Recent graduate, Siyi Qi BA Ancient Languages with Year Abroad, reflects on her time at UCL. 

Hi, friends! This is Siyi, a recent graduate of BA Ancient Languages in the faculty. I am happy to share with you some of my experiences as an undergraduate studying BA Ancient Languages with Year Abroad, and some of the lessons I have learned along the way.  

I changed degree from UCL/HKU Dual Degree in Law before joining the humanities faculty, and I think it was one of the wiser choices I made. Law is great, but it is not for everyone, and certainly not for me. I am really happy that after changing degree, I could study what really interested me in the humanities faculty. I think we all have times in our lives when we question our own choices. Is what I am doing right for me? While we all arrive at different answers to these questions, I think it is important to recognise that asking these questions is itself valuable, for we know more about ourselves and what we really value. When we choose to act on what we really value, new worlds open up! Of course, we all have fear about uncertainties and what lies beyond the horizon, but I have learned that failure is not really a thing, and mistakes are not that scary. We can handle the unease that comes with change, and when we look back, we will have learned a lot! 

I also undertook a year abroad in Jerusalem as part of my undergraduate studies during the 2022-23 academic year. When I look back, it was an experience like none other. Alongside studying intensive Hebrew, I was able to take a wide range of modules both at Rothberg International School and at the humanities faculty of the Hebrew University. Some of the professors there were visiting from universities in the United States, so it was nice that I had the chance to have a mini liberal arts experience during the year. Another mesmerizing part about studying in the Hebrew University was the amazing access to gardens and green spaces! The botanical garden on Mount Scopus has over 950 plant species preserved within their natural habitats from around the country. As the season changes, the appearance of the species also changes, revealing different senses of beauty. I spent some of my best times in the garden, relaxing by myself, chatting with friends and strolling along the garden path.  

As a recent graduate from a humanities degree at UCL, I am deeply grateful to the wisdom, kindness and knowledge of all my tutors and peers who have accompanied me during my undergraduate studies. There are many things that I cherish in my undergraduate experiences, such as the knowledge I gained, the skills I acquired and the experiences I had. Above all else, I am most grateful for the opportunities I had to grow as a person. I think university years are beautiful because the experiences are not purely vocational. While we do transition into the working world, we are also reading, writing, and engaging with people to figure out the big questions, such as our place in the universe, our relationships with the world and other people, as well as our most urgent yearnings. These things may not provide the most direct economic benefits, but they anchor our heart, give us a sense of meaning and purpose, and could carry us far in life.  

With these, I wish you, my dear readers, every happiness and fulfilment in life, and if you happen to be in UCL now, cherish the time and live well! 

Instagram @siyi_qi 

Find out more about the Department of Hebrew and Jewish Studies

UCL Spanish and Philosophy BA second year student Joe Hurley shares his University schedule, and how he makes the most out of it. 

Moving to university, and moving to university in London particularly can prove to be a daunting yet exciting challenge. One of the biggest adjustments students have to make is adapting to a very different day-to-day schedule, which is why I want to give tips in this blog on how to make the most of it.  

Contact hours are the main reason why we have to change schedules at uni- we go from having at least 20 hours at school to having as little as half this amount. Whilst it seems hard to fill the remaining time up, the daily schedule UCL offers to its students allows for an ideal balance between independent study, social life, and extra-curriculars.  

As a Philosophy and Spanish student, I normally start the week on Monday as follows: I first go to my 10am lecture for aesthetics, and then the seminar for that module at 2pm. The time in-between gives me plenty of opportunity to decide whether to head to either the Student Centre, Main Library or Science Library and go over my lecture notes before I meet my friends on the steps of Portico to eat lunch (assuming the weather in London wants to be nice to me!). The aesthetics seminar is the best way for me to clarify my understanding of the set reading which will become useful for writing my essays later on in the term. Finally, I finish my Monday classes with a Spanish seminar on translation at 5pm, and having a class so late in the evening was in itself challenging for me at first. However, with some help from UCL’s volunteering society I was able to find a commitment working as a mentor for disadvantaged students after their school day, enabling me to gain valuable experience as a volunteer before my final class.  

Wednesdays are also great for those interested in picking up or continuing a sport, as classes for everyone end at no later than 1pm. With up to 80 different sports to choose from, there is no doubt you can find something that aligns well with your interests and timetable. This year I decided to get into running with UCL’s Athletics Society, and I really enjoyed being able to meet completely new people whilst also do more exercise on top of working out at Bloomsbury Fitness, UCL’s sustainable on-campus gym.  

