Henry Phillips

Hartpury is the perfect place for me

I’ve always loved sport, so Hartpury was the perfect place for me to study.

I’m able to learn essential skills for my future career and then apply them in real life, using all the top-level facilities that are available at Hartpury, as well as playing sport at a high level.

I chose the Sports and Exercise Science degree because it will provide me with many options in terms of my future career in sport.

Lecturers are always keen to help

Lectures for sports students start slightly later in the morning to ensure players are able to go to their team training sessions and still be able to attend every lecture. This is a great start to my mornings as I get to start the day playing a sport I love.

After training, I get breakfast in the canteen and then go to my lectures and practical sessions, which I really enjoy because the lecturers are always keen to help and easy to talk to.

I enjoy our nutrition laboratory sessions in particular because, thanks to the superb facilities at Hartpury, they provide me with fantastic opportunities to experience first-hand what we are being taught in our lectures. This term, for example, we analysed how various supplements such as beetroot juice or carbohydrate mouthwash may enhance sporting performance!

What it’s like to be a sport student

Being able to play rugby for Hartpury is a great experience, especially because of BUCS Wednesdays when we’re able play against other universities.

Last year was great as we finished top of the league with a fantastic team of players who are all honoured to play for Hartpury.

Student night on Wednesdays is fantastic, as every team from all sports go out to have a good time. Everybody at Hartpury is like a little community, which makes nights out fun as well as safe.

Positive environment for international students

I’ve lived in Italy with my family for the past 10 years, so coming to an English university was quite a shock and a bit daunting at first, especially with not being able to go home on the weekends.

I didn’t have any problem fitting in at Hartpury, as the environment there creates a positive place for people with the same passions to thrive and enjoy the process at the same time.

There’s a great vibe at Hartpury

From the very start there has always been a great vibe about Hartpury University. When I visited for the first time for an open day I was blown away by the facilities and opportunities the university could offer.

The first person I spoke to was Charlotte Phillips, the International Manager, who made sure well in advance of my arrival they had provided me with practical information and guidance, including possible things to do and see in Gloucester.

Hartpury also offer plenty of extracurricular events and activities that students can get involved in, such as becoming a Student Ambassador. This is my first year as Student Ambassador. I signed up as I am hoping to improve my confidence in what is a very fulfilling role, as well as boost my CV.

My future career

This degree has given me a clearer picture as to what type of career I would like to go into after Hartpury.

I really enjoy nutrition and I have also created a passion for strength and conditioning. For this reason, I’m very keen to look at being an exercise physiologist, preferably for a rugby team as I have a massive passion for the sport and its principles.