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Benedict O'Neill is in his first year studying BSc (Hons) Rural Property Management at Harper Adams. While lockdown has changed the way we learn and given us a digital advantage, Benedict’s experience away from campus has still been a positive one.

"Due to the pandemic, the ‘usual’ university experiences have been pretty thin on the ground,” Benedict explained. “However, the way people have just continued on and dealt with life is extraordinary. I think the general camaraderie of the whole student body can take most of the credit where that's concerned.”

Our campus community is important to many of our students but its translation to the online sphere has not changed the Harper Spirit.

The stunning rural location of Harper Adams was partly what drew Benedict to the university. He said: “I came to a face-to-face open day and was immediately struck by how tight-knit and how well all the departments and students got along.

“Harper was the only open day I went to; by the end of the day, I had decided that this is where I wanted to spend the next chapter of my life.”

Benedict was certain he wanted to study rural property management: “My father partially inspired me, himself being a chartered building surveyor. This gave me some basic knowledge of what a surveyor does.

“But what inspired me more though is my love for the countryside and all things rural. Coming from an urban background, I relish the opportunity to get out into the country and bathe in the sights, smells, and sounds.”

Describing his course as ‘interesting, alternative, informative and engaging’ Benedict is looking forward to the opportunity to return to campus for in-person learning.

Benedict has future ambitions of becoming an estate manager.

To find out more about our land and property courses, please click here.