Author Archives: Michelle Sarkisyan

About Michelle Sarkisyan

Student journalist from City, University of London. My journalism interests are substantially focused on reporting, multimedia projects and creative writing. My personal interests, however, involve travelling, being adventurous with my tastebuds and exploring the Marvel universe. Feel free to check my portfolio out: https://jomichellesarkisya.wixsite.com/website

10 free apps every student should download

Posted on May 15, 2019 by Michelle Sarkisyan

Advice, Explore London, London advice, Apps, Commute, london, Night life.

These apps will not only make you feel productive but make you feel like a true Londoner – on top of your university and social life and know (or at least appear like you know) London like the back of your hand.

As students, we don’t quite have a routine day-to-day, instead we exist in the middle of a military zone. We are constantly tired, hungry, and bombarded with new compulsory readings and assessments we are required to complete within short notice.

We procrastinate and drink gallons of coffee thinking it will help us stay ahead of the game. Undoubtedly, we find ourselves prioritising our to-do list poorly – like choosing to clean our room instead of writing that much dreaded assignment – in an attempt to avoiding the unavoidable.

However, I have recommended ten student-friendly mobile apps that you must download – for finding secret clubs on a budget to finding your way around the big city.

Study apps

Moodle [Android/ iOS]

In a previous post of mine, How to Survive Exams, I have mentioned how essential Moodle is for students. With the Moodle app on your phone or desktop you can access everything offline – from PowerPoint presentations and library resources to timetable, grades and even your department’s common room. Only one click away from checking something quickly while on the tube or while running errands, Moodle will help you keep on top of everything university related.

Organise uni life on Moodle.

StudyBlue [Android/iOS]

This revision app is perfect for people who are flash card and quiz fanatics or even for those of you who don’t have enough time to study and prepare for coursework or exams.

StudyBlue is an app that enables you to customise your study materials with images and audio. You could quiz yourself, track your progress and set study reminders. My favourite features are the sharing tool that allows you to share flashcards with your classmates and teachers, and the search tool which allows you to find existing materials on the web with one easy keyword search. Use this app while commuting or when you want to squeeze in that last five minutes of revisions before you sit your exam.

Make revision manageable with StudyBlue

Citationsy [iOS]

This app takes away the hustle and bustle of referencing and creating a bibliography. This free app will organise your citations into different colour-coded projects and export them in over 8,500 different styles. The only thing you have to do is scan your book’s barcode to generate a reference formatted in Harvard, Chicago, or any other style that your university demands.

Let Citationsy create your bibliography

Evernote [Android/ iOS/ Web]

This app is extremely useful if you would like to be more organised and capture and priorities projects, ideas, and to-do lists in one single place. With Evernote, you could document ideas in a variety of formats, including sketches, photos, and web clippings. You could use the camera to scan and organise paper documents, handwritten notes, and drawings, create to-do lists and reminders or let multiple participants work on different aspects for joint projects. The best thing is that you can sync your mobile app with your computer and tablet, enabling you to document ideas and your train of thoughts, wherever you are.

Organise your notes on Evernote

Travel apps

CityMapper [Android/ iOS/ Web]

CityMapper is one of the best and most used apps I have ever downloaded on my phone. Even if you are familiar with London, this app will still be useful for your day-to-day commute. The only thing you need to do is select the location where you are heading to and the app will automatically give you different options of travel – including waking, cycling, bus, tube, it will even suggest Uber. The app displays the cost for each option of travel and estimates how long it will take you. It is incredibly precise and easy to use.

Plan your journeys on CityMapper

Trainline [Android/ iOS]

Used on a regular basis, Trainline helps me plan my trips accurately to the very last second. With this app you won’t have to wait in queues ever again – just add your railcard for discounts, buy and use the mobile ticket on the go. You can see live departure and arrival times for trains to your chosen destination, view the platform number, and receive live updates on delays and alterations to your journey. You don’t need to use your data allowance to upload your ticket to go through the gates, and you can enjoy the perks of a regular ticket – you have the option to cancel, change or refund your ticket all via the app.

