From BA English to vi-fi fiction at the University of Hull

Lucyl Harrison, who came to the University of Hull to study English as an undergraduate, blogs about the special community here in Hull and how she discovered her passion for pandemic literature. 

My academic journey at the University of Hull began in 2015, when I enrolled in the BA English course at 21-years-old. As a 'mature undergraduate student' and a young adult caregiver to my grandfather with dementia, I was navigating uncharted waters. Being a first-generation university student, my time at Hull marked a transformative period in my life. From my very first lecture, I knew I had made the right choice. Surrounded by people who shared my literary curiosities and taught by outstanding lecturers with an ethos of innovation, inclusivity, and progress, I felt at home.

Discovering a passion for pandemic literature

Upon completing my BA in English, I had a solid foundation in the history of literature. I loved studying Shakespeare and his contemporaries, immersing myself in the worlds of Early Modern England. A module on women’s writing introduced me to Isabella Whitney, a Renaissance writer whose experience during the Bubonic plague sparked my interest in literature written during historical pandemics. This led me to pursue an MA in English in 2018.

The MA was enriching, deepening my understanding of literary theories, expanding my critical thinking skills, and preparing me for advanced research impact, culture and public engagement. My final dissertation examined Isabella Whitney’s A Sweet Nosgay (1573) and Shakespeare’s Lucrece, penned during the plague-induced closures of the theatres in the 1590s.

Living through a pandemic 

In 2020, I graduated in my garden – a milestone which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. During the UK’s national lockdowns, I read pandemic literature voraciously, from The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio (1353) to Station Eleven by St John Mandel (2014). The resonances were uncanny, making me wonder how contemporary writers' might write about the Coronavirus.

Vi-fi fiction

After two years as a lecturer of English in Further Education, I applied for a doctoral scholarship in the ‘Living with Death: Learning from Covid’ research cluster at the University of Hull. Thrilled to be awarded the scholarship, I began my doctoral studies, now deeply engrossed in research on ‘vi-fi’ (virus fiction), exploring the COVID-19 pandemic's influence on contemporary literature.

Life at the University and in Hull

The University of Hull has become a second home to me. Its stunning campus, historic buildings, and literary legacy with its connections to renowned poets and writers such as Andrew Marvell, Stevie Smith, J.R.R. Tolkien and Winifred Holtby provides an inspiring backdrop for studying. The unwavering support and encouragement from staff, tutors, and academic supervisors have been crucial to my success as a researcher.

Embracing Hull's vibrant culture

Hull is often described as a well-kept secret, and I wholeheartedly agree. Over the years, I have witnessed its development, from the transformation of Humber Street and Trinity Market to being named the UK City of Culture in 2017. The city’s rich history, unspoiled charm, and welcoming atmosphere make it a unique place to live. Hull’s location has been the perfect base for me to explore the beautiful Yorkshire region, with its stunning landscapes at Filey and Flamborough Head, and historic literature sites at Haworth (The Bronte sisters) and Bram Stoker’s Whitby at the heart of Dracula.

Engaging with the academic community

I immerse myself in the University’s exceptional resources, including the Brynmor Jones Library’s stunning exhibition space and the specialised ‘rare books’ cube which houses first and early editions of famous writers on the library’s stunning panoramic 7^th floor. I enjoy being involved in on-campus and online writing groups and retreats, hosting book clubs, attending language taster sessions, and participating in extra-curricular seminars and annual lectures.

Pandemic Pages Podcast

One of the most exciting skills I have acquired is podcasting my research. I co-host the ‘Pandemic Pages Podcast’ with Dr Catherine Wynne, the Associate Dean for Research and Enterprise where we interview COVID authors about their books. The project has been incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to disseminate my research innovatively, publish academic book reviews and articles for The Conversation, and engage with the public on social media, in heritage spaces, radio studios, interview panels and book festivals!

A special community

The University of Hull boasts a vibrant, creative, and diverse academic community that enriches the academic experience. The union services have supported me during financial anxieties, accommodation worries, and the stresses of being a young adult caregiver. I’ve worked as an ambassador and with the schools and colleges service. The Careers service provided me with a funded opportunity to travel to Goa, India, for an international volunteering project to teach English, an experience abroad I had only ever dreamed of.

To hear about my University of Hull studies from undergraduate to PhD and the Pandemic Pages Podcast, you can catch my chat with BBC Upload’s Rob Jelly on BBC Sounds here

Read Lucyl's article on Netflix's Decamaron and see her full list of articles for The Conversation.