Overall, navigating day-to-day life at UCL is rewarding despite the initial challenges. By balancing academics, social activities, and personal interests, you can easily make the most of your university experience. Embrace the opportunities, stay organised, and most of all; don’t forget to take advantage of being in London, a city full of culture and countless places to explore! 🙂 

UCL Scandinavian Studies and History of Art BA second year student Amelia Chukhnova shares her tips for studying to support students preparing to start at UCL.

Prior to coming to UCL, I expected fifty contact hours per week and rigidly scheduled (independent) study hours, which someone else would define for me. Plainly, I was wrong.

At UCL, a student is expected to dedicate approximately 30 hours to self-study, while the contact hours amount to around 8-12 hours per week, depending on the course and the modules chosen. Modules are usually structured as a combination of lectures and seminars — during the latter students are expected to actively contribute to the class discussion.

On my modules, which are mostly text-based, I was assigned required and recommended readings every week. These readings and reflections on them usually take up the majority of the self-study time. In the seminars, the discussions were built around those readings and questions they suggested, and even though I could still get some meaningful takeaways without reading the assigned texts, preparation prior made the learning experience so much more intense and rewarding.

Another important aspect of the studies was visiting my lecturer’s office hours: reflecting on my own questions and completing some sort of general field research to be able to sustain an insightful academic conversation. It really helps to think outside the box and explore your interests, and sometimes feels like going through an additional (self-directed) module! On additional modules: at UCL, it may be possible to ‘audit’ some classes — attend them but not count them towards your credits — but it depends hugely on departmental policies and the lecturer’s decisions.

Now, the assessments also depend on how a course is structured, but the most common forms are coursework and exams. In my case, for coursework, I had to write referenced essays of around 1500-2500 words in length. Usually, I try to start as early as possible, for I take my time transforming what I read into reasonable ideas, but in most cases, I sit down a week and a half before the submission deadline. Research takes about 10-15 hours to complete if I want to be as meticulous as possible, and the total writing process usually seems to take away all the spare hours of self-study I acquired over the weeks (it depends, of course, on the writing style and the word count). Further, in April and May, there are exams, when students occupy libraries from 8 am to 8 am [sic], revising, reading anew, or practicing past exam papers. The exams are more or less evenly spaced across May, so there is always time to prepare — the key is to stay focused, take care of your physical and mental health (for which UCL provides support!), and manage your time well.

Good luck!

UCL BA Scandinavian Studies first year student Katie Lauren Ward shares her top things to do around UCL East. 

UCL’s new East Campus not only provides world class education but is also located in one of the most vibrant, up and coming areas of London. As a Cockney descendant myself, I’m passionate about promoting this underexplored area of the city, so here are my Top 6 things to do around UCL East… 

Catch a game at the London Stadium: 

Located right beside UCL East’s Marshgate building, Europa Conference League winners West Ham United play their home games at the London Stadium. On a match day you’ll see thousands of fans dressed in claret and blue, so why not join them and watch some Premier League football! With student tickets starting from just £15, there’s no reason not to go and support your local club, the Hammers! (BONUS RECOMMENDATION: Walk to Hackney Wick tube station before/after the match to get a ‘Boleyn Bad Boy Hot Dog’ from the Bull Dogs stand for only £3). 

Cool off at the London Fields Lido: 

Take the short Overground journey from Stratford to Hackney Central and enjoy an outdoor swim at the London Fields Lido. The 50m outdoor pool is heated and open year-round with a café and space to sunbathe in Summer too (if the weather cooperates). Tickets are £6 for non-members and it’s recommended to book in advance. 

Feel cultured at the Art Pavilion: 

Head one stop west on the Central Line (or enjoy a 40-minute walk) from Stratford to Mile End to see the exhibits at the Art Pavilion. Located in the scenic Mile End Park, this modern gallery displays a range of art styles through its everchanging exhibitions, most of which are free entry.  The Pavilion also regularly puts on workshops and events which are open to the public so definitely worth checking out! 

Grab some food/drink by the River Lea: 

A short walk from UCL East’s campus, along the banks of the River Lea, a range of bars and restaurants provide stunning views over the water and equally stunning food. A personal favourite of mine is the Number 90 Bar & Kitchen who’s outdoor seating is perfect for watching the canal boats go by. 

Shop till you drop at Westfield Stratford: 

Gone are the days of having to travel to central London for your shopping needs thanks to the creation of Westfield Stratford. With over 300 stores and 70 places to eat, under a 10-minute walk from UCL East, you’ll never be short of choice (just don’t spend your entire student loan there in one day). 

