based and all), hence societies are a lot smaller.
hope this helps. feel free to ask me any more questions you may have or want to know about anymore of my experiences 🙂. Shame coronavirus is making final year fizzle out into nothingness...
(edited 4 years ago)
Original post by Fuego1
Hi there,
I'm a final year student at Aston and while I don't do a business based course, I have a few friends who do - and they are all fond of the teaching quality on their courses. what course will u be studying at the business school?
what Aston does very well on is the level and availability of feedback for exams/assignmentss, which will help you to learn and improve during your studies. lecturers seem very friendly and are willing to help.
student support staff are very helpful - be it academic, pastoral, financial etc.
In truth, while aston does have an array of different societies and the sports ones are good, I wouldn't say that a lot of the other ones are 'active', with not as much socials going on - I think that's probably because aston is a relatively small uni compared to others (being campus based and all), hence societies are a lot smaller.
hope this helps. feel free to ask me any more questions you may have or want to know about anymore of my experiences 🙂. Shame coronavirus is making final year fizzle out into nothingness...
I'm a final year student at Aston and while I don't do a business based course, I have a few friends who do - and they are all fond of the teaching quality on their courses. what course will u be studying at the business school?
what Aston does very well on is the level and availability of feedback for exams/assignmentss, which will help you to learn and improve during your studies. lecturers seem very friendly and are willing to help.
student support staff are very helpful - be it academic, pastoral, financial etc.
In truth, while aston does have an array of different societies and the sports ones are good, I wouldn't say that a lot of the other ones are 'active', with not as much socials going on - I think that's probably because aston is a relatively small uni compared to others (being campus based and all), hence societies are a lot smaller.
hope this helps. feel free to ask me any more questions you may have or want to know about anymore of my experiences 🙂. Shame coronavirus is making final year fizzle out into nothingness...
Yes that was really helpful. Planning to study accounting and finance, definitely will be one of my choices, unsure whether to firm or not, deciding between Sheffield uni. They seem to place a lot of emphasis on the placement yea when I went to the applicant day, which is really good. They seem to have dropped down the rankings a bit, although they are starting to move up again, do you know why and should I be worried? Does it have a good reputation for employers? Also wanted to know was it easy to make friends as I am quite shy and is it a diverse uni? Sorry for all the questions
It's a shame the coronavirus has messed things up, but hope things all go well for you and you get the results you deserve.
Aston's ranking did drop a bit around a year or so ago (I'm not sure why) but with the introduction of the new aston medical school, it has risen again. I'd personally take ranking with a pinch of salt as they always change a bit - so don't worry about this. Aston is still a good university - yes it's not an Oxbridge or an imperial/Ucl, but student satisfaction seems to be quite good and personally, I'd like to be happy at a place I'm going to be studying at (especially if you're move out, like I did). Aston is also renown for its business school too.
Aston places a lot of emphasis on doing a placement - but it's down to you to do the applications, seek help and apply for them yourselves (the uni will not 'give you' a placement, unless it's for medicine ofc). It's quite tough sometimes to find one, but as you go through uni, you'll automatically develop your time management abilities to balance out assignments, societies, job applications etc.
careers and placement are very helpful - but you need to know what you want to get from them and seek the help yourself. Having never wrote a professional Cv/ cover letter before and even sat a psychometric test - the careers and placement team ran various sessions to help students with these + other areas.
I'd be careful with the 'good reputation for employers'. A lot of the time, it's you as a candidate and your experiences that will be the deal breaker during interviews, not the uni you go to. Unless it's something very competitive such as investment banking, the uni you go to doesn't make a difference during the hiring process. Also as a heads up, with the business school at Aston with sandwich courses, you will be expected to find and complete a placement year. if you do not find a placement, you will automatically be placed into a gap year till you find one. That's what I've heard - phone the admissions team to clarify this (or if u want more info) but as often is the case, they won't tell you all the fine details during an open day
Aston places a lot of emphasis on doing a placement - but it's down to you to do the applications, seek help and apply for them yourselves (the uni will not 'give you' a placement, unless it's for medicine ofc). It's quite tough sometimes to find one, but as you go through uni, you'll automatically develop your time management abilities to balance out assignments, societies, job applications etc.
careers and placement are very helpful - but you need to know what you want to get from them and seek the help yourself. Having never wrote a professional Cv/ cover letter before and even sat a psychometric test - the careers and placement team ran various sessions to help students with these + other areas.
