Lauren Briscoe

Media opened the door to a creative and exciting future. Originally, I was going to study marketing, because I enjoyed Business Studies at A level. However, when I thought about my future, I thought about how I’ve always aspired to be involved with events like the Olympics and Eurovision.

Edge Hill had this pull for me – the campus, the staff, and the support departments. Other universities I visited couldn’t compare to what Edge Hill had to offer. Secondary to this, Edge Hill is my local university, and in all honesty I didn’t feel I was at the right stage in my life to move away.

I love the campus at Edge Hill – the greenery and the peace are hard to find elsewhere. The sports facilities provide a place to get away from your studies, while the Catalyst [housing the library and support services] and departmental buildings are well suited to the degree.

I love the variety on my degree. Monday to Friday, I’m never doing the same thing twice. I’ve been able to improve my skills and stretch my comfort zone to find out what I enjoy and what I’m good at.

Everyone has different strengths. The most challenging part of my time here has been dealing with imposter syndrome, and feeling like I’m not smart enough to be at uni. I have to remind myself we’re all individuals. Instead of feeling like we’re pitted against each other we should seek advice from others.

My lecturers are amazing. I can’t recommend the staff on the media course enough. They’re kind and understanding, but also so knowledgeable. Having never studied media before, I was scared I’d be at a disadvantage, but I vocalise my worries and they’re always on hand for anything I need.

I volunteer for the publication Liverpool Noise. I was told about it by my lecturers – and I LOVE it. It’s amazing experience, I’m working with some lovely people, and gaining great real-world experience. I’d love to get involved with the cultural and/journalism sector in Liverpool. I’ve always loved Liverpool and would love to open up the city to share its magic.

I also have part-time jobs on campus, which I love. I’m a Student Advisor for the Uniskills team [who provide tailored support to enhance academic abilities and confidence], and a social media assistant for the Careers team.

Uni is the perfect place to try new things. I’m part of the women’s 5-a-side team. I LOVE it. I joined at the start of term and was quite apprehensive about joining alone, but I’ve made some of my closest and most amazing friends. I’ve also trialled different places to live and study. First year I lived in halls, second year I lived at home (my family live nearby), and third year I’m living off-campus with uni friends.

The best thing about studying at Edge Hill is the community feel. Being a campus uni, it feels like one big community – there’s always someone to chat to. Creative Edge has the best study places and vibes. I’m biased because it’s where my department’s based, but it’s my favourite place on campus. My favourite place in Ormskirk is Two Brothers coffee shop. Top staff, top music, and the best oat latte around.

I love grabbing a coffee – iced oat latte – and walking and talking for hours. I’m the BIGGEST fan of Everton FC – I watch the men’s and women’s teams. Up the Toffees! And when I’m not doing either of those things I enjoy listening to music and doing some sort of art.

At the moment I’m reading Soldiers Don’t Go Mad by Charles Glass, and my next read will be We Could Be Rats by Emily Austin. I’ve just finished watching Last One Laughing UK and I’m excited about the next season of Taskmaster. I’m listening to a lot of Keyside, Alex G, and Alex Turner, and am always familiar with the year’s Eurovision entries.

I’ve been so lucky to travel around Europe. I have to say, Ljubljana in Slovenia has my heart. If you ever get the chance, I would recommend going to Lake Bled – it’s the most gorgeous place ever.

My dream festival line-up? Hmmmm, this could be my strangest answer yet. It would include musicians Frank Sinatra, Keyside, The Beatles, and Kendrick Lamar. Poet Wilfred Owen. Podcasters Three Bean Salad. Comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri, Maisie Adams, Bob Mortimer, Jamie Demetriou, Joe Wilkinson, and Sean Lock.

The best advice I could give to anyone coming here is to enjoy yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Also, you’re super cool and amazing.

I have different heroes in different aspects of my life: Georgia Stanway for how she speaks out about mental health; Everton midfielder Karoline Olesen as an impressive young sportswoman; BBC Radio Merseyside’s Giulia Bould for being a successful female in the media industry; my mum for being an amazing all round person; and my dad for being the best man – and dad – in the world.