Lucia Sagripanti Natel (LLB)

I decided to study my LLB at The University of Buckingham after my siblings studied their degrees here before the COVID-19 pandemic. The greatest appeal was that I could be done with my degree in two years, and that I would be able to commute from home. Now, as a 20-year-old law graduate, reflecting on my time at The University of Buckingham fills me with gratitude.

As a local student (living a 15-minute-drive away), I was able to enjoy the balance between a university experience and the constant company of my family. I saved a lot of money as I was not paying for accommodation- and I saved myself from my own cooking. Participating in multiple sports clubs and other extracurricular programs, I soon met a lot of people across many courses. That is the benefit of a small university- even if you commute, it is impossible to not get to know everyone eventually.

The Students’ Union is fantastic in providing activities every day of the week which also allowed me to meet lots of people, and keep that closed-knit community throughout the two years. And at the end of the day, I would still get to sleep in my own bed. It was the best of both worlds!

Academically speaking, The University of Buckingham exceeded all expectations. The institution has a way of transforming a two-year condensed degree into a manageable learning experience. The School of Law teaching faculty deeply care about their students, all have a great sense of humour, and are so knowledgeable in their fields. They are more than willing to build a relationship with you and help you throughout your studies- especially your Personal Tutor (who is assigned to you as your pastoral care). I have had great opportunities to work alongside these lecturers, as Law Academic Representative for the Student Council, and I can testify that there is no other university that could offer such invested and student-focused teaching. With small cohorts and even smaller tutorial classes (with a maximum of eight students per tutorial), a student receives a lot of attention and a lot of opportunities to speak up, mess up, ask, learn and debate. Here, you are seen.

From my time in Buckingham, I have learned so many skills and I have truly pushed myself. My lecturers always saw my potential and encouraged me to have confidence in my abilities. This has had a huge impact on me and I know that it is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I have become a hard-working and self-disciplined person with great critical analysis skills. Following my degree, I am embarking on a volunteering program in South America for 18 months. And although I am not sure what I want to do yet with my future in law, I know that I have many options and a bright future ahead of me.

To any prospective students- local or other – The University of Buckingham will support you academically, socially and emotionally. Whether you decide to commute or to move into accommodation, this university will not treat you differently. Here, you are known.