I'd be careful with the 'good reputation for employers'. A lot of the time, it's you as a candidate and your experiences that will be the deal breaker during interviews, not the uni you go to. Unless it's something very competitive such as investment banking, the uni you go to doesn't make a difference during the hiring process. Also as a heads up, with the business school at Aston with sandwich courses, you will be expected to find and complete a placement year. if you do not find a placement, you will automatically be placed into a gap year till you find one. That's what I've heard - phone the admissions team to clarify this (or if u want more info) but as often is the case, they won't tell you all the fine details during an open day
Original post by Anonymous
Yes that was really helpful. Planning to study accounting and finance, definitely will be one of my choices, unsure whether to firm or not, deciding between Sheffield uni. They seem to place a lot of emphasis on the placement yea when I went to the applicant day, which is really good. They seem to have dropped down the rankings a bit, although they are starting to move up again, do you know why and should I be worried? Does it have a good reputation for employers? Also wanted to know was it easy to make friends as I am quite shy and is it a diverse uni? Sorry for all the questions
It's a shame the coronavirus has messed things up, but hope things all go well for you and you get the results you deserve.
It's a shame the coronavirus has messed things up, but hope things all go well for you and you get the results you deserve.
Also, aston is a very diverse university with it being in a very diverse city. a lot of Asians international students go there too.
regarding 'making friends', It will vary from person to person. what I'd say is to put yourself out there. use your first year (and second year) as a chance to get involved and to step out of your comfort zone - you'll see why I say this when you reach final year 😂. Don't be the person who just stays in their room 24/7 or if you commute to uni, the person who simply attends lectures then goes home - then it will be a bit harder to make friends.
I was a bit shy during high school and sixth form but I wanted to change this and I put myself out there a lot more. I made most of my close friends during freshers week. While the nights out were great, I actually made most of my close friends during day events (which didn't involve booze). Unlike a lot of other uni's (such as uni of Sheffield which is mainly orientated around drinking), there's a lot of other things to do if you're not into the whole nightlife scene - especially because you will be in b'ham which has so much different things going on and different things to do!
(edited 4 years ago)
Thanks for the advice, it means a lot. I’ll definitely take the points on board.
Original post by Fuego1
Also, aston is a very diverse university with it being in a very diverse city. a lot of Asians international students go there too.
regarding 'making friends', It will vary from person to person. what I'd say is to put yourself out there. use your first year (and second year) as a chance to get involved and to step out of your comfort zone - you'll see why I say this when you reach final year 😂. Don't be the person who just stays in their room 24/7 or if you commute to uni, the person who simply attends lectures then goes home - then it will be a bit harder to make friends.
I was a bit shy during high school and sixth form but I wanted to change this and I put myself out there a lot more. I made most of my close friends during freshers week. While the nights out were great, I actually made most of my close friends during day events (which didn't involve booze). Unlike a lot of other uni's (such as uni of Sheffield which is mainly orientated around drinking), there's a lot of other things to do if you're not into the whole nightlife scene - especially because you will be in b'ham which has so much different things going on and different things to do!
regarding 'making friends', It will vary from person to person. what I'd say is to put yourself out there. use your first year (and second year) as a chance to get involved and to step out of your comfort zone - you'll see why I say this when you reach final year 😂. Don't be the person who just stays in their room 24/7 or if you commute to uni, the person who simply attends lectures then goes home - then it will be a bit harder to make friends.
I was a bit shy during high school and sixth form but I wanted to change this and I put myself out there a lot more. I made most of my close friends during freshers week. While the nights out were great, I actually made most of my close friends during day events (which didn't involve booze). Unlike a lot of other uni's (such as uni of Sheffield which is mainly orientated around drinking), there's a lot of other things to do if you're not into the whole nightlife scene - especially because you will be in b'ham which has so much different things going on and different things to do!
What course do you currently study in Aston? Im thinking of engineering there but Im not sure
Original post by harris358
What course do you currently study in Aston? Im thinking of engineering there but Im not sure
I do a bioscience degree
Original post by Anonymous
Yes that was really helpful. Planning to study accounting and finance, definitely will be one of my choices, unsure whether to firm or not, deciding between Sheffield uni. They seem to place a lot of emphasis on the placement yea when I went to the applicant day, which is really good. They seem to have dropped down the rankings a bit, although they are starting to move up again, do you know why and should I be worried? Does it have a good reputation for employers? Also wanted to know was it easy to make friends as I am quite shy and is it a diverse uni? Sorry for all the questions
It's a shame the coronavirus has messed things up, but hope things all go well for you and you get the results you deserve.
It's a shame the coronavirus has messed things up, but hope things all go well for you and you get the results you deserve.
I am also planning to do accounting and finance at Aston University. Are you planning to do your bachelor's or master's degree in accounting and finance?
