By Ivy Wambui Njagi
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Ivy Wambui Njagi
Originally from Kenya, Ivy chose to study Food and Nutrition because of a strong interest in the relationship between food, health, and wellbeing, particularly within communities. Experiences of both food insecurity and lifestyle-related health issues in Kenya inspired a passion for public health nutrition and improving lives through education and prevention.
UCB stood out for its practical teaching approach, strong academic reputation, and Birmingham’s more affordable cost of living compared to other UK cities. Despite challenges during the visa and enrolment process, the support from UCB’s international team helped make the transition smoother and taught valuable resilience and adaptability.
A key highlight of the degree has been the practical learning experience, including lab work, kitchen sessions, and a placement with Birmingham City Council through the Holiday Activities and Food programme. This allowed Ivy to deliver nutrition education activities for children and families while developing communication, leadership, and confidence.
Support from lecturers and CASE academic support has also played an important role throughout the university journey. Outside of studies, building friendships with students from diverse backgrounds and exploring Birmingham has made the experience even more rewarding.
Overall, studying at UCB has been a transformative experience, helping Ivy grow academically, professionally, and personally, with long-term ambitions to work internationally in public health nutrition and improve access to nutrition education globally.