Check your train schedule on Trainline

Railcard [Android/ iOS]

I am a passionate traveller and with the help of the Trainline app planning a journey has never been easier. However, I started spending way too much on tickets until I found out about the 16-25 Railcard discount. For only £30 it’ll save you 30 per cent on rail fares throughout Great Britain for a whole year. After you purchase your card, download the app in order to be verified if needed.

Claim your rail fair discounts with Railcard

Promotions & offers

DUSK [Android/ iOS]

Every Friday and on weekends students face the same problem. Where do I go to drink? What will they offer? Shall I go for quality drinks or budget drinks? DUSK is your answer!

It suggests you all the pubs and clubs in close proximity to you that DUSK partners with. Therefore you can enjoy discounts up to 30 per cent of your purchase but also have a free alcoholic drink per night. This app will help you find hidden pubs, hipster clubs and challenges you to try drinks and cocktails you might have not had the gut to try. Just select a bar, follow the app’s directions to the bar, and voila! enjoy cheap drinks and an amazing atmosphere!

Enjoy a night out with DUSK

UNiDAYS [Android/ iOS]

This student app will help you with your student budget at all times. It gives you instant access to student discounts with a variety of brands, including ASOS, Apple, Nike, Schuh, New Look, and Urban Outfitters. To register you need to sign up using your university email address to verify you’re a student. It could save you up to 40 per cent of your purchase and makes shopping incredibly satisfying!

Save on your shopping with UNiDAYS

Burger King [Android/ iOS]

If you enjoy the occasional junk food then, Burger King is your joint. The burger chain offers many deals and vouchers on their app. Log in using your Facebook account details and grab six delicious chilli cheese bites for only £1.29. From 2 for 1 regular whopper meals to a £0.50 regular fries, just present your code and enjoy tasty food on the cheap.

Enjoy cheap treats with Burger King

Celebrating City’s international community

Posted on March 7, 2019 by Michelle Sarkisyan

School of Arts and Social Sciences, Undergraduate #internationalstudent, events.

International students are deeply embedded in City, University of London’s culture and lifestyle. The University’s work and that of the Students Union never stops to amaze me of the number of events and types of activities they offer to the student body.

As a student ambassador, representative and a blogger, I am constantly a witness of how much focus and attention is spent on a daily basis to the student. From surveys that will help improve student and tutor relationships to mentor schemes created to ease each student into coping with assignment anxiety or finding and preparing for an internship.

We are also regularly provided with karaoke, movie and pub quiz nights at City Bar, located in Tait Building ground floor.

This week, from Monday 18th February to Friday 22nd February, different departments cooperated to create the first-ever International City Week. It aimed to celebrate the global community and bring staff and students together with a number of different activities across campus.

More than 20 events were scattered throughout the whole week to take yet another step back and to really appreciate everything that is good about how diversified City, University of London is.

The launch of International City Week 2019 was simply incredible. It was colourful, loud and tasty. You could munch on tasty finger food from around the world and socialise with peers.

To make it easier for you, you could take part in the networking bingo and later win a redeemable voucher.

If you are not particularly interested in finding somebody who knows how to make dumplings or practices martial arts, you could sit on the couch with a slice of pizza in hand and listen to the amazing City’s own Balkan Ensemble.

Or even better, get up and dance in the melody of Serbian and Romanian songs and learn the art of the “horo” dance.

It was amazing to see how many people wanted to locate themselves on a giant map, and most importantly to talk with each other, follow our journeys and realise that we are not as different as we may think.

We could also solve riddles and win chocolate when correctly match the fair-trade products to their place of origin. To get creative with 1-minute portraits and bring back the nostalgia answering City Psychology Society’s question: “What makes you feel at home”, was a true gem.

Talking about your national holidays, dancing and seeing the smile on people’s faces was nothing short to a magnificent way to start my week.

How joining a university society makes you more employable

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Michelle Sarkisyan

City Student Union advice, employability, jobs.

Student societies are a diverse collection of groups and organisations ranging from sports teams to hobby organisations to political and religious groups. They definitely take up a huge portion of the socialisation aspect of the university, but are they truly needed or not? Take my virtual hand and let me guide you through the minefield that the world of societies can be.

University experience depends heavily on what you make of it, and joining a society is one of the main activities you would like to consider early on. City Students’ Union is the place to go!