Relive London 2012 at the Olympic Park: 

Before Stratford hosted UCL East, it also hosted the 2012 Olympics and luckily many of the sites from the event are still available to visit today. Whether you choose to swim at the Aquatics Centre, see views of the city from atop the ArcelorMittal Orbit (re-opening in Summer 2024) or go on a guided walking tour of the park, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

UCL BA German and Spanish first year student Molly Clapham shares her experience of choosing which university and degree to study. 

Choosing the right course at UCL is an investment in time and money. Having experienced making a rushed decision (and then dropping out) and making a timely one (which led me to UCL!), I can confirm that proper research, despite being a lengthy process, will save you a lot of confusion and stress.  

It is normal to feel overwhelmed facing this important decision. Those who “have always known” what they wanted to study are in the minority. Personally, it took me a year of studying the wrong course and a gap year to realise what I wanted to pursue. The positive is that I’ve learnt a lot and can share some useful advice.   

The Japanese concept Ikigai, is an invaluable tool that will steer you in the right direction. It poses four key questions: What do you love? What does the world need? What are you good at? And what can you be paid for?  

 The Japanese concept Ikigai. Source, Forbes.  

The best starting point is identifying what you enjoy. Brainstorm a mind-map of any subject or activity that you are interested in (mildly or greatly) and that you would gladly learn about in your spare time. Not only will you be happier at university, you’ll also be more likely to complete your degree and get through the bad days and exam seasons.  

If you find yourself interested in many things, narrow down your options by identifying your strengths. We all have strengths and weakness unique to us, so utilise these to your advantage.  

Look at your course’s graduate prospects and the transferrable skills the course will give you. Instead of pigeon-holing yourself to a particular career, focus on the skills the course will equip you with to become an invaluable employee. Going after the “most employable” or “highest paying” degrees is not an ingredient for success, the skills you gain and how you apply them are.  

Once you have some courses in mind, there are three important components to look at: module content, teaching style and assessment. Find out the module content and the course structure across all years of the degree. Which are compulsory/optional? Does it include a year abroad? How are the modules assessed? Some courses are more exam-based than coursework-based, others are both.  

Teaching style and contact hours also vary. Establish the number of teaching hours a week and whether these are seminars, lectures or/and practicals.  Look closely at the teaching materials and methods. What is the split between individual and group work? Does the course involve textbook-study, or more creative forms of learning such as presentations, podcast-making and website-building? 

The best (and quickest) way to find this information is by contacting the department and students directly. This is important because you get a real sense of what the course is like (from real-life humans and not a website page!). This will also give you insight into the department itself and is a good opportunity to learn about what activities and opportunities are offered outside of classes to complement your studies. When I was applying, I scheduled a meeting with a department member, which helped me make my final decision. 

UCL BASc (majors in culture) third year student Maxima Bachmaier shares their interdisciplinary journey.

Hello everyone! I’m Maxima, a final-year Arts & Sciences (BASc) student at UCL with major in Cultures.

With my diverse range of interests spanning languages, communications, business, marketing and psychology, the interdisciplinary BASc programme immediately appealed to me for its flexibility and breadth of opportunities.

The BASc course at UCL offers a unique framework where students can tailor their studies to their individual interests and strengths by taking modules across diverse disciplines and departments at UCL. As a BASc student, you will choose a major and a minor pathway for your studies from the four fields of Culture, Societies, Engineering and Health & Environment, within which you have a free choice of modules of your interest. This gives you the opportunity to dynamically explore your strengths and gain an insight into diverse academic fields, fostering a holistic approach to learning.

Personally, I chose Cultures as my major pathway in line with my personal interests and aspirations, allowing me to immerse myself in two foreign languages, Spanish at advanced and Mandarin at beginner level, while exploring modules in Linguistics, Communication Science, Media Studies, Journalism, and Creative Writing. For my minor, I chose to focus on Psychology as part of the Health & Environment pathway, engaging with subjects like Social Psychology, Individual Differences, and Organisational Psychology. Holistically, the multifaceted skillset I have acquired throughout my BASc journey will be of great value and benefit for my personal future career aspirations in the marketing and communications field.

Beyond acquiring knowledge in my areas of interest, the Arts & Sciences programme has nurtured my interdisciplinary thinking, providing me with many new perspectives, fresh insights and opportunities to broaden my horizons. Through our core modules in interdisciplinary research, including both quantitative and qualitative methods, I have developed a robust academic foundation and holistic problem-solving skills essential for navigating today’s dynamic educational and professional landscape.

During my BASc journey, I have become increasingly aware of the value and significance of interdisciplinary thinking in addressing the complex, interconnected global challenges of our time, from climate change to social inequality. As BASc students, we are encouraged to transcend academic boundaries, explore multidisciplinary perspectives, and bring together diverse insights to develop innovative, integrated solutions.

