Freya Garner

I’ve always loved food and how food makes me feel. I had the most amazing teacher for GCSE Food and Nutrition. They sparked the love I have for the subject. I wanted to further my knowledge on the importance of food.

My heart was set on Edge Hill from a young age. I didn’t know what degree I wanted to do but I knew I wanted to go there. With the University on my doorstep, I didn’t want to look anywhere else.

From being in the laboratory doing pipette work to cooking in the kitchen, Edge Hill’s facilities are outstanding. As this is a health degree we also have lectures using the anatomy and physiology equipment. To see the human body in 3D is such an amazing thing.

The best thing about studying at Edge Hill is the fact it’s a campus university. I’ve met some amazing new friends. My absolute favourite place on campus has to be the library [part of the Catalyst building]. For me the library isn’t just a place to work, it’s a place where you can come together with friends and work through projects which are difficult, or just gossip over the best coffee on campus. And as a commuter, having everything in one place makes the transition to university much smoother.

The new Students’ Union is lovely. I’ve mainly used the SU for the shopping and pop-up shops. My favourite pop-up was the Goose & Gander shop. I love the brand…and I couldn’t believe it when I saw the blow-up goose towering over the SU.

I can’t overstate how helpful the SPLD (Specific Learning Difference) team have been. I was recently diagnosed with dyslexia and dyspraxia, after years of misdiagnosis. Adapting to university-level work has been a difficult process – I couldn’t have done it without them. My lecturers are so understanding, and do their most to support you through it, whether that’s to offer extensions for assignments or just a listening ear.

Nutrition and health is a great option if you’re interested in health, but not looking at nursing or medicine. I’d love to work offering advice and guidance to individuals in need. I chose to study nutrition to try my best to help people, so I’d also love to carry on learning, potentially taking a Masters in Nutrition at Edge Hill.

I love to grab some lunch at a nice café with the nutrition girls. Our fave at the moment is The Eden Cafe in Newburgh, West Lancs. We haven’t ventured on a night out yet – we’re secretly cosy girls, but we’re planning a log cabin adventure in Cheshire.

I love to have something to look forward to. I like to travel to different countries and cities, to experience how they live, how they eat, learning about other cultures. I’ve recently come back from Marrakesh in Morocco. I travelled there to gain more information on their food culture for a presentation I’m completing as part of the degree. I love shopping as well, so travelling is great for changing up my normal shopping places: Zara is always the best abroad.

When I’m getting ready to go out I put on ‘Finally’ by Kings of Tomorrow ft Julie McKnight. I’m really bad for watching the same thing over and over – I find comfort in it. My faves are Criminal Minds, Gossip Girl and Gilmore Girls.

My dream festival line-up? Stevie Nicks, the queen herself. I’ve already seen her twice but I’d never say no to another time. Luther Vandross, Chaka Khan, Angie Stone – again brill. I have such varied musical taste, but my favourite musical era has to be late 70s/80s. The last thing I saw was [Music producer, rapper, singer and DJ] Kaytranda – best vibes ever.