Tamzin’s love for the outdoors was sparked by family holidays to the Lake District and her dad’s passion for adventure. Studying Outdoor Adventure and Environmental Studies at our Ambleside campus has allowed Tamzin to turn that childhood enthusiasm into a hands-on learning experience in one of the UK’s most stunning natural environments. Below, she shares what inspired her to choose this path, what she’s enjoyed most about her degree, and how she’s grown through her university journey.
Why did you choose to study your course – what or who inspired you?
Before coming to University of Cumbria, I did my A-levels in Law, Geography and Business. When I chose my A-levels, I wasn’t sure of what my plans would be after I finished, so I chose subjects that covered a broad range of knowledge and potential career paths, as well as subjects I was interested in.
Growing up, my family used to love coming on holidays up to the Lake District. My Dad used to be an outdoor instructor, so our holidays were always filled with lots of adventures, and he still often plans other outdoor adventure trips for our friends and family back home. I always loved these holidays and being in the outdoors, so when I was looking into options of what to do after my A-Levels and I came across a degree in Outdoor Adventure and Environmental studies, it sounded like a great opportunity.
Having also enjoyed studying geography throughout my education, I loved that this course offered an opportunity to combine elements of outdoor adventure with geography, setting me up with a wide skillset once I finished my degree.
Snippets of my time at university
Why did you choose the University of Cumbria?
The University of Cumbria offered the opportunity to study at a campus with a beautiful location. The Ambleside campus is in a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the only university in the UK to be in a National Park. Being able to study a degree in Outdoor Adventure and Environmental Studies in the middle of the mountains, surrounded by lakes, rivers and forests, allows me to have a hands-on experience where I can get out of the classroom and lecture hall and learn in the area around me.
My degree is enhanced by the endless opportunities that this campus location offers. It’s such a unique experience and makes this university the perfect place for my degree.
What has been your favourite experience at Cumbria?
I have really enjoyed some of the practical elements of my course, such as my water sports module in first year, where we were out on Windermere every other week learning how to canoe and kayak. Another highlight was our trip at the end of second year to Picos de Europa. This trip was amazing as I got to explore such an incredible place, and it was filled with loads of fun and adventurous experiences. One of my favourite parts was when I did the Via Ferrata over there.
What’s been the most difficult obstacle you’ve overcome in your student journey?
Moving away from home was a difficult transition for me. I was uncertain on starting university straight after my A-Levels, but I knew that going away would be a good opportunity for me to gain independence, meet new people and get a clearer idea about what I would want to do in life after studying.
Finding like-minded people really helped me overcome this big move. Having course mates and housemates who loved having an evening in playing board games, and having the Christian Union where I gained friends from different year groups that could share their experiences, really helped me to settle in.
What do you enjoy most about your course?
I really enjoy the variety that my course offers. One day I can be in a lab learning about different invertebrates, and the next I can be up a mountain learning how to navigate. The range of different areas we study keeps the course interesting and gives us a broad look at all things outdoors and environmental.
I also enjoy the small course groups that we have, as it makes the lectures more personable. We’re able to adapt our learning around our group, giving us the opportunity to properly get involved with all of our field work and lectures.
How have you managed your assignments whilst at university?
My course is assignment-based, so instead of exams, we have 1 to 2 assignments for each module spread out throughout the year. Whilst some of my assignments have set guidelines, such as needing to do it as a written piece or having to do a presentation, on other assignments, I can choose whether to complete it as a written piece, a PowerPoint presentation, or as a spoken piece. This allows me to complete the assignment in a format that brings out my best potential.
I often find that speaking out my ideas is easier than writing them down, so having the opportunity to do some of my assignments as spoken/recorded presentations has helped make them more manageable. On top of this, the university has a dedicated exams and assignment officer who gives us guidance and support on any of our assignments. She helps break down the brief and map out our ideas. She can also read and provide feedback on up to 500 words of each assignment.
I really enjoy the variety that my course offers. One day I can be in a lab learning about different invertebrates, and the next I can be up a mountain learning how to navigate. The range of different areas we study keeps the course interesting and gives us a broad look at all things outdoors and environmental.
How have your tutors supported you during your studies?
We are each given a personal tutor at the start of our studies who we can meet up with to discuss how we are getting on and how we can best be supported. These meetings have been really beneficial for me as they have given me dedicated time to discuss 1 on 1 with my tutor how things are going.
All our lecturers are available for us to speak to about any issues, and they are more than happy to offer support with our learning. They upload plenty of resources onto Blackboard for each of our modules, too, so we have information to aid our learning and assignment writing.
How is university life beyond your studies?
Outside of my studies, I love getting to live in the Lake District. Being able to go on picturesque walks straight from my doorstep or visiting all the quaint towns and villages is an opportunity I don’t want to take for granted. I have found such a lovely group of friends up here, so getting to hang out in non-study time makes university life more enjoyable, and it’s so beneficial having such a great support system.
I currently work for the university as a student ambassador and a student reviewer, which means that I can work and earn money in a way that fits around my studies. The university understands that my studies come first, so I’m able to work my shifts around my lectures and assignments.
What do you enjoy the most about student life in Ambleside?
I love being able to live in such a unique area at a time of my life when I have fewer responsibilities. I enjoy being able to make the most of getting into the outdoors, having free time to meet up with friends and family, and filling my time with hobbies. The university also has lots of fun activities going on around campus with a growing range of societies, volunteering opportunities, and so much more.
I love having a student lifestyle that really suits me. When I get to talk about what I am doing and where I live whilst up here, I enjoy hearing people get excited for me as they know I have picked a well-suited place and course. I also enjoy getting to share this love and passion for what we do with my fellow course mates and friends who are up here in the Lake District with me.
Days out with my friends
What would be your top tips for people thinking of doing the same course as you?
My advice is: be willing to give it a go! Even if the lectures, activities or the degree as a whole feel daunting, it is still worth giving it a try as it could be the opening for great memories and experiences. And if you give it a go and decide it’s not for you, then you have clarity knowing that you tried.
However, at the same time, it is also okay to know your limits. If you know something will push you too far out of your comfort zone, then it is perfectly alright to say no. There is a balance between pushing yourself to grow and going too far. You want to be proud of what you’ve done, and that can be achieved in many ways.
If something is worrying you, be sure to chat to your lecturers. They are there to help and will be able to offer you options on how to overcome these struggles, adapt the experience to make sure you can get involved, and help you make the most of your time on the course.
What are your career plans, and how is your course preparing you for your future career?
Whilst I am still not 100% sure on what I’d like to do as a career after university, my course has showed me a range of different opportunities, both those that I’ve considered before and some that I would never have known about. I know I would love to work in some capacity in the outdoors, and more likely in the conservation side of things, but I am keeping my options open and enjoy looking at the wide range of job opportunities out there.
My lecturers often post about relevant job opportunities to our studies, and we have people come and speak to us about their jobs. We have also visited different companies to learn about the jobs they offer. The Upskills team at the university are also frequently offering additional courses to help us gain further qualifications. I recently got my Outdoor First Aid qualification through an opportunity put out by Upskills.