Original post by AK_7
I am also planning to do accounting and finance at Aston University. Are you planning to do your bachelor's or master's degree in accounting and finance?
Bachelors
Aston Uni is good (teaching etc) but for me personally, (I can't account for all) it has been a bit disappointing socially. Maybe it is just my course (CompSci) and the stereotype is true; that everyones 'nerdy' and 'anti-social'. But really, only made friends with my flatmates. Would be nice to have more. Then again, I never really bothered with the sports socials (but I'll try this year)
As a whole, I don't feel like I fit in with the student community at Aston to be honest. Ironically, I'm Asian myself but I honestly don't feel like I fit in well at all at the university. But it's fine lol.
As a whole, I don't feel like I fit in with the student community at Aston to be honest. Ironically, I'm Asian myself but I honestly don't feel like I fit in well at all at the university. But it's fine lol.
Original post by Anonymous
Aston Uni is good (teaching etc) but for me personally, (I can't account for all) it has been a bit disappointing socially. Maybe it is just my course (CompSci) and the stereotype is true; that everyones 'nerdy' and 'anti-social'. But really, only made friends with my flatmates. Would be nice to have more. Then again, I never really bothered with the sports socials (but I'll try this year)
As a whole, I don't feel like I fit in with the student community at Aston to be honest. Ironically, I'm Asian myself but I honestly don't feel like I fit in well at all at the university. But it's fine lol.
As a whole, I don't feel like I fit in with the student community at Aston to be honest. Ironically, I'm Asian myself but I honestly don't feel like I fit in well at all at the university. But it's fine lol.
'some' comp sci students are like that, which is rather annoying. At least you made friends with your flatmates - which accom block were you in + what year are you in at the moment?
Also, what makes you feel that you don't fit in with the student community at aston?
Original post by Anonymous
Heard mixed responses about Aston, could someone give me their honest review of the uni as I am deciding whether to put it as my firm choice. I am applying to their business school. How is teaching quality, student support, societies etc? Cheers
it's about 80% BME, which may heavily impact the social/cultural side for you one way or another.
Original post by Anonymous
Aston Uni is good (teaching etc) but for me personally, (I can't account for all) it has been a bit disappointing socially. Maybe it is just my course (CompSci) and the stereotype is true; that everyones 'nerdy' and 'anti-social'. But really, only made friends with my flatmates. Would be nice to have more. Then again, I never really bothered with the sports socials (but I'll try this year)
As a whole, I don't feel like I fit in with the student community at Aston to be honest. Ironically, I'm Asian myself but I honestly don't feel like I fit in well at all at the university. But it's fine lol.
As a whole, I don't feel like I fit in with the student community at Aston to be honest. Ironically, I'm Asian myself but I honestly don't feel like I fit in well at all at the university. But it's fine lol.
The smaller sports clubs are pretty good
I only one person in compsci and he's a pretty chill guy in your year loool
Original post by Fuego1
'some' comp sci students are like that, which is rather annoying. At least you made friends with your flatmates - which accom block were you in + what year are you in at the moment?
Also, what makes you feel that you don't fit in with the student community at aston?
Also, what makes you feel that you don't fit in with the student community at aston?
I've made a few friends in my course, which I can sit next to, luckily! I was in James watt (before COVID
) and I'm going into second year.I'm not sure. It feels rather segregated to me? I definitely feel like there is a cultural and social divide The LGBT+ especially. Also, everyone seems to commute and not want to socialise outside of lectures? But again, I've only experienced my course.
Original post by Anonymous
The smaller sports clubs are pretty good
I only one person in compsci and he's a pretty chill guy in your year loool
I only one person in compsci and he's a pretty chill guy in your year loool
Yeah they go on nights out a lot so I'm really keen to join the socials for next year!
Original post by Anonymous
I've made a few friends in my course, which I can sit next to, luckily! I was in James watt (before COVID ) and I'm going into second year.
I'm not sure. It feels rather segregated to me? I definitely feel like there is a cultural and social divide The LGBT especially. Also, everyone seems to commute and not want to socialise outside of lectures? But again, I've only experienced my course.
) and I'm going into second year.I'm not sure. It feels rather segregated to me? I definitely feel like there is a cultural and social divide The LGBT especially. Also, everyone seems to commute and not want to socialise outside of lectures? But again, I've only experienced my course.
I was in William Murdoch back in my first year. which city/town are u from originally? Tbh, with all uni's there's a high level of segregation. and I do agree with u on that regarding aston - Asians tend to hang with Asians, black people with black people etc etc.
