Aliya Bilal Bahemia

In my home country of Mauritius, the academic year runs from January to December. This schedule posed a challenge when considering traditional university pathways in the UK, as I would have needed to wait until the following September to begin my studies. The University of Buckingham’s January intake presented a unique opportunity to circumvent this, allowing me to start my programme within a month of finishing high school exams.

With that, just 19 days after my 18th birthday, I left home with a heavy heart, bidding farewell to family and friends while holding only a conditional offer from The University of Buckingham. At the time, my International Baccalaureate results had not yet been released, adding a layer of uncertainty to the journey. One week later, my father and I accessed my final results through a rather unstable internet connection in the back of a taxi in Egypt. These results were critical; they determined whether I had a place on the course or would need to return home. By God’s grace, I achieved the necessary marks, securing an unconditional offer, and soon thereafter arrived in the quaint town of Buckingham.

As an international student, I was thrown headfirst into a situation I had never experienced before. Suddenly, I was solely responsible for managing all aspects of my life. The idea of a university-level law degree was daunting. I remember using Google Maps to find the Radcliff Centre, where I had my first lecture: Law of Torts. I walked in feeling hopeful but apprehensive, unsure of what to expect. By the end of the lecture, thanks to the brilliant Dr. Natalie Turney, my nerves had turned into genuine curiosity and excitement, I was hooked. One of Buckingham’s greatest strengths lies in its exceptional teaching faculty. Many of my lecturers were or had been legal professionals, and their stories brought the law to life, connecting abstract legal concepts to real-world practice.

Through our small group tutorials, they quickly learned our names and fostered an environment where asking questions and engaging in discussions felt natural. Their dedication to our success was evident.

Thanks to Buckingham’s accelerated two-year programme, I submitted my final undergraduate exam just before my 20th birthday, completing my law degree at 19. By comparison, all of my friends who started university the traditional way are only now beginning the second year of their three-year programs at other universities.

Beyond academics, my time at Buckingham was marked by invaluable personal and professional growth. I had the privilege of engaging with a diverse and incredible community, forming lifelong friendships through various societies and associated gatherings. I served as Events Manager for the Buckingham ISOC, supported the local community through my role as advisor with Citizens Advice, represented my cohort as an Academic Representative, and supported prospective students and their families as a Student Ambassador. Such experiences helped me grow tremendously over the past two years, allowing me to experience university life from every angle.

Now, as I take on the Bar Course, it is evident how Buckingham’s assessment methods align closely with those of the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The programme’s structure has prepared me well for the next stage of my journey, ensuring a seamless transition.

Reflecting on my time at Buckingham, I leave not only with a law degree but also with personal growth and many memories. For prospective students considering The University of Buckingham, I offer this advice: even if you begin your journey like me, googling “tort law??”, you will find yourself part of a supportive and transformative community. We hope to see you on campus, ready to begin your own remarkable journey.