University of Hertfordshire reviews

University of Hertfordshire review

I spent two years in Hatfield doing BSc Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire.

The Uni itself is fairly new so the Library is pretty well equipped and the Halls are quite nice- only a couple of minutes walk away from the Uni which is convenient for early morning starts.

hatfield itself is probably one of the most boring places on the planet- there's very little to do in terms of going out or shopping but at least it's near london so you can jump on the train and get to somewhere interesting in under half an hour.

this isn't great for your social life tho and the students union was pretty grim too- although they have apparently done that up since i left last year.

The computer science course has hundreds of students on it so don't expect any individual attention unless you really look for it. i think the course is pretty much standard- ie. not that interesting but fairly useful- although you will probably have to relearn stuff you've already done.

the course is 4 years- there's supposed to be a placement year in year 3 but the University don't really help you find one and there aren't many around so you might find it a real struggle to find one. the university have discretion to let you finish your degree anyway but I decided to leave and find a real job. i've actually learnt more in the first year of work than i ever did at uni.

i really wouldn't recommend hatfield- if you're going to go to uni- make it somewhere interesting.

University of Hertfordshire review

Ladies and Gentlemen, you may scour the land north and south... well preferably just south I guess... and you will find no better higher educational establishment than the glorious Hatfield Polytechnic... I'M SORRY! I mean University of Hertfordshire.. slip of the tongue there - which, incidentally, is one of the experiences you may have whilst frequenting our union or one of our local bars or pubs as there are several 'willing' (after 8 pints of snakebite) members of the opposite sex to take your fancy. If not try the locals, they'll be happy to take the wheels off of your car... then torch it... never understood that, there must be at least a couple of hundred cars in the area with about 3 dozen wheels to each of them. But I digress... in short, you want a flattering, sequin clad all singing all dancing degree? You go to Warwick or Exeter... you want a decent degree and a lot more fun into the bargain? You go to Herts.

Lets face it, the surrounding area of the town of Hatfield (twinned with Zierikzee, Belgium and birthplace of the jet airliner - nice touch) is a hole compared to the likes of Angel Islington or Moss Side Manchester - or Birmingham, my memory escapes me...

BUT I for one have been at this lofty establishment for four years and counting and if I can stick it for this long, quite frankly anyone can. Entering my second term of office on the Students' Union Executive I am obliged to reel off a list of endearing quialities with which to entice you to the busom of our institution... I can't be buggered.

In short, crap town, nice uni, top courses and even better bar staff... What more could you possibly want?

University of Hertfordshire review

Okay first thing first, The nightlife.

This is something that hatfield lacks, not just a little but a lot. Is it a problem? NO. Why? Hatfield is located directly over the A1m motorway, it is just 4 mile from St Albans (highest density of pubs in the whole of the UK) and also only 20mins from central London by train. So you can't really go wrong. No distractions when you want to get on with your work, and plenty of distractions when you do want them.

Secondly, The Uni.

Okay Hatfield was once a Polytechnic. Thats a fact, however the university of hertfordshire spends more money per student than all bar Oxford Cambridge and London Met. That means better resources and more off them. The university boasts the largest education dedicated library in Europe, and its open 24hrs a day! Going back to the nightlife a second, the university of hertfordshire is the only university in the world to own its own bus service (thats own not hire, rent franchise etc.) this means the bus routes are centred around university students.

And Finally the course.

The university was originally the British Aerospace college of technology. It is where they trained all their engineers prior engineering becoming a common place degree at most universities. As a result the university has incredibly good links with industry. I myself worked as a concorde engineer for British Airways during my placement year. The degree I will have at the end of 4 years at herts will be respected within the industry.

So there you have it, the facts as I see them. Just remeber though that not everyone will see things as I do, not all people will see the lack of nighlife on your doorstep a blessing and not everyone will consider a university bus service an important factor for picking your university. So I recommend that everyone interested in coming to university, this or others, make sure you visit them before securing your place. The prospectus's all have wonderful photos taken on nice summer days, but what you don't see is what is behind the camera. Where ever you go enjoy it, school is without doubt no where near the best days of your life, university might just be close.

University of Hertfordshire review

Ok, the uni is spread over four campuses, though from sept two will be closing and a brand spanking new one will open, built on the old airfield.

As mentioned by Rich 'ginger rich' fish, the town leaves a lot to be desired. Strangely the first thing i noticed was the lack of any obvious landmark (eg, church, cathedral, etc) that is visable from anywhere in the town. Coming from a city with a grand cathedral, it did take some getting used to, as did the lack of rivers/lakes etc. Directions usually involve the centrally located asda superstore, the two solitary block of flats, and the galleria.

In terms of services, it seems Hatfield town is basically there to provide students with a large variaty of pizza/curry takeaways, a cinema, supermarket, oh and random beatings/theft/criminal damage. It is however, remarkable easy to escape from, with regular public transport to Watford (clubs), St Albans (pubs, shopping), Stevenage (bowling, clubs, pubs, buffet chinese), Welham Garden City (beautiful city,with lots to do), and London (expensive nights out); all of which are places preferable to be in than Hatfield is.

Ok, the course. am doing a combined modular degree which enables me to study two separate courses, Astronomy and Geology. Sounds good in writing doesn't it? Don't be fooled. There are constant problems with coursework/field trip dates clashing and miscommunication, and the constant impression that the combined modular department (KST) don't have a clue about what you are doing.

The geology course is no more, cut out due to 'budget considerations' and the lack of qualified staff, which means the last few years have seen an increasing amount of apathy from lecturers to that course.

The diamond of the Uni as far as i can see is the Astronomy department. Boasting its own observatory away from light pollution (about 20mins from Hatfield) complete with labs, domes, not to mention its 9 modern telescopes and a radio telescope, all available from your first year. The modules are well structured and well taught, if laden with complex algebra.
The facilities are what persuaded me to come here, Southampton lost out as it only had two 'scopes on top of the physics building in the middle of a built up area, which were only available to final yr students.

The SU

Because of the nature of Hatfield town, Freshers are usually advised to avoid going out to local pubs, unless with a reasonable number of friends.
Instead places to go are St Albans (15min bus ride) and the UHSU bars.

This has the effect of bringing the university population together in the SU bars (the Elehouse and the Font). In other words, the bars are definately the place to be on event nights (Weds & Fri), and you can expect to meet lots of like minded people. Along with reasonable prices, and a good events line up, it is the perfect recipe whether you're on the pull, with mates, or just want to get mashed!

one last point to make: The SU also provides a wide range of clubs and societies, so you'll probably find something to suit you.

University of Hertfordshire review

My course in astrophysics was at first a shock in terms of work load, but i soon found that this work load was necessary in preparation for second and third year. The course is well structured and particularly relevant to todays big research projects; (ie. quantum physics, relativity etc..). I would not recommend this course to anyone with little or no mathematics knowledge due to the heavy reliance on students own capabilites in such topics at the start of the course.
The University itself is a fun and modern place to be.
I'm the president of the Alternative music society, and i'm going to say come to this uni for that reason alone. The clubs and societies are some of the beat in the country.
Steve P