I think an issue arises because slightly more than half of Aston uni Students are commuters. Hence most either go straight home after lectures or quite a few tend to go to the Aston because their mates are going there or they know other people from years above/family members who go there - so hence a lot of them already have their friendship groups already established from earlier times and are not as willing to make new ones - which again is rather annoying and kinda defeats the point of going to uni tbh
and putting it quite bluntly, a lot of the students who go their are Muslims/sikhs (not overly religious but seem to be held back by their cultures). so because of various cultural/religious reasons (which I don't agree with), they are less willing to move out and prefer commute from places like small health, Perry barr, Wolverhampton etc etc
(edited 4 years ago)
Original post by Fuego1
I was in William Murdoch back in my first year. which city/town are u from originally? Tbh, with all uni's there's a high level of segregation. and I do agree with u on that regarding aston - Asians tend to hang with Asians, black people with black people etc etc.
I think an issue arises because slightly more than half of Aston uni Students are commuters. Hence most either go straight home after lectures or quite a few tend to go to the Aston because their mates are going there or they know other people from years above/family members who go there - so hence a lot of them already have their friendship groups already established from earlier times and are not as willing to make new ones - which again is rather annoying and kinda defeats the point of going to uni tbh
and putting it quite bluntly, a lot of the students who go their are Muslims/sikhs (not overly religious but seem to be held back by their cultures). so because of various cultural/religious reasons (which I don't agree with), they are less willing to move out and prefer commute from places like small health, Perry barr, Wolverhampton etc etc
I think an issue arises because slightly more than half of Aston uni Students are commuters. Hence most either go straight home after lectures or quite a few tend to go to the Aston because their mates are going there or they know other people from years above/family members who go there - so hence a lot of them already have their friendship groups already established from earlier times and are not as willing to make new ones - which again is rather annoying and kinda defeats the point of going to uni tbh
and putting it quite bluntly, a lot of the students who go their are Muslims/sikhs (not overly religious but seem to be held back by their cultures). so because of various cultural/religious reasons (which I don't agree with), they are less willing to move out and prefer commute from places like small health, Perry barr, Wolverhampton etc etc
You don't agree with what? They're cultural or religious reasons? How does it affect you? You're also being very positive about Aston like your a representative or are getting paid for it. You should give a balanced view on what some of the limitations of the uni also are.
Original post by Anonymous
You don't agree with what? They're cultural or religious reasons? How does it affect you? You're also being very positive about Aston like your a representative or are getting paid for it. You should give a balanced view on what some of the limitations of the uni also are.
can't tell if this is sarcasm or not but I've mentioned both good points and bad points. regarding the cultural/religious aspect, no it doesn't affect me in anyway whatsoever. However, when I've spoken to applicants at open days (this is more common with girls), the fact that a lot of them prefer to move away from Birmingham but are restricted to either UoB, Aston, BCU or Wolverhampton because 'mum is willing to let me move out but my Dad won't'. Now that is worrying
(edited 4 years ago)
Original post by Fuego1
I was in William Murdoch back in my first year. which city/town are u from originally? Tbh, with all uni's there's a high level of segregation. and I do agree with u on that regarding aston - Asians tend to hang with Asians, black people with black people etc etc.
I think an issue arises because slightly more than half of Aston uni Students are commuters. Hence most either go straight home after lectures or quite a few tend to go to the Aston because their mates are going there or they know other people from years above/family members who go there - so hence a lot of them already have their friendship groups already established from earlier times and are not as willing to make new ones - which again is rather annoying and kinda defeats the point of going to uni tbh
and putting it quite bluntly, a lot of the students who go their are Muslims/sikhs (not overly religious but seem to be held back by their cultures). so because of various cultural/religious reasons (which I don't agree with), they are less willing to move out and prefer commute from places like small health, Perry barr, Wolverhampton etc etc
I think an issue arises because slightly more than half of Aston uni Students are commuters. Hence most either go straight home after lectures or quite a few tend to go to the Aston because their mates are going there or they know other people from years above/family members who go there - so hence a lot of them already have their friendship groups already established from earlier times and are not as willing to make new ones - which again is rather annoying and kinda defeats the point of going to uni tbh
and putting it quite bluntly, a lot of the students who go their are Muslims/sikhs (not overly religious but seem to be held back by their cultures). so because of various cultural/religious reasons (which I don't agree with), they are less willing to move out and prefer commute from places like small health, Perry barr, Wolverhampton etc etc
I grew up in Taplow.
Yeah, its really annoying. Honestly, I'm disappointed with the social side of things. It's a shame really. I hope Year 2 is better socially.
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