It is at the heart of City, University of London campus and it exists solely to support the progression and development of each student. They offer an array of opportunities for you to get involved: leadership academy, sports, societies, RAG, and Student Media.

Contrary to the common understanding, the main purposes of student societies are not only to expand your network and create a bubble for you to feel comfortable in. It is for you to feel as you belong, and create a university spirit that you would not find anywhere else. Student societies are inclusive, open-minded, fun and beneficial for your overall development.

They are also a key factor in terms of your employability!

Committing to a responsibility

In order for a society to work smoothly, you need to be good at planning and organisation when finding a venue, negotiating a good deal for your members or advertising the event you are putting up together.

If you are an organiser or officer of your society (there are elections every year and you can even create a society of your own), you will develop experience and expertise in skills, such as time management, decision-making, and research.

Employers want to see that you have had a position of responsibility, and good communication when working in a team.

Desire for more

Even if you do not have the leading role in your society, being a member will act as a proof for your ability to be a proactive well-rounded individual. Participating in an extracurricular activity will present your need to develop and learn outside the usual lecture hours.

Activities, like planning ahead and implementing it, committing to a society, managing budgets and being considerate to everyone’s suggestions for events and meetings, will make your more attractive to an employer.

Being a member of a society is one of the many opportunities the City Students’ Union has to offer. In my mind is the one that you will not only benefit but also take pleasure of it. Participating in societies will not only give you the opportunity to write something more, something different than everybody else in your CV and cover letter, but it will teach you important skills while socialising, going to events and surrounding yourself with people with the same ideals and goals in life.

What helped me gain confidence in my employability skills in City, University of London

Posted on October 29, 2018 by Michelle Sarkisyan

School of Arts and Social Sciences, Undergraduate advice, career opportunities, Unitemps.

Thinking about the future is daunting, especially when you are in university. This is the time when you have to choose a career path, an interest of yours, and inevitably consider your professional growth and start applying for internships or employment.

This process is harder, especially when you are a fresher. It feels as if you are thrown into the adults’ pool and somehow you have to learn how to swim and stay above the water by yourself. You are overwhelmed by the environment – a new place of study, unfamiliar people, a new home and responsibilities like groceries and laundry are preying on your mind.

However, when it comes to the professional aspect of your development as a character and person in busy London, you are not alone. One of my favourite departments in City, University of London is the Careers, Student Development, and Outreach Centre.

The team of people working there are professionals whose aim is to support and provide us with the exact tools we need in order to enhance our employability. They offer a range of services – mock interviews, opportunities for part-time/temporary work or internships, career-related events, mentoring, and even recruitment. In my personal experience, I have mostly benefited from the Careers Consultant appointments I’ve had and Unitemps.

Careers Guidance appointment’s involve a one-to-one meeting with a professional, who can help you with your career ideas and plans, as well as creating a CV and cover letter for a specified job description. They are confidential and not intimidating. We discussed my strengths and how can I improve my weak points, as well as the issues relating to the transition from study to work. And most importantly, we worked on my CV and cover letter. As I have never written one, I initially trusted templates from Word but found this is not always a good enough approach soon enough. During the overview appointment, you can receive pieces of advice concerning the layout, what is important to include, how to present your best traits and even the way to correctly structure a sentence. This enables you to not only list jobs and skills you have acquired, but also to feel confident when handing in your CV.

When you have prepared, the next step will most probably be Unitemps. You can apply for a variety of job offers at all levels: temporary, permanent or paid internships roles, both at the University and in and around central London. You do not need to sign a contract with Unitemps, which gives you a flexible schedule and the freedom of choice. In that way, you can test your CV and cover letter writing techniques, start working as a Student Ambassador or as a temporary Charity CD Library Assistant like me, and through baby steps conquer internships and find jobs in your field of study.

With the Careers Department support, you have the basis to explore, try and most importantly practice in a safe environment. You can explore what gives you the most pleasure at work, try to apply to as many jobs as possible and practice your interview skills, adaptability and work ethics. Furthermore, you can work on your time-management skills and this is one of the most important strengths you must develop throughout the BA years.

Freshers’ Weeks: the most important 20 days!

