I am currently in my final year, studying Computer Science. Choosing the course seemed a natural choice. I like problem solving, am fairly keen on mathematics and enjoy working with technology. The course is taught well at Kent. They do not just teach you how to use one programming language, but the theory behind what you’re doing so that you can carry the knowledge to other programming languages. The majority of the modules are interesting, and taught at a good pace.

Kent offered me a year in industry, which I spent working for HSBC in Hong Kong. This is one experience I will never forget, and I am grateful to Kent for giving me this awesome opportunity.

Peter Rodgers used to teach part of the Graphs and Algorithms module. I used to really enjoy his lecturers in the second year: they were delivered at a good pace, the content was interesting and he genuinely had a passion for the subject, which lead on to other great lecturers who were fun to learn from.

Ha ha – that depends on what you call interesting! Well, I have learnt that programming is very diverse and there are always multiple ways to do something. I have learnt how to program efficiently, various managerial techniques. I have also learnt that some lecturers placed Ethernet ports in the kitchen, in case toasters are someday able to connect to the network – and that Playboy magazine played a small role in helping to develop encryption algorithms for images.

My peers at university are great. We have a nice atmosphere here, everyone is friendly and there is a diverse culture mix.

The Library is good, and contains most (if not all) of the reading material required for my course in particular. However, the group areas there are full more often than not. The computing facilities are great: there are computer rooms all over campus, with printers very close to where you log in. I have never been unable to find a workstation.

The sports facilities are nice, too. The gym is good, and there are extra machines for people to work on their stamina exercises. The bars on campus are good, one bar is usually showing the football at the weekend, and most of them hold pool tables. Personally, I have little complaint, but each to their own! I strongly advise you to visit and see for yourself during the Open Days.

I lived on campus in the first year. I stayed in Darwin, where I had one room with a shared shower with four people and a kitchen with nine people. There wasn’t a ‘sitting room’, which was a shame but the bars compensate for that to an extent!

Lecturers are always willing to meet, and are very approachable. Not only will they reply to your concerns via email but you will be able to meet them in person, after a lecture or in their office. In the past week, I have had meetings with three separate lecturers, and next week I have meetings with the Careers Office and my personal tutor to discuss postgraduate options.

As to how useful these meetings are, they will give you advice, discuss issues you are having and try to provide a solution. At the very least, they will try to point you in the direction of someone who can be of more help. I am very pleased with the support I can get at Kent.

In  a word, greatly. I have learnt a lot by studying at Kent. Coupled with the year I had abroad working for HSBC, I feel I am in a much better position in terms of being employable then I was three years ago.

As I mentioned, I spent my placement year abroad in Hong Kong working for HSBC. I was part of a development and support team, and worked closely with market traders and database control teams in Hong Kong, China and France.

Whilst at times the workload was tough, I really enjoyed my time there. I learnt a lot about ‘real world’ work, and it was awesome to use my knowledge to create a  practical solution to a real-life problem. Not only did I improve my coding skills, I also picked up valuable information on the business aspects of work.

Of course, I should mention that I loved living in Hong Kong. It is an amazing place to be, constantly moving, always something to do and everything is so convenient. I must have only cooked twice in my year there! Outside work, I went wake-boarding at the beaches, ventured on roller coasters at Ocean Park, hiked across the mountains, shot my colleagues in ‘War Games’, swung golf clubs at the driving range, ate in the awesome restaurants and drank  in the many, many bars.

What next! I have two options: further study or employment. I am currently juggling the two around. Actually, I have a meeting with Bruce Woodcock (University Careers Adviser) to discuss postgraduate employment, which I am leaning towards after my fantastic placement year. For either option, I feel that I’m well prepared for the future.

When taking any course, you should first decide what you want to get out of the degree. What interests you? Does Kent offer that opportunity? If like me, you enjoy programming, and feel that an industrial year is important to you, then Kent may well be the place to go.

Look at the modules offered, contact the convenor if you have any queries, visit the campus and Canterbury itself to make sure you will like living in that environment.