Studying history is an eye opener and a game changer.

1. You will study some pretty weird stuff.

History at university level is nothing like A Levels. Yes, you can study traditional history. But even the traditional history can get pretty unconventional sometimes. I've just written 3,000 words on the policing of homosexuality and transvestism in early modern Europe. I've also studied the history of murder and the Victorian love of death photography. No one can prepare you for what you uncover during your studies, but embrace this unconventional side to the course! 

2. You will find your historical niche, and you will be surprised by what it is.

Despite being horrifically unknowledgable in the science department throughout my school years, I have become an absolute medical history nerd. To the extent that my degree will ultimately be a history of medicine, science and disability. I'm writing my dissertation on the emergence of the medical profession in the nineteenth century and their obsession with freakish bodies. Hopefully I will get a place on a module next year exploring Cold War Human Experimentation and I'm currently studying the role of photography in nineteenth century scientific discourse. When I started my degree, I was 100% sure I wanted to focus on East Germany under Soviet Rule after the Second World War. I couldn't have been more far from the truth! 

3. Contact hours are few and far between, reading lists are huge.

The only downside to studying history is the lack of contact hours. I am only in classes for 6 hours a week, which is a little bit annoying when I am paying £9,000 a year to study. However, there is a lot of reading and essay writing to be done outside of class. Although every history student hates reading for seminars, at least it makes up a little for our lack of contact hours. 

4. History academics are a different breed of academic.

I have yet to encounter an unreasonable, intolerable academic. I don't think my uni's history department has any. 75% of them however, in one way or another, are absolutely crackers. Some study weird things, others do not believe in authority so allow you to do pretty much what you want. I have even had a lecturer chose to not record their lectures, in fear of future backlash from not only the university, but national intelligence services. Nothing they said in any lecture was a matter of university or state security. Ever... But it made us all chuckle.

5. History books and historical documents give the most fearsome paper cuts you will ever experience.

So much pain. All the time. 

Beth x