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Michelle Sarkisyan

School of Arts and Social Sciences, Undergraduate advice, events.

The period from 14th September to 4th October, also known as “Freshers”, can be anything but peaceful. These days are for you to be re-programmed! You are not at home anymore, the weather is different, the food does not taste the same, you are surrounded by unfamiliar faces, and there are so many new places to be explored. These are the changes classified as “the tip of the iceberg”. This is your one step closer to an independent way of living.

In my opinion, the first few weeks at university are the most important. They give you a chance to look around, familiarise yourself with the new territory and make new friends. The first few weeks are exciting, but also overwhelming.

My piece of advice is: take your time! Breath in and breath out. Do not follow the crowd or do what is somehow expected of you from fellow students. These 20 days are your chance to not only make a physical change, but a mental one. Some of my tips for settling in are:

If you like decorating, spend your time moving into your new student accommodation. The room may be smaller than you are used to, but with the right touch, you can create your own personal space. Candles, soft pillows and plants usually do the trick for me. City’s campus is within close proximity to its student halls, which are also located near a variety of stores, making accessorising your space more convenient. Create your own “before and after” series, and bring friends over for spa days and spooky nights.
If you prefer informative events and various activities, City has prepared a programme of events during Freshers where you can socialise and adjust to the student lifestyle as quickly and smoothly as possible. Examples of activities include mug painting, movie marathons, origami workshops, pub quizzes and karaoke! There are also events designed for international students, to help settle you in to life in the UK. The most important thing is that these events are a great opportunity for you to relax and meet other students with similar interests.
If you like neither of the given options above, you could be from the group that wants to let their hair down and party. CityBar, the University’s student bar, is a fantastic space to meet with other students and socialise.

You may be feeling worried and slightly disorientated, while also feeling way too excited to know what to do first! From personal experience, I would advise you to do what interests you the most. City, University of London has given a platform to every group, society and event possible. Find the best place for you and enjoy the truly unique adventure that university is!

What have I learned through my international student journey

Posted on August 28, 2018 by Michelle Sarkisyan

School of Arts and Social Sciences, Undergraduate advice.

Although at times I have felt overwhelmed as an international student living away from home, I have never truly felt homesick. However, when I returned back to visit my native country, Bulgaria, for the summer, I realised how much I missed my mother’s hugs, my father’s strong voice, my sweet and playful dog and Bulgaria’s nature as a whole.

While re-discovering the magic pearls of home, I asked myself: how was I able to cope with the knowledge of what I had left behind in my home country, in order to study abroad? Thinking back on the memories of my first year at City, here is what I realised:

I settled into my accommodation with the goal of making it a home, not just a place where I could sleep and eat. The best decision I made was to purchase fairy lights, which I could hang up to hold some of my most memorable photographs of friends and family.
At City, I met so many people I can now call family. Without a doubt, you will be able to find friends that fit just like the right piece of a puzzle in your life. Once I found the people that made me feel like a goofball bursting from happiness, we started preparing meals for each other, playing pool in the accommodation common room or simply going on night walks near St Paul’s Cathedral or to Tesco for Ben & Jerry’s ice cream!
London is so big and there are so many places for you to visit! I have been living in London for almost a year now, and I still feel like I have not seen everything. Exploring is one of my favourite activities and going from one tube station to another, changing bus stops and riding a bike is an adventure in itself. A piece of advice is to download the mobile app Citymapper. It is helpful, easy to use and something I cannot live without!
However, my first year was not a summer camp and I had obligations weighing on my mind. I was studying in a completely different language and had to get used to all the lectures and seminars and note-taking. I was given many books and articles to read and assignments to submit on Moodle. Fortunately, I have enrolled on a course that really fits with my character and all my university responsibilities were enjoyable to complete.

Simply said, while living away from home I learned how to express myself, to enjoy life and be productive in a positive way. I learned plenty from all the people I met and I proved to myself that the best things in life come from the unknown and from being outside of my comfort zone. London welcomed me with acceptance, helpfulness and spectacular scenery. City, University of London showed me how people of different backgrounds and characters can become family and accomplish everything through teamwork.

Being a student away from home gave me a new appreciation of the things I have taken for granted, made my childhood friendships stronger and gave me the self-esteem to accomplish whatever I put my mind to!

