Education / Teacher Training, Year 2
(3.8)·By Christina·Education / Teacher Training· Jul 2021 Freshers week was really varied and had options for people who wanted to go to clubs, as well as those who didn't. We had trips paid for to streamvale farm, and free events in the on-campus bar with snacks provided. The freshers fair was also really helpful for joining teaching unions and getting involved in clubs. The accommodation is great as the stranmillis primary timetable is very intense and we are in class from 9-5 some days. It is very affordable and most meals are provided for students living in accommodation. The only downside is that there are not many lifts in the accommodation, making it difficult at the holidays and moving in. The library has everything you need for both placement and academic essays. The staff are extremely helpful and it is a modern and welcoming library environment. Classrooms are good sizes, but one lecture hall did not have enough seats for all students in a couple of lectures. The student union has supplies if needed for placement, but I don't think it works out any cheaper. The course is very thorough and you feel that you are fully able to immerse yourself in all aspects of primary education. I found the psychology lectures very interesting, and there was a good balance of theory and practical knowledge offered in lectures. The lectures have been more difficult to engage with as we've moved online but they have generally worked hard to try to keep it interesting. Stranmillis is close to multiple restaurants and cafes catering to different dietary requirements. It is a short train journey or half hour walk into the city centre which makes it handy if you want to go shopping after classes. I personally didn't get involved in that much nightlife but the students that did really enjoyed it. There is a wide range to choose from! It is a five minute walk from botanic gardens, a tropical ravine and the Ulster museum which are all free and make a lovely after class trip to relax.