Amber's story
Amber said she came to Sussex through Clearing and was offered a place on a foundation course. She said she chose to accept the Foundation Year, so she could study somewhere she thought she'd enjoy, rather than skip the extra year and go to a different university.
Amber's Foundation Year
"I came to Sussex through Clearing and although I was hoping to start my BA in Philosophy, I was offered a place on the foundation year.
"At first I was a bit apprehensive because I’d already done an extra year at sixth form and with an extra foundation year I thought I was going to finish and everyone else on my course would be so young. But then I thought – you know what? I’d rather do this course somewhere I feel like I’ll have a really good time, do an extra year at a good uni and really enjoy the course, rather than go somewhere that’s maybe not so much for me. So I just said yeah – let’s do it.
"The thing that surprised me about university was how much everyone treats you like an adult. That change in how you’re treated was so drastic that I wasn’t really ready for it. I was quite confused because you can go to the toilet if you need to, or leave if you’re feeling anxious.
"You can sense the care here. Like with my tutors, you can really feel they’re interested in what you have to say. You know you’re not just following what someone else has said, they really want to hear your take on it.
I’d rather do this course somewhere I feel like I’ll have a good time, do an extra year at a good uni and enjoy the course, rather than go somewhere that’s not for me.” Amber Kalejaiye
Arts and Humanities (with a Foundation Year)
"And I love the atmosphere – people are so different, I love it. It’s just so relaxed and there’s not really any fear of judgement, which is nice because even in London, it’s a very diverse city but it still has its rules for certain areas.
"My foundation year has been really good for critical thinking – it’s mostly English and history – and it’s kind of fun to be able to learn other things before I start my philosophy course. I’m even learning some Japanese.
"What’s been the best thing about Sussex so far? I love everything! I love going to my seminars and hearing people’s thought processes and opinions. There are some people who I’ve met who are astonishing."