Top 5 cultural sites to visit in London

Posted on August 6, 2018 by Michelle Sarkisyan

Explore London, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Undergraduate advice.

Studying at a university located in central London has given me the chance to explore some of the best cultural locations the city has to offer. In one of my previous blogs, I recommended sites such as the reconstructed Shakespeare’s Globe, the innovative Tate Modern and the beloved Sherlock Holmes Museum. Today I would like to share with you five more places that are worth exploring!

1. St Paul’s Cathedral: not only is this cathedral breathtaking to look at, but it has also played an important role throughout history. It miraculously survived World War II, played host to Winston Churchill’s funeral in 1965, was where Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles married in 1981 and was the London site for the worldwide occupy protest in 2011. It is a 20 minute walk from City, University of London and is open for sightseeing Mondays to Fridays, from 08:30 to 16:00.

2. The Royal Observatory: located on a hill in Greenwich Park, overlooking the River Thames, this is one of my favourite places to visit. My favourite feature of the observatory is without a doubt the Planetarium show. Ticket prices are reasonable and it is a way to fulfil your childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut!

3. Dennis Severs’ House: a 25 minute walking distance from City, this original Georgian house has been rescued from decay to serve as a living demonstration of 18th century life. This is not just a museum but is something that you can experience like performance art. The rooms move in periods as you walk through, and provide a snapshot of life in the past – the food is real, the fire is burning, the bed is still warm. The stimulation to your senses seems so realistic, you may even forget that the house occupants are purely fictional.

4. The Ten Bells: this is another site which provides a look into the past. This pub in Spitalfields is infamous for being a favourite place of Jack the Ripper. The dim lighting and faded decor create a mysterious ambience, and the spicy chicken wings are to die for!

5. Ye Olde Mitre Tavern: this pub dates back to 1546 and it is rumoured to be a place where Queen Elizabeth I once danced. You can always expect friendly staff behind the bar and it is the perfect place to sit, drink and eat with friends. It is charming, cozy and just a 15 minute walk away from City, University of London.

How to survive exams

Posted on June 28, 2018 by Michelle Sarkisyan

School of Arts and Social Sciences, Undergraduate advice, events, exams, Moodle.

In my blogs so far I have shared with you my journey to City, University of London, insights into my undergraduate experience and my top 8 places in London for an international student on a budget. Now it is time to talk about the only unpleasant thing when it comes to university life – assignments and exams! And more particularly, how to survive them.

When you are a new international student, you are overwhelmed by everything – your new home, the numerous opportunities to expand your network, and by London itself. Not only that, you still might not exactly know how the university works. At least I felt that way! I want to share with you how I made my way through the end-of-year exam period.

1. Moodle is your best friend!
Moodle is mobile-friendly, as it can be accessed using a laptop, smartphone or tablet. Moodle keeps storage of all your modules, grades and even the PowerPoint presentations of all your lectures, week by week. It provides you with a reading list where necessary, so you have the chance to access as many sources of information as possible. I find it absolutely helpful because I can always look back at my presentations and find whatever I missed during the lecture. Knowing this, during your lectures you can sit down and listen to your lecturer, taking notes of her/his side notes of the presentation (which are really important) and not just mechanically re-write what is on the whiteboard in front of you.

2. Lecture capture
This system is again managed primarily through Moodle and it allows you to make automatic recordings of some of your lectures or presentations. Lecture capture gives you the chance to not only go through presentations slides but also to listen to your tutor at your own pace. In my opinion, this is the best alternative for face-to-face teaching!

3. City Library
The library at City, University of London has everything you might need. The database searches are from A to Z, and I have found that they rarely do not have what I am looking for. You can also study on site; the library has communal areas where you can talk, or silent floors where it really is embarrassing to sneeze (guilty!). You can always book a computer, a room for group studies or take a book home with you for a loan up to seven days. The best thing is that the library is open 24/7 during examination periods, and throughout the day you can get yourself a much-needed dose of coffee from the Costa Coffee downstairs.

