Consumer behavior is a fascinating subject. I have always wondered why am I crazy about “free” stuffs – even though I don’t require the product, if it is offered for free I used to get and stock it up unused. That’s really meaningless and defy fundamental laws of economics and psychology. When in need we will buy and use it, when it is offered for free we don’t really question our needs as such and we forecast ourselves that we will use it in future. Fundamentally, we break our cognitive thoughts and take most of decisions emotionally. I hope you will feel the same. Looking at these bewildered behaviors, I thought I should study further more. When I looked up, I found UK is consistently exploring behavioral changes and it is the first country to establish its own nudging unit. I started to scout for colleges in UK that combines economics, psychology and neuroscience in the curriculum that can suit my palate. “BANGOR UNIVERSITY” stood apart from the entire crowd.

Bangor university amused me with its psychology Department. The department is filled up with witty and nerdy professors. It also offers unique degrees to cater the specific needs of students around the globe. I would certainly second what the university says “Think Psychology, Think Bangor”.

On September 20th, 2017, all the postgraduates had to gather up in the Lecture hall 5 & 6 of Wheldon Building for the induction. This blog focuses on the induction program.

Dr.Paloma Maria-Beffa, Director of Graduate Studies begun the session with her tales of two students. One student being Miguel and another being Gema. The two students are extremely opposite and found to be same on one character called “resilience”. Dr.Paloma talked only on the power of resilience and how it can help in the future.

Next session was handled by Dr.Lloyd Tracey (Director of Student Engagement), an amazing and witty professor I would say. She introduced about the department society, student society, psychsoc and on student activities. She made the crowd to smile with her witty comments. She is humorous

The session was took over by Dr.Nia Griffith, she explained on the pastoral care available in the department. I had a look into her profile and found that she is a specialist in child care. No one will ever doubt her role in the department for sure. The entire session was based on private and emergency tutor services for the students. Also she explained on the services available at the universal for specially challenged students.

Mr.Rob from UNDEB (Students Union – Bangor University) took a session on course representative roles and responsibility. Also he elucidated the role of students in making the uni better. Quite informative and it helped to understand how the course reps and students are empowered in Bangor University. I liked the Derek Sivers video showed by Rob to explain the significance of students in bringing change.

We had continuous session in the morning to end it we were served with sumptuous lunch suiting both vegetarians and non vegetarians. I was really in air when I saw those Chicken tikka on the table. Also soft drinks and water to quench your thirst.

In the noon, the students were split based on the courses they opted for and was arranged a meeting with their course directors. Since I opted for MSc Consumer Psychology with Business, we went to have a session with Dr. Gareth Harvey. He had a checklist with him to brief us few things. I saw him striking every points once he is done with that. Dr.Gareth explained about the entire course and opportunities available to us as graduates.

To end the day, Prof. John Parkinson took a brief session about the school, his research and ELOP course.

I found the school to be vibrant, energetic and enthusiastic all the time. I hope this will be a learning ground for me. I wish to acquire more information and knowledge from the school. I’m coming up with an article on Bangor Serendipity fair next week. Catch you there.