Tag Archives: undergraduate

A day in the life of a Media, Communications and Sociology undergrad

Posted on July 15, 2019 by Joon Ha Park

School of Arts and Social Sciences, Undergraduate a day in the life, UG student life, undergraduate, work life balance.

BSc (Hons) Media, Communications and Sociology student, Joon ha Park, gives us a glimpse into what a typical day at City, University of London is like for him.

10am

All of my lectures and tutorials started after 9am this year, this meant that waking up early wasn’t required much and I could sleep in.

Being a Media, Communications and Sociology student (or generally a social sciences student, for that matter) means that you have to be clued up with what is happening around the world. So, the first thing I usually do after waking up is to check my phone for the latest news. I use Twitter, and follow a number of news accounts, political commentators and journalists so that my feed informs me of what is happening in different corners of the world.

I shower and prepare brunch, either an omelette with some toast and tea or a nice little Korean breakfast with a bowl of rice and some soup. I don’t usually have lunch, I like to have a big breakfast or brunch to kick-start the day.

After I finish my meal, I go back to my room and check my email to see if there is any reminders or changes that I should be aware of before classes. Today’s lectures are “News and Society” and “Sociology of Race and Racism”.

I leave my flat at around 11.30am, making my way to the Rhind Building, where most of the media lectures and tutorials are held.

11.50 am

I arrive at the lecture hall and there’s always a few early birds with earphones in, or just reading a novel. I sit at my usual row, and wait for my friends and the lecturer to begin her class. As the clock ticks, more and more students and my friends walk in to the lecture hall (most with a Sainsbury’s meal deal in their hands or a beverage of some sort). After a while, the lecturer comes greeting everyone as she walks in with a smile, and turns on the projector and says,

“Okay guys, good afternoon. Let’s start.”

She starts a lecture on current issues in the news such as ‘Fake News’ and raises questions for us to answer during the tutorials. I’ve acquired a habit of note-taking since secondary school, so I open my Mac to take notes of the lecture, highlighting the interesting bits she says. I also link in some of the news that I read in the morning to some of the theories that she points out.

12.50 pm

Lecture ends and we make our way to the next lecture “Sociology of Race and Racism” which is located all the way in the Drysdale Building.

My lectures and tutorials take place at various different locations on campus. In total, four different buildings. The Drysdale building, the Rhind Building, the University Building and the College Building. So, there is a lot of walking and talking with friends in between going to different lectures and tutorials.

Sociology lectures are great, they really get you thinking about the world around you and this one was no different – the topic under discussion was the growing number of refugees in our world today. It’s always satisfying to sit through a lecture where the academic exudes so much passionate about the topic.

Tutorials are the best time to digest the information from the lectures. Usually my media tutorials are filled with debates and discussions on current world events, where people from all different backgrounds voice their opinions on an issue and the tutorial leader asks us to link it back to the theories. It’s always different. One day you’re debating if journalism is dying and the other you’re discussing the role of gatekeeping in world politics. That’s why it’s so important for a media student to know what is going on in the world.

My sociology tutorials are filled with debates on the readings and the theories rather than world events. Since it’s more of a theory-based course, our discussions in class usually turn into questions that we need clarification from.

I love my course, it’s a mix of the things that I love: media, debates and social relations.

5pm

I’m done for the day and I usually head back to my flat and make some warm dinner and maybe watch a TV show episode while I eat. After eating, I review some of the material that we went over today and do some reading.

More or less, that’s the day in the life of a Media, Communications and Sociology undergrad here at City.

Till next time! – JH

A day in the life of a Journalism undergrad

Posted on July 15, 2019 by Mariana Marques

Undergraduate a day in the life, Journalism, UG student life, undergraduate, work life balance.

City, University of London BSc (Hons) Journalism student, Mariana Marques, writes a candid account of what a typical day at University is like for her.

Morning

I wish I was one of those students that gets up, puts on whatever comes first in the closet and runs to university. Instead, I wake up at least two hours before (around 7am), have breakfast calmly (two cups of coffee is a necessity), check emails, spend 20 minutes enjoying snuggling in bed, and only then start to get ready.

Morning conversations in my flat are very rare, mostly because I am currently living with strangers. There are pros and cons to it: we don’t share much of our day, so I have forgotten what it is like to run to my flatmate’s room when something exciting happens, or when I’m having a hard time. In the morning though, I am quite thankful: I need my time alone.

Like most students, I don’t sleep much (7 hours maximum, don’t follow my lead). However, unlike most students, I enjoy getting up early and taking advantage of my time, so morning classes aren’t that much of a pain for me.

