Buckinghamshire New University shares heart-warming stories from Class of 2024 graduates

“This university journey has been outstanding in equipping us for the professional world. BNU has provided us with a comprehensive foundation, enabling us to step into our careers with assurance. 

“As a mature student juggling academic aspirations with motherhood, I wondered how I would balance these roles. However, the welcoming and supportive atmosphere at BNU quickly alleviated my fears. The initial nervousness gave way to a sense of possibility and belonging thanks to the kindness of our peers and the dedication of the faculty.”

“I am filled with immense pride to be graduating from this university, not just because years of hard work have paid off but because BNU is a university that dedicates itself to its  students. It has consistently demonstrated its commitment by listening to the student's voices and fostering an environment where we actively shape our own learning experiences. The faculty, staff, and fellow students at BNU have been more than just educators and peers; they have been mentors, friends, and collaborators.

“I wish more people knew about BNU's exceptional approach to student success and support.”

“There is such a strong sense of community at BNU, it’s impossible not to feel like you are part of one big family. From the staff in my creative advertising course to those that I worked with as a lead student ambassador and everyone in-between, I truly feel like I have made friends to last a lifetime. 

“The psychological growth I feel and see in myself since coming to BNU is incredible. I was never the confident person in the room whereas now I feel like I exude such positive and confident energy, that it makes me feel great and lifts the mood of everyone around me.”

“I have absolutely loved my time at BNU. The support received from university staff and Bucks Students’ Union has been nothing short of amazing. Throughout my time here I was  elected as a student rep twice, became School Officer for my School, was on committee  (secretary) for two societies, and possibly one of my biggest achievements – being awarded with Volunteer of the Year at the Union Awards for which I was truly honoured. 

“Volunteering and helping others is something I am very passionate about, and I am so grateful to the university for providing me with the space and support to be able to do that. Collectively, I was able to log 528 hours, earning a platinum volunteer certification.”

“Re-entering education after nine years in the workforce was daunting. There were many sleepless nights and moments of doubt. However, with the welcoming introduction and  empathetic support of the BNU physiotherapy team, these fears were quickly put to rest. For me, BNU was not just an educational institution; but a unique community where every individual’s journey is valued.

“I thank the BNU community for providing that platform to amalgamate our past experiences and transforming us into newly profound healthcare providers. I am proud to be part of BNU’s legacy and the School of Health and Social Care Professions.”

“To the professors and lecturers here at BNU - you have been a constant beam of light for each and every one of us graduates. Your uplifting words of wisdom, endless kindness, and warmest hearts have genuinely touched our souls and spread our wings. We’re ready to fly off now, and that’s many thanks to you. While setting off in a boat on the vast sea, you never reach your destination without learning how to row.

Professors, we are grateful to you for your teachings, and now we’re ready to set off and onto our destinations. We are honoured to have the stepping-stones laid out by you, which formed our paths towards our dreams and goals.”

“Here at BNU, your study prepares you for the real world with transferable skills and industry experience. The placement opportunities are exceptional, and through my own I have gained the confidence to practice as a safe and competent clinician. 

“BNU’s environment is so homely and welcoming, and the staff feel like family to me. I would wholly recommend the university and course for anyone, especially healthcare professionals.”

“We have had countless opportunities to meet professionals and get industry experience, such as Creative Futures Week which we all enjoyed so much. A personal highlight for me is  working with Wycombe Wanderers FC in my second year, an opportunity I would never have had if I did not come to BNU.

"The experience we have had thanks to our knowledgeable and well-connected tutors has prepared us for the working world and we are so grateful to them.”

“Within my first year at BNU I developed a chronic condition in my writing hand. I was in  excruciating pain and needed regular injections as well as multiple surgeries. I really struggled to see how I could get through my studies.

“But I told myself that I had come too far to quit. I decided to register with the Inclusion and Disability team at the university. The support I received was amazing, and my dedication really paid off. I wish to sincerely thank all of my tutors and other staff members at the university for doing all they could to support me through a really challenging period.”

“A University can only be as good as its people. By far the best thing about my time at BNU has been the people I have met here. I know I speak for most of us graduating when I say it has been the people who believed in us when we didn’t believe in ourselves, those who taught us our power to think critically, to challenge the world, and those who each day went above and beyond for us, both academically and personally.

“For me, it has been in meeting the people who will be life-long friends. I will forever miss the times we laughed until we cried over a coffee or those sessions of moral support in the library a week before the deadline. It is this that I wish the people outside knew, the friendships and the care that exists within these walls.”

“During my time at BNU I was elected as Women’s Executive Officer for the university. This role meant a lot to me due to a difficult personal incident, and I wanted to use my newfound  position to my greatest advantage. BNU’s support was unwavering, and I really wanted to highlight this fact to others. In my new role, I was able to run self-defence seminars, provide safe spaces and even used my position to pledge against gender-based violence with other people from the university.

“As my role ended, I was lucky enough to be nominated for and then win the Campaigner of the Year award, which was a wonderful way to end my time at BNU. What I would like to share is that when bad things happen you can always get back up. A huge thank you to the University, Students’ Union and everyone who believed in me.”

“BNU is a special place. We never have time to stop as nurses, but right now, we are about to go far and wide with all the opportunities that this profession affords us. BNU has helped me and everyone on my course to develop as healthcare professionals and guided us through many challenges.

"To our lecturers, your dedication is immense, and I thank you for keeping us sane over the years. 

"So, whilst today might be goodbye, I assure you that none of us will ever forget what BNU has given us.”

“BNU has opened my eyes to so many new elements, both academically and in life. It has allowed me to develop not only as a student but as an adult, growing in confidence and maturity.

"Thank you to all the staff, whether in the classroom or behind the scenes, for making this university as great as it is.

“Also, thank you for Beeches, it’s truly amazing!”