I needed to do what I wanted, which was become a lawyer
Choosing Business felt like the safe option, but Ramona discovered her real passion was Law. After starting a foundation year in Business Management, she switched to a Law degree and is now pursuing her ambition of becoming a barrister.
I’m incredibly excited for what’s next
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Can you tell me a bit about how you came to study at the University of Hull?
I moved to the UK from Romania with my family, which meant adapting to a completely new country, language and educational system. I had to figure everything out on my own, which eventually led me to apply to Hull College. After college, I wanted to go to university but I wasn't sure if I had enough UCAS points.
One of my teachers asked if I knew about the foundation year, which I’d never heard of before. She walked me through it and I decided to apply. I originally chose Business Management because it felt like a safer backup option based on my points. Since I was applying on my own without any outside support, I used Business with a Foundation Year as my entry route, planning to transfer to Law later.
What were some of the day-to-day challenges when you first started?
At the very beginning, it was just figuring out where to go. I would get so lost on campus that I would literally be Googling what the Wilberforce building looked like just so I could recognise it. Academically, managing strict deadlines and learning the rules around word counts, plagiarism and referencing was a big hurdle because you don't get as much exposure to that in college.
It was the foundation for my degree. I honestly don't think I would have succeeded the way I did without it.
You mentioned changing from Business Management to Law. Why was that?
I had already studied business in college, so it felt familiar and safe. But by the end of my foundation year, I realised how quickly time was flying. I told myself I needed to do what I wanted, which was to become a lawyer.
The transition was surprisingly easy. I spoke to my supervisor, completed a form, and had a quick interview to transfer. I was terrified during the first two weeks because my entire background was in business but the support I received was incredible.
The biggest advantage of this university is that the staff and academics are genuinely empathetic. They treat you like a human being. They make sure that you don't leave a lecture feeling lost.
Ramona’s story: a new direction
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What do you consider to be your key achievements and biggest challenges so far?
Coming from college to university was a massive shift because the teaching style is so different. University requires a high level of independent work. While I enjoyed that, it was scary at first because no one is chasing you down to make sure your assignments are finished. My biggest achievement has been becoming much more independent and responsible.
My biggest achievement has been becoming much more independent and responsible.
What's next for you?
I am starting the Bar Practice course in September to become a barrister. It is a bit scary right now because of the uncertainty of moving to a new city, as I am relocating to Leeds to attend the University of Law. Hull has a wonderful partnership for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination but they don't offer the specific bar course I need. While I’m sad to leave the supportive community at Hull, I am incredibly excited for what's next.
