I joined Leeds Trinity University in September 2018 as an undergraduate in Forensic Psychology. I was first interested in Leeds Trinity due to it being a smaller university where I would be treated as a name, not a number.

After attending a Psychology taster day, this firmed Leeds Trinity as my first choice, and I was given an unconditional offer for my preferred course.

During my time at the University, I made amazing friends from First Year who have remained a constant throughout the full three years. The university experience has been slightly different with the impact of COVID-19, however, I still have enjoyed the time spent in University, online classes, socialising in the Students’ Union bar, online quizzes with #LTUnity and the friendships I have formed.

Leeds Trinity helped develop my love of psychology and I discovered new areas of interest within the subject in particular counselling and investigative psychology. This initially caused some conflict in terms of deciding what I wanted to pursue in the future, however after the full three years, I found myself excited to learn about investigating psychology.

During my time at University, my confidence has increased with relationships both personally and academically. Surprisingly, I was more outspoken in lectures when they were online during the pandemic which increased my confidence whilst learning.

Placements in First Year gave me a great opportunity to explore career prospects, as well as different sectors of psychology. Unfortunately due to the pandemic, I didn’t get to experience my Second Year placement as planned, but because I completed three in First Year, I still learnt a lot.

I am now getting ready to continue with higher education and will be completing an online masters in Investigative Psychology alongside part-time work. My lecturer in Forensic Psychology Samantha Walkden inspired me to continue my learning in investigative psychology, specifically the effects of mental health.

Even though I have only worked with Sam since the start of Third Year, she has been unbelievably helpful as a supervisor, career advisor, and a friend. She was incredibly supportive with my dissertation and was always offering help with other modules too.

My advice to current and prospective Leeds Trinity students is to enjoy the time you have at University, as three years may seem like a long time, but it goes very quickly. Make the most of interactions in lectures and take full advantage of the cheap drinks at the Students’ Union bar in First Year!

Aimee Wakeham graduated from Leeds Trinity University with a degree in Forensic Psychology in July 2021. Find out more about Psychology courses.