The most common morning text is “Where is the class?” because, you know, humans have the memory of a goldfish – students included. There is often a generous soul who will even tell me exactly HOW to get to that room. Fortunately, it only takes me about 10 minutes walking to university- I would absolutely hate to take the tube in the morning and so I admire those who commute to work every day.

When in class, I always try to find my best friends to sit next to and we often catch up then. With the classmates I’m not close with, the conversation goes as it follows: “How are you?”, “Good and you?”, “Tired”, “Yeah, me too”. It stops there, but I believe if I needed their help, they would be there for me.

I’m a busy person with two part-time jobs and because I do fashion and beauty blogging, I’m often attending events in the evening. That leaves me with no time to catch up with friends or for alone time, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

The reality is that having a coffee by myself (I love spending time by myself, weirdly, or not) has become a luxury, but who doesn’t like little luxuries? It makes us realise that time is precious.

Afternoon

After a morning class, I’ll head home for a quick lunch while I keep updated with my latest TV series. I love multi-tasking and watching TV Series while eating.

Trying not to fall asleep after lunch is a real issue, but one more cup of coffee after (and resisting the temptation to sit on my bed), and I’m ready to head to my other job. My job is flexible so I can choose which days I work and if I want to work morning or evening shifts. If I’m not working (lucky me!), I’ll go for coffee with a friend, shopping, or binge watch a good TV Series. If I am working in the evening, then my free time is non-existent.

Evening

I’ll have dinner at work, head home around 10-11pm, make myself some tea and scroll down on Instagram for the next half-an-hour or so because no matter how busy I am, I’m young and wild and free, and there is always time for a quick scroll (being a millennial is an excuse for this, I suppose).

Studying Journalism means I am not required to do much independent study as there are many more writing and in-class projects than exams. Evenings are a good time for me to put a relaxing music playlist on and do my coursework.

I often go to bed around midnight – I will never be the kind of student who works overnight to meet a deadline. Organising may well be my middle name as I try to stick to my agenda as much as possible and hate leaving things until last minute.

Once in a while there is an exciting event to attend, and I’m always up for socialising, meeting people, having a drink (or more than one, depending on the day of the week)- I’m a lucky one for having incredible people around me.

I hope you didn’t get bored while reading this (the word “work” might appear too much, but I guarantee you I have lots of fun). I have to admit being a Journalism student in London is quite cool.

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!

Insights into my undergraduate experience

Posted on April 3, 2018 by Michelle Sarkisyan

School of Arts and Social Sciences, Undergraduate advice, events, Journalism, schedule, studentlife, UG student life, undergraduate.

When you are a student, something always comes up. The luxury of knowing what will happen to you after a week is already something difficult to achieve. As a first-year journalism student, I have to always be active, going and exploring. Because I want to know more, and City, University of London always encourages its students to be curious. I am excited about the following five journalistic questions: What? Who? Where? When? Why? My job is to reveal them. Turn them into text and picture. To turn the truth into creativity!

My university schedule and assignments:

My typical week consists of four days at university and three days for story and memory making. However, percentage-wise I have 28% scheduled learning and 72% independent learning. My modules include digital, audio and video journalism and thorough coverage of basic principles of journalism, the history of journalism and politics and current affairs. We were also given the chance to learn another language, in my case – Spanish!

Personally, the best advantage so far is that I do not have to spend my free time working on assignments I am not interested in. In fact, our tutors give us the opportunity to write about topics we have chosen and I am fortunate enough to simultaneously learn essential journalistic skills and gain a better understanding of topics I am passionate about. At times contacting interviewees, researching, filming, editing and working on two or three projects at once can be nerve-racking. Especially if things do not work out the way you have imagined them to be. However, finally being able to see or hear the fruit of your labour is the most rewarding feeling I have ever experienced!

When it comes to entertainment and meeting up with new people:

City hosts a wide range of events, which cover not only political topics but also music-related events and panels with topical issues such as “Respect at work: how to command it and when to demand it”. I enjoy participating because we should always strive to learn more, but also – this is an amazing chance to meet up with people sharing your interests and ideas. However, if you are not into panels I can recommend going to City Bar, a multi-functional social space designed to cater to students’ needs. You can order drinks and food at a student-friendly price, play pool or table tennis and enjoy the great music. But there is always a “Plan C” when it comes to socialisation at university – your accommodation! When you share a kitchen with four other people, participate in pre-drinks or decide to go to the common room to play pool or a quick ‘Murder Mystery’ game, you undoubtedly will feel part of a community!

The course has been everything I have expected and even more. It taught me the importance of teamwork and cross-cultural cooperation!

