Holly Zeidler: My experience so far as an Agri student at Aberystwyth

Studying at Aberystwyth University as a BSc Agriculture with Business Management student has fitted in well alongside running my contract shepherding business- The BZy Shepherd.

The community embedded in life at Aberystwyth has been a big part of my experience. Getting to know fellow students and hearing their stories about how they found their way into the agricultural industry has been inspiring, and it’s helped me build networks I know I’ll rely on as we progress through the sector together. Much of the confidence I have now has come from the support I have received at Aberystwyth University. Being part of a small cohort where everyone knows each other has meant that the encouragement from both staff and peers has had a lasting impact, helping me feel more certain in myself as well as the path I am taking. Having people around me who understand the industry, share their experiences, and offer guidance has made a real difference to how I approach both my studies and my contracting work outside of university, especially since coming from a non-farming background.

I’ve found the course to be diverse, covering livestock production, grassland management and arable and tying it to the business management- an area you don’t always encounter when you’re focusing on providing practical livestock farm work. My shepherding work takes me across the UK, and the experience I gain on each farm directly complements what I’m learning at university. Seeing different systems in practice helps me contextualise what I have learnt academically and understand how business decisions play out day to day.

The university’s relationships with local organisations have created opportunities to access scholarships and mentoring opportunities that are supporting my personal and professional development. While my time studying in Aberystwyth has offered many opportunities in both areas, it is the friendships I have formed that have influenced my time living in Aberystwyth.

Learn more about our Agriculture courses HERE