Peder Joraandstad

Norway, BA (Hons) Business and Marketing Management

“You’re getting so much knowledge; I’m learning stuff every day. It’s just exactly what I need for my degree.”

Why did you decide to study in the UK?

I wanted to develop my language - that was kind of my main reason. I really wanted to be able to speak fluently English without any hiccups. Also, I was quite tired of Norway; I’d spent all my years there. So I just tried something new.

Why did you choose Oxford Brookes in particular?

I chose Brookes because it matched with what I was looking for. It is a very straightforward university and that was exactly what I was looking for. I wanted a city that was manageable in terms of size and I thought it would be convenient to have a relatively centrally located city. It was geographically and university specific and I had some good accounts from here, like friends who had attended here and people who just knew about Brookes, so I went on second hand accounts.

What do you find is the best thing about the course?

The best thing about the course is that I’ve had a few good assignments where my actual interests applied and so those I have enjoyed. Obviously, I enjoy the success of my work - working really hard on a module and doing really well. When I actually started at Brookes I started doing a combined honours degree in Business Management and Linguistics, because language is something I really like and I enjoy the grammar. I enjoy my course because it allows me to not only focus everything on Business, but I could also choose modules, which was great.

What do you think about the support of the tutors?

I’ve worked with friends, and I’ve had a great working relationship with my academic advisor. She’s also the faculty head of marketing so she’s a very key person in my degree, and we have a very steady communication as well. So that’s been great, she’s been helping me whenever I’ve been worried about choosing the right modules and everything.

Would you recommend the course to another student?

Yes I would, it’s a great programme. Particularly now that I’ve been on a placement - it’s just a win win situation. You’re getting so much knowledge; I’m learning stuff every day. It’s just exactly what I need for my degree. I think I’ve been great at seizing the opportunity and being very proactive and always trying to get the most out of every situation there.

Are you involved in any clubs or societies?

I’m the president of the Nordic Society. When I started here during Freshers’ Week I signed up for all of these societies, and the Nordic Society has quite a few Norwegians and it was a very nice social thing. A couple of friends of mine, who were there before me, asked if I wanted to take over and I said yes. So I run that group and it’s nice, we have different events, like a Christmas dinner, so that’s a lot of fun.

Would you recommend Oxford Brookes to other international students?

I will and I have. Every now and then I’m asked what I think about this university, and I definitely say that they know what to do. If you’re a struggling as an international student with your language, they have courses to get you through that. If you’re having trouble adjusting to the writing style and everything they will get you through that too.