4. City University takes care of their students.
If you face anxiety at any point during your exams, you can always turn to Academic Learning Support. They can provide you with group workshops and one-to-one academic skills tutorials. The university also creates stress relief events. This year we had therapy dogs for stress relief come to the university for a day, which was the best puppy paradise I could ever imagine. A few days afterwards, another event was held at Northampton Square…a farm! We had sheep, bunnies, hamsters and ponies. We could feed, pet, hug and play with them.

5. Do not think of studying as a chore, but as an improvement in yourself and an investment in your future.
Make sure you enjoy this year, make friends and explore the amazing university and city you are in! Every student in your course is going through exactly what you are. Find help and support in each other, and make sure you are motivated to learn not just because of grades, but because you are curious for more knowledge. After all, this might probably be concerning your job in the future!

Top 8 places in London for an international student on a budget

Posted on May 10, 2018 by Michelle Sarkisyan

School of Arts and Social Sciences, Undergraduate advice, budget, lifeinlondon, london, undergraduate.

Whenever I ask somebody for a piece of advice about what student-friendly things I can do in London, it is always kind of all museums and galleries. I love culture and art as much as the next person, honestly, I do. But if I had to go to free museums and portrait galleries every time I needed to distract myself from my assignments, I would have poked my eyes out. So I have made this list of five “on a budget” places you can go whenever you find some free time from your studies.

Number one: The London Eye… is, in my opinion, incredibly overrated. I know it’s a favourite with tourists and it’s just one of the most iconic images of London. But, to be honest, it can be quite expensive for a ticket and around the 10-minute mark it can get quite boring, as you are looking at the same view all the way around. Instead, if you would like to do something different, you can go to The Shard. Although there is an admission fee, there is no time limit on your stay, you can purchase drinks and snacks and, most importantly, enjoy the breathtaking view from Level 72 whilst walking amongst the clouds!

The Shard (image: Michelle Sarkisyan)

Number two: London is home to many fictional and non-fictional characters. If you are a nerd like me, you will enjoy the following places:

1. Probably one of the most well-known fictional characters is Harry Potter. I would really like to suggest the ‘Harry Potter: Warner Brothers Studio Tour’, however, the ticket price is not necessarily budget-friendly! A “muggle” substitute is the Harry Potter Shop at King’s Cross Station, where you can see Platform 9 3/4 and pretend to push a trolley through the wall.
2. Shakespeare’s Globe has been reconstructed – this is not the original. However, it is beautiful! You don’t have to go inside, just take a picture and then visit the pub next door, or walk down South Bank to the Tate Modern and swing on the fun group swings.
3. Sherlock Holmes. You can visit his house-museum at 221B Baker Street, take pictures in his Victorian apartment and enjoy a waxwork exhibition of his most popular adventures. The gift shop is free to go in and explore all the unusual objects and souvenirs that are available for purchase.

“COME IN WE’RE very OPEN minded” (image: Michelle Sarkisyan)

Number three: The markets! There are so many in London! My favourite is Camden Market. It is located relatively close to City and it is the collective name of several large markets selling crafts, clothes, jewellery and food from all over the world, as well as a huge variety of weird and wonderful things. The Borough of Camden itself is a lively base in London for the alternative crowd. The non-conformists who you will meet there are as interesting as the market itself.

Number four: Walk, walk, walk! London has so many hidden gems that you cannot discover just from riding on a double-decker bus. One of my favourite areas is the South Bank, right beside the River Thames. It’s a tree-lined riverside walkway with many restaurants, pubs and iconic landmarks like Big Ben and St. Paul’s Cathedral. You can enjoy street performers, frequent fairs at the Southbank Centre, and incredible photo opportunities.

Number five: Travel! London can give you so much more than the usual tourist destinations. Hop on a bus or the tube and explore! I will share with you two of my favourite places I have discovered from my journeys.

1. God’s Own Junkyard. Take the N56 bus from the bus stop outside City Bar, and for an hours’ time and £1.50 less in your bank account, you will be in one of the most incredible places I have ever been. It is bright, vintage and free. It has good music, food, neon signs and such a lovely staff.
2. Junkyard Golf Club. This time, take the N205 bus and 30 minutes later you will arrive at these crazy 9-hole golf courses. The ambience is more than incredible – UV lights, loud music, food, and weird cocktails!