Imad-Eddine El Ghiouane, Bsc Business Economics student
As a student studying Bsc Business Economics, a visit to the Bank of England had been an excellent way to start the year. It was a chance for me to gain a greater understanding of the UK’s banking system; this had been a superb and informative visit subsequent to the summer holidays. Already my life at University was off to a good start. Moreover, in a social context this had been a great way to meet like minded individuals; this gave us a chance to get to know each other thus forming friendships on the very first day. Further to our exploration in the Bank of England Museum, we had a number of activities to participate in, for instance lifting a 13Kg Solid Gold Bar after which we collectively attempted to challenge the Banks mini-game of opening a safe, this allowed us to build on our team working skills, as a result we had been successful in cracking the safe thus allowing us to win the prize that lay within. After this point we were treated to a short 30 minute film in the Bank cinema suite, this was a great experience as it gave us economic insight into the course. Subsequently, the first day was over.
The next day we had been put into teams and given a research task, however in order to complete this task we had to explore London with our newly formed groups, essentially it featured characteristics of a treasure hunt, we were given various historical questions and tasks to complete and we had to work together in order to track them down. This has been a greatly enjoyable social experience which resulted in people making new friends. Moreover this also allowed not only me but various students to familiarise themselves with the surrounding area of the Marylebone Campus, which personally I had found to be greatly beneficial. At the end of this one hour task we had returned, despite the fact we came in third place it was still an unforgettable and memorable experience. Overall I can honestly agree that both of these activities had been excellent way to kick start my first year at university, I am greatly pleased with this experience and hope that this is continued with future undergraduates.
Robert Mitson, Bsc Business Economics student
The trip to the Bank of England on the 18th of September was, in my opinion, a great way to start our Orientation Week. The visit acted as the perfect icebreaker as we were all united by a common interest in our subject, and in talking about the activities and exhibitions we began to get acquainted with one another. The informality of the visit allowed us to take our time looking around the Bank, socialising as we did so; and the talk we were given, as well as the features in the museum gave us an insight into the role of the Bank of England in regulating the various areas of the UK Economy such as interest and inflation rates, and the money supply. In addition to this visit, the accompanying activity that we completed on the following day further cemented the friendships we had begun to form on the first day. By taking part in the ‘Treasure Hunt’ style activity, we were able to get further acquainted with both our classmates, and London itself, as we were required to find a number of landmarks, objects and facts around the Marylebone Campus and Baker Street. Therefore, I believe the trip to the Bank of England helped set the tone for what I hope will be an excellent three years, both academically and socially.
Shahela Kodabuckus, Bsc Business Economics student
Visiting the Bank of England was a very useful trip socially and academically. The visit enabled us to gain more knowledge of the banks history as well as its functions, which are vital elements to the UK’s economy. As new students, the trip to the Bank of England was excellent in the sense of getting know each other. It was an opportunity for us to really meet and communicate with other students on our course, especially as there was a talking point for everyone…ECONOMICS! As a group we spent time to successfully unlock the safe, which won us a Bank of England pin. The questions asked really tested our knowledge on the 50 pound note. Towards the end of the visit we were given a talk by one of the staff. This really helped us to gain a proper understanding of what the Bank of England actually does and how much of an important role it plays within the economy. The following day we were all given an activity based on inflation. This activity was very effective as it tested our ability to retain information from the visit as well as testing what we already knew. Overall it was a fabulous two days where we were able to learn more about the Bank of England and meet new people!
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