Overall, my BASc journey has truly shaped my personality and perspective of the world, equipping me not only with in-depth academic knowledge but also with the ability to connect the dots and grasp the interrelationships between diverse ideas and insights from across disciplines. As I prepare for postgraduate study and my future career, I’m highly grateful for the enriching experiences and lifelong skills this programme has provided me with.

Curious to broaden your horizons and gain new insights from a range of disciplines?

Then the BASc programme may be the perfect choice for you!

Feel free to get in touch with me if you are interested to learn more about my experiences.
Looking forward to connecting and perhaps crossing paths at UCL in the future!

Email: maxima.bachmaier.21@ucl.ac.uk 

Instagram: @maxima__b
 

Find out more about UCL Arts and Sciences department and the courses they offer. 

UCL ESPS second-year student Cecily Rowley shares how they engage with every aspect of university life. 

I remember applying to UCL and being excited for two things: my new classes and my new social life. I viewed these two as separate. In my mind, freshers’ week was my one big chance to make friends, and once classes started, socialising would be more challenging. How wrong I was! Whilst it is true that freshers’ week is an excellent opportunity to meet new people- everyone wants to chat, dance, be open and discover the area- it is far from the only chance you will get to do so. If you are not a huge fan of clubbing and drinking, there is still hope for you! I found that by fully engaging with my course, I was able to build meaningful and rewarding friendships that have lasted well into my second year.

Most courses have hundreds of students, which can be overwhelming and even slightly isolating at first. During freshers’ week, my department organised introductory talks and gatherings. Sitting in a lecture theatre for the first time was definitely nerve racking- but as I looked around, it became apparent that everyone was in the same boat as me. As we sat waiting for the presentation to start, or as we all crowded towards the exit, I found myself chatting to the people around me, and it was effortless. “What did you think of the lecturers?”, “When’s your first class?”, and more importantly, “Are you going to the ESPS mixer at the Portico?”, “Are you going to the talk about that new book?”.

Checking my emails later that evening, I found countless opportunities to meet people with similar interests on my course. On top of lectures and seminars, during the entire year, most departments offer places at guest talks and academic presentations. Whether you fancy learning more about geography, history, politics or urban planning, these talks not only allow you to expand your knowledge of your field of study, but also provide a great chance to socialise. I met some of my best friends at a guest talk on bioethics.

My course has its own society, which organises plenty of events. Joining a society related to your course, as well as a sports’ society (or circus society, whatever floats your boat), will help you to connect with the people in your department, and feel more integrated within your academic community.

Uni life is not social life versus studies. Rather, it is a big, wonderful mix of both. Academia and friendships intersect in so many ways. I strongly encourage every student, current or prospective, to attend the optional talks and gatherings organised by their department. You never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll learn. That kind of mystery isn’t daunting, it’s exciting!

Discover more about UCL European & International Social & Political Studies Department…

UCL student Gabija Barkute shares 5 tops tips to find and secure an internship.

A record number of young people are now attending university, which can make it more difficult for students to stand out in the job market. Securing an internship can be a great way to get around this, as it will not only provide you with some relevant experience but also give you industry insight and hone in on the skills required. That said, securing an internship can be tricky, so here are my top tips to help!

1. Nowadays, many job vacancies are filled before they are even advertised, which means that it is all the more important to connect and stay in the know with those in the industry. One of the best ways to do this is via LinkedIn, where you can find people working in the organisations you are interested in, reach out to them, and connect. In my experience, many people are more than happy to respond and may give you some very helpful advice! You can also network via events held by the platform. You should exercise some caution about what you sign up for as LinkedIn is an external platform. Nevertheless, there are many opportunities out there awaiting without you even needing to leave your home.

2. Utilise your university careers service. Similar to LinkedIn, UCL Careers hosts a variety of events which give you the chance to network, as well as providing access to job opportunities that you may not have seen elsewhere via the jobs board. Additionally, you can also book one-to-one appointments to have a practice interview or to get some feedback on your CV, which is invaluable when it comes to making an application.

3. Search for opportunities via industry-specific job boards. This may give you access to opportunities that you did not even know existed and may also be less competitive than those listed on the most popular platforms.

4. Try to get as much experience as you can beforehand so that you can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field in your application. This doesn’t have to be paid work; it can include activities like volunteering or completing virtual internships/online courses.

5. Be proactive. It may well be that there are no opportunities listed online for organisations that you are interested in interning with, but this does not necessarily mean that there are no opportunities available. If you don’t ask, you don’t get, so don’t be afraid to reach out to companies first!

