Why did Michael choose to study Law?
I chose Law because it brought together the essay based, word heavy subjects I'd already excelled in at sixth form, alongside a genuine interest in public speaking built through my school's debate club.
At sixth form, I studied A-Levels in History, English Literature and Sociology, alongside an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). All of these were heavily essay based, and Law felt like a natural progression that covered everything I'd already been doing, in one subject.
My involvement in my school's debate club, where I built up plenty of public speaking experience, was another factor that pointed me toward Law as a realistic option at university.
Why did Michael choose the University of Reading?
I chose Reading for its strong transport links, a calmer pace than London, and the fact that some of my friends were heading there too.
Having grown up used to London's fast, noisy pace, I wanted somewhere well connected but less frantic. A couple of my friends were also planning to go to Reading, which made the decision easier.
What does Michael enjoy most about university life?
The biggest thing I've enjoyed is the sheer amount of freedom and independence university life gives you, even though adjusting to it took some getting used to at first. The ball's very much in your court, and I think getting used to that sense of adult independence in an entirely new place, miles away from your typical support system, was a bit of a culture shock to adapt to at first.
“The ball's very much in your court, and I think getting used to that sense of adult independence in an entirely new place, miles away from your typical support system, was a bit of a culture shock to adapt to at first.”
What is a typical week like studying Law at Reading?
A typical week for me mixes early lectures, late night library sessions, athletics training, and downtime with friends, all built around being more productive at night than during the day.
I'm more of a night owl, doing the vast majority of my independent work, from research to condensing lecture notes into quiz form using Google Gemini, later in the day. I remember one particularly long stretch running from 9pm to 6am.
Outside my studies, I was a student athlete representing the University of Reading in Athletics, competing in High Jump, Long Jump and the 100m. Training took place every Tuesday and Friday evening at Palmer Park Stadium, alongside recreational 2.5k or 5k runs to keep my cardio up. Weekends usually involved football with friends, FIFA or Football Manager, and watching (and being mildly frustrated by) Manchester United.
What was the hardest part of studying Law for Michael?
The most difficult period was my final year submission season, which collided with an athletics competition, a half marathon I'd committed to, and some serious family health worries, all while chasing a personal goal of finishing with a First Class Honours degree.
I'd set myself the target of finishing every module of my final year with a First. Going into my last three modules, I was three out of three, with an athletics competition on 30th May and a half marathon on 21st June both approaching fast, while a couple of people close to me were seriously unwell.
A close group of friends, consistent goal setting, and athletics itself, as an outlet for frustration, helped me get through it. In the end, I achieved a First Class Honours in Law, completed my first half marathon, and won a bronze medal for the University of Reading in High Jump at the LUCA Championships 2026.
“In the end, I achieved a First Class Honours in Law, completed my first half marathon, and won a bronze medal for the University of Reading in High Jump at the LUCA Championships 2026.”
What are Michael's career plans after Law?
I'm building a career at the intersection of Law and sport, currently working as an Editorial Research Analyst covering the laws and governance of women's football, with a longer term interest in Sports Law and Sports Compliance.
As a lifelong Manchester United fan and former student athlete, I've always known I wanted to work in sport in some capacity. Combining that with my Law degree, I've found myself drawn toward Sports Law and, more recently, Sports Compliance, through my current role as an Editorial Research Analyst at Her Game, Her Verdict, researching the regulatory side of the women's game. I'm currently upskilling through online courses while looking for further opportunities in the space.
What does Michael wish he'd known before starting university?
My biggest piece of advice is that your results day grades don't define your university experience, and that mentality matters more than most people expect. Your results day doesn't confine you to a set route or class. I didn't come out with the flashiest of A-Level or EPQ grades, but past the maybe slightly awkward icebreakers at Freshers, no one actually cares. University is your opportunity to have fun, embrace a clean start, and take steps to be whoever it is you want to be.
“Your results day doesn't confine you to a set route or class. I didn't come out with the flashiest of A-Level or EPQ grades, but past the maybe slightly awkward icebreakers at Freshers, no one actually cares. University is your opportunity to have fun, embrace a clean start, and take steps to be whoever it is you want to be.”
Would Michael choose the same course and university again?
Yes, I'd make the same choice in both course and university, and my advice to future students is simple: don't be afraid to try things other people doubt. There is no reason why it can't be you getting that first class, or wherever it is success looks like to you. You just have to be willing to say 'I'm going to test this out' when everyone else around you is telling you no.
“There is no reason why it can't be you getting that first class, or wherever it is success looks like to you. You just have to be willing to say 'I'm going to test this out' when everyone else around you is telling you no.”