Mikaela Balder
Hi, my name is Mikaela Balder and I'm from Gothenburg in Sweden
I'm currently in my second year doing a course in BA (Hons) Events Management.
Over the last five years I have done my education in English, which is why I decided to study in England.
What's good about Derby is that the staff are very friendly and supportive
If you need help with something, whether it's academical work, financial or personal issues, there's always someone that you can turn to.
The library offers a wide range of resources and provides a satisfactory number of reference books needed for all your work, and is also the place to be when the workload is growing and you need to fully concentrate on your coursework.
I chose to study Events Management after several years of interest in conferences, exhibitions, meetings and general organising
The course really brings out all the relevant theory one needs to know when planning an event, whether it's on a small or big scale, and it also gives the students the opportunity to organise their own events.
Not only do the tutors teach us events management from an educational perspective, but also from their own experience since they are all industry professionals.
Events Management is based at the University's campus in Buxton
It's approximately one hour away from the city of Derby.
It is a Victorian spa town full of character and plenty of history. It is located in the heart of the Peak District, where the opportunities for outdoor activities are endless.
And if you need a break from studying, the town centre consists of two shopping arcades and plenty of shops including Next, New Look and Marks and Spencer.
There's no better place to be on a sunny day than in the Pavilion Gardens, which is a nice and spacious park right next to Buxton Opera House.
I enjoy going down to the pub or to our nightclub, Level 2, and socialising with my friends
I go on trips together with the members in our International Society, do various shopping around Buxton, and every once in a while take the train to Manchester for a day out.
England and Sweden are not especially far away from each other
It was therefore quite easy to settle down and things are pretty similar.
People always have different mentalities wherever you go
The Englishmen are friendly and polite, they call you 'love' or 'darling' when you're in shops (it's great!) and the culture is laid back and open.
For me it was almost what I expected when going here, and the more time goes the better everything gets and the circle of friends expand.
Going to University is something nobody should miss out on
You learn so much about yourself; you grow as a person and meet many new and interesting people.
There are so many opportunities to get involved at University as well, especially within the Students' Union.
Do take the chance and have the time of your life!