Getting an internship can be tricky, but the key is to keep at it and stay proactive. I hope these tips have been useful; we all wish you the best of luck!

UCL student Dylan Ngan shares how you can find out what works for you when it comes to academic study.

One of the more common tendencies of university life is the feeling of being overwhelmed by what seems to be a significant amount of work, whether within the scope of academics or your personal affairs. In an increasingly hectic world, there are certainly many things to get in order. As a result, it is perfectly normal to feel a slight panic at certain points, when things feel like they are slipping out of hand. Given this, what was useful to me was ensuring I was especially organised.

This meant writing down a list, having a clear overview of everything, allowing for an easier time with planning, prioritising, scheduling and allocation of resources along with setting reminders. Clarity and organisation, being able to divide a seemingly large workload into achievable pieces, is a great step forward to regaining composure, focus and control. You’ll find that developing a system of getting your tasks done on time is good practice. Furthermore, this is an opportune moment to find what sort of organisation style best suits your habits; it’s not about doing the right things, it’s about finding what’s right for you. A schedule is only a guideline; don’t let it dictate your life, let your life dictate your schedule.

Being organised in my daily personal life was also invaluable. It’s important to manage our time in both aspects, as it is often the culmination of things we need to accomplish in one of these areas that end up affecting the other. A big part of immersing yourself in university life and managing your time is finding a sense of stability, establishing habits, getting comfortable and finding a rhythm. Doing chores, doing the shopping, cooking and cleaning are not just beneficial in the obvious practical way, but also grounds you in a state of clarity, giving you a part of your life that you can have a firm grasp on while things are constantly changing and moving about around you. Sometimes, it’s not just about maintenance of an environment, but it’s worth considering rearranging your desk, decorating, reorganising your wardrobe. Maybe you’ll find a more efficient way to do things, maybe it’s about building an atmosphere that expresses your identity.

It’s possible to get enough sleep, not have to go through all-nighters, not have to rush assignments, go to all your lectures, do all your readings and still have enough time to relax, have a social life and do well for your exams and papers. One of the key aspects of achieving this is time management. Rather than doing lots, it’s about efficiency and effectiveness. Most importantly, take care of yourself. If you support your mind and body, they will support you when it comes to your academics.

At the end of the day, we are all trying our best. We’ll be okay, good !

UCL 24/7 Student Support Line is a free, confidential wellbeing service available 24- hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You can talk to an adviser by phone on +44 (0) 808 238 0077.

UCL student Sharayah Munyi share 5 things to know before starting university.

Starting university can feel overwhelming in many ways. From finding accommodation to simply adjusting to the new lifestyle, it’s easy to feel bombarded even before the start of term.
However, it can also feel really exciting but it’s fair to say that there are some things I wish I’d known before starting university and I’d like to share them with you.

1) Take care of your mental health

While starting university can be one of the most exciting times of your life, the transition can be difficult. Often, we feel like we have to balance academics, social life, and student living which can leave us feeling pretty helpless at times. But amidst this chaos remember one thing: your mental health should always be a priority. Whether that means saying no to going out one night or emailing your lecturer or even reminding yourself to eat something other than indomie and pot noodles. Please do it for your sake. You’ll thank yourself later.

Most importantly, remember to do more of the things that make you feel good and don’t forget that those things are not defined by anyone but yourself. If going home on the weekends makes you feel good then go or if you feel like you need to speak to a professional then do that. Don’t conform to conventions at the expense of your mental health and do what works best for you.

2) Freshers’ flu is real

Don’t get me wrong, you could be really special and just happen to not catch Freshers’ flu but the chances are if you’re at accommodation or just interacting with other people during fresher’s week, you may get Freshers’ flu. It doesn’t feel great and I can swear mine lasted a month but taking proper care of yourself will definitely help . Don’t forget to register at your local GP!

3) Make use of the perks that come with being a student

There are many perks of being a student which we often overlook. If you don’t have UNIDAYS then download it to get student discounts on loads of shops. The plethora of UCL and University of London libraries like Senate House are also pretty impressive so if you ever need a change of scenery you know where to go 😉

4) Your Student loan isn’t free money

We all get a bit carried away when that student finance money alert gets sent out and the money drops into our accounts. However, do try to set yourself boundaries when it comes to your spending. Of course, don’t stop yourself from buying memberships to societies or events during freshers but just be mindful.

5) There is no universal university experience

Finally, don’t compare your university experience with anyone else’s. There is no preponderant guide on how university should be and the things you should do or number of friends you should make. That’s why I won’t say too much other than trust yourself, don’t do anything with the intention of pleasing people (you will never win) and most importantly have fun.