Eva from Latvia about the studies at the undergraduate Bath Spa University

EI: Hello, eve! Tell us a little about yourself (Where are you from? How old are you?). Why did you chose the UK? What are the main benefits of learning in the UK did you see?

Lakute my name is Ieva, I'm from Riga, capital of Latvia. I am 27 years old and I came to the UK almost twelve years ago, when I was 15 to finish school and take GCSEs.

Why I came to the UK? I always dreamed of becoming a successful writer. I studied English from a young age, so when I came to the UK, I had written a few poems and stories in English. I wanted to publish it in English. Everyone said it's a crazy dream, but it was something I really wanted.

After school, I continued obtaining A Levels at College in Windsor, and eventually filed an application to study BA (Hons) in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University.

Britain is a multicultural country and meeting new cultures on a personal level was a great experience. I've made friends literally around the world.

EI: what criteria did you choose the University and why did you choose Bath Spa University?

My mom went on a trip to bath and then showed me the pictures. I was amazed - the city was like a time capsule with its beautiful ‘Georgian’ architecture. I immediately fell in love, but I never imagined that one day I will live there!

Later, when I began to study the universities where I wanted to study, Bath Spa was on the top of my list because of its excellent reputation for Creative Writing. All teachers have published their work previously, and I couldn't imagine a better inspiration than working with people who have reached the same dreams that I want.

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EI: what program did you study? What are your impressions of the program? What did you like most?

When I drove up to the long road of the campus to start your first day here, I had all my stuff Packed in neat cardboard boxes in the trunk, I realized that it was the place where I should be.

The campus looked even more beautiful than in the pictures, with its lake, green hills and stately homes. For me it was the perfect combination of fancy urban life in bath, and quiet time in a rural location on the campus of Newton Park. I liked the relaxed atmosphere at the University - the students seemed to be very creative and full of ideas - as I am! Since the campus was pretty small, you know everybody, and the teacher calls your name.

I studied Creative Writing and English Literature. I liked the contrast between my two topics in Creative Writing we usually worked in small groups, shared their stories and poems with others and give feedback. (It turned out to be a very valuable skill in other areas of life, not just for writing!)

Instead of doing graduate work for my final year, I had the freedom to plan your own novel and write 5000 words for publication. I also participated in organising some events for the festival of literature as part of my Creative Enterprise Project. I realized that in addition to writing books was a lot of other opportunities that could offer a degree of Creative Writing.

EI: What did you do in your free time at University?

I don't want to lie to you - I spent a lot of time at parties, but at the time it was important, I had a large number of real friends!

I wanted to try new things, so I joined different clubs - I rode horses, surfed in Cornwall, played a few matches in the football team of girls and even studied painting. I was also in a University trip to Amsterdam and Krakow.

Later I became a student representative, raised any issues that were important to University students.

EI: Tell us a little bit about bath. What are the pros and cons you see for yourself? Where did you live on campus or rented an apartment? If you worked part time while studying?

Bath is a very beautiful and safe city and I have many wonderful memories of my time there. Sometimes I wanted to change, so I went to Bristol to see Banksy graffiti, or on the train to London to see the sights, or to visit its many free museums and art galleries in the same day.

I have always had a job on weekends to support herself while studying I worked in some bars, shops and cafes. Bath is a tourist town, so it was quite easy to find a student job when I needed it.

I think that going to University abroad is much more than just studying - you are exposed to new cultures, sometimes homesick, build new relationships and lose people - you can say that you learn of life.

Life in the campus during my first year with so many other people was a valuable experience in how to get along with people that I don't always like. In my second and third year, I shared a house with three other students, and we had to find it ourselves, pay our own bills, to be real adults!

The only thing I regret is that did not use the opportunity of the Erasmus or International Exchange it is worth a try!

EI: did you have a favorite place in town/on campus during their studies, which is now nostalgic?

The University campus Bath Spa University is there a lake where I went whenever I needed time for myself, away from everyone. It was a very inspiring place. On the side there is a small empty building, which we called "the Chapel", where you can sit inside, in order not to get wet in the rain (in the UK it rains a lot). I went there to write a novel or to watch as the sun rises or falls over the lake. It was almost magical to have the opportunity to be so close to nature.

EI: How has your life been after graduation?

I'm still in the UK, working on various orders. I write everything from marketing blogs to brochures and articles. I had a few short stories.

I live in Bristol and I consider this place their home because the city has such a fantastic and creative scene, multicultural atmosphere!

Recently I completed a TEFL course so I can Fund my love of travel, teaching English abroad, and at the same time continue to work on a novel.

EI: the Most motivating event that happened to you during the study?

What I really learned during my studies: if something scares you - take a deep breath and just do it! You only live once.

EI: Thank you so much for this interview! Whatever advice you gave for our readers?

The choice of University can be very challenging, and I don't think that University rankings should be the main criterion. While important, I would advise you to think about the environment that comfortable to learn: decide whether you prefer a bustling city or Vice versa? You need to be sure that the place will enjoy, because there you will spend the next three years.

I would also advise to think about the possibility to take advantage of exchange programs such as Erasmus or International Exchange, because it is a unique experience!

And, most importantly, no need to worry about their English skills or how you fit into a new life - when I first came to the UK at the age of 15 years, I was so shy that I never spoke. But in the end everything turned out well, and I'm sure for you it will be the same!

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