A piece of advice:

Sleep more than you study;
Study more than you party;
Party as much as you possibly can!

More on how to use London to your advantage in my next blog!

The BSc Speech and Language Therapy at City

Posted on March 26, 2018 by Sukirtha

School of Health Sciences, Undergraduate India, international, speech and language therapy, UG student life, undergraduate.

Hello there! I am a 2nd year student on the BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy course here at City, University of London. I come all the way from Chennai, India and hope to you give you some information about the course if you’re already interested in pursuing it, or maybe even inspire you to look into it further!

This course is hands-on and prepares you to enter the working world as a qualified speech and language therapist. It has a really great, positive vibe to it. We are always working hard and supporting each other. Here is some information about what to expect from the degree!

A typical week

A typical week would be three days at university and one day at placement. We usually have an average of seven lectures a week, each two hours long. Some days can be as long as 9am until 6pm, whilst others are shorter with just one lecture. We also have a tutorial every other week or so. In tutorials (my favourite), we are in small groups where we get to chat about our placement experiences and problem-solve any issues. Our tutors sometimes bring in biscuits and chocolate!

Assessments

The course has a variety of assessment methods to incorporate everybody’s strengths. We have oral vivas, presentations, group work, class tests, essays, videos made in placement and of course, the exams. This not only keeps you on your toes at all times, it also equips you with a wide range of skills like team work, time management, clinical writing, etc. It can sometimes push you out of your comfort zone, but there’s always loads of help available.

Placements

The most exciting part of the course! There is a dedicated team at City who are responsible for finding and allocating all your clinical placements. Before each placement, you will fill in a form with your preferences – setting, client group, travelling time, etc. and the team try and find you a best fit. Being in the centre of London, there is a whole plethora of placements in every possible setting. My current placement is in a special school for children with moderate learning difficulties and I absolutely love it. I don’t only shadow the therapist there, but I actually run 1:1 therapy sessions, groups, assessments, the whole lot! It can be quite daunting in the beginning, but it’s important to remember you’re there to learn and it’s okay to make mistakes.

Modules

The course has a real mixture of modules. From easy to hard and interesting to…well, more interesting! You could be learning noun phrases in the morning and, next thing you know, you’re in a lecture about cerebral circulation! Anyways, as you progress through the course, everything starts to connect and link with each other. Some of my modules so far are: Articulatory Phonetics, Linguistics, Developmental Psychology, Biomedical Sciences, Acoustic Phonetics, Dysfluency and Dysphagia.

The course has been everything I expected and even more. We learn so much in and out of university and are supported throughout every step. More to come on my application process and decision to come to City!

How the adventure began

Posted on March 8, 2018 by Michelle Sarkisyan

School of Arts and Social Sciences, Undergraduate application, City University of London, course, events, Journalism, undergraduate.

My story started about six years ago in the capital city of Bulgaria, Sofia. I was always a curious child, but this did not help me acknowledge my talent at an early stage. I compared myself to groups in which one was good at chemistry and the other could sing; but what about me? My passion to communicate and explore made me later realise that the most important thing for me was to understand; not only myself and the people surrounding me but also the world as a whole. The pursuit of this particular knowledge laid the foundations to apply for a degree in journalism.

To be honest, choosing a vocation, a university and making decisions that will reflect on your future is really stressful. My goal was to be a witness at the heart of world-changing events as they unfold, to create an unbiased story that can live under the skin, inspire and induce social awareness. Thus, finding a university with a course that could help me gain the requisite skills and relationships in order to grow as a professional was one of the most important tasks for me. I wanted a course that would give me a profound knowledge of every career path I may decide to follow, whether it would be broadcast, digital or print journalism.

College Building at City, University of London. Photograph: City, University of London

Televison studio at City, University of London

Television studio at City, University of London. Photograph: City University of London

City, University of London caught my attention with its incredible academic facilities such as a television studio, radio broadcast newsrooms and production newsrooms. I was amazed at the chance of working with tutors, who are active journalists, as we could receive first-hand experience and not limit our learning process to just textbooks and presentations on a whiteboard. The university was the only one with such a professional network and practical independent learning.

The application process was quite easy. I worked through an agent, as I did not have any previous experience. My job was to write a personal statement and have grades applicable to City’s standards, together with an IELTS certificate. One of the greatest moments was when I was shortlisted for an interview. I talked with Tom Felle, who helped me forget my nervousness and successfully become part of the journalism family at City.

And when I say family, I do mean it. From our course officer David Buckley, the tutors we can always email for help, to events created with the sole purpose of making students feel valued, always learning and not homesick, I feel as if I belong to a community… but more on that to come.