I’m Iris. Knowing from first-hand how stressful it is to choose your degree, I will walk you through my experience of why I chose to study anthropology at Brunel University, in the hope I make your journey less overwhelming.
I have loved travelling and exploring new places for as long as I can remember and I have always been excited to learn more about perceptions of different ways of life, behaviour, and structures of societies. Moreover, in my efforts to place myself in the world and understand my roots and my culture, the question of what makes us humans has always intrigued me. If you find these subjects as interesting as I do then I promise you, you will love Anthropology. Through anthropology, you won't only get an insight into all aspects of humanity, but you will have the chance to cultivate some valuable skills which can be crucial in making you an amazing candidate for future opportunities (and jobs, in all fields!). You will gain advanced research skills and cultural awareness and you will learn to suspend your judgment, to think critically, to compare and contrast information, and to make connections and think outside the box. It is for these reasons that anthropology can open the doors to multiple career options.
After I had my heart set on anthropology I started researching universities to accommodate my dream. Choosing Brunel was a no-brainer for me. Brunel University not only has a campus, which feels so much safer and makes networking almost seamless, but is the only university in the UK that offers a placement year. Because of this I was able to take a trip of a lifetime with my bestie to Mexico (!!) and do fieldwork while travelling and experiencing the whole country.
Although these things are pretty amazing, what I have appreciated the most in studying anthropology at Brunel University is the support I have received through my lecturers and my tutors who have guided, pushed, and comforted me through my journey, and have made me feel so secure in myself and my potential.
Anthropology has honestly challenged me to become the best version of myself and has shaped me into who I am today. I encourage you to join our Anthropology Department here in Brunel and find yourself a new home for the upcoming years. Your journey is just about to begin.