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My experience – Speech and Language Therapy at City

The Start of Something New…

Posted on August 13, 2018 by Maryam Anis
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So it’s that time, that time when you will be handed an unnecessarily large envelope that will determine your future (no pressure). For most of you out there anticipating (or dreading) results day, receiving your A-Level or BTEC grades will ultimately determine what university you choose to go to, so nerves are a given. The uncertainty is bound to not just give you butterflies but house an entire swarm of insects, or at least that’s how I remember feeling.

I remember the anxiousness leading up to the day, and the small things that would remind you results day is closer than you think. The awkward “so when are your results coming out” questions you’d get from relatives and friends. The UCAS emails reminding you to get your university stuff sorted. The sleepless night the day before where you and your classmates would hit up your group chat with all the emojis you can find to express how nervous you are.

While that sounds incredibly daunting, it’s also very exciting. I know I know, this is all coming from someone who’s already been through it (and thankfully made it out alive) but it truly is very exciting. You are now at the cusp of a new journey. Regardless of how you do, this is the start of something new (to quote Troy and Gabriella from a respected educational establishment known as East High). Hence, to help you make the most of this pivotal moment in your life, here are a few tips…

1. It doesn’t hurt to have a decent outfit on the morning you go to collect your results. It’s an exciting day for you, your worn-out teachers and your college that have earned the bragging rights to your grades too. Most likely, they will wander around with cameras, trying to piece together a group of cheerful students, representing every ethnicity. If you’re lucky, they might pick you and make you take an awkward photo like mine:

2. On a more serious note, remember not to compare your success with that of your peers. If you are satisfied with the grade you received and achieved your targets, that is all that matters. It’s easy to fall into a comparative spiral and lose faith in your own accomplishments, but this is YOUR hard work! The result of your long hours at the library perfecting your coursework, your extravagantly coloured exam notes that make no sense to anyone but you, and your relentless determination to make it through college. Own it! Embrace it!

3. Most importantly, no matter what grades you receive, this is only just the beginning. Whether you are satisfied with your grades or not, remember that there are so many options available to you from here on out so take a moment to explore them. There is still so much ahead of your journey, so remain optimistic. I’m positive your future is bright.

Independent Study

Posted on July 30, 2018 by Maryam Anis
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Independent study is a new concept for many students when they enter the realm of university. Personally, I was unsure of, and anxious about independent study when I started. Who would be there to remind me of when my assignments were due, which books should I read and how could I cramp the content of two massive textbooks into my brain a week university starts? These are only some of the frightening questions that cluttered my mind.

 

Perhaps I should start with a brief introduction to independent study at university; it simply involves you taking responsibility for your education. As cliché as it sounds, you are expected to explore work that is relevant to your course, so you actually know what you are talking about (winging it only gets you so far, believe me). You will need to develop effective learning strategies in an environment where you are guided briefly on various topics. When I say ‘briefly’ I refer to the lectures, and the abundance of lecturers on hand to answer any queries you have about the work. So, do not worry, you are not all alone! Independent study can range from asking questions in lectures to writing an entire dissertation on a subject of personal interest. The quantity of independent study expected from you typically increases as you progress further in your course.

 

It can all sound rather daunting, but there are (believe it or not) positive benefits to independent study. You can tailor your learning to your learning style, whether that be watching YouTube videos, reading books or making posters. Often essay questions and exam dates are published months in advance so there is space for those who cram minutes before the deadline (not advised), those who create Gantt charts from the get go, or for those sensible people who do something in the middle. All this is important because independent study prepares you for the working world, as you are required to take responsibility for your own learning and manage your time effectively by balancing your social, work and university life.

 

To help you start thinking about independent study, here are a select few tips that I have found helpful:

 

  1. “Break it down.”
    When approaching that massive textbook, break it down like 90’s hip-hop. Take it chapter by chapter or even page by page – you are more likely to digest the information if it is in manageable chunks.

 

  1. “Practice makes perfect.”
    A bit of an obvious but important idiom. This can mean practicing exam questions or going over your lecture notes to test your knowledge. Revise topics repetitively could help reduce those ‘you know nothing Jon Snow’ panic attacks.
  2. “When will my reflection show who I am inside.”
    Learn from the words of a wise Disney princess and reflect on your feedback. What could you do more of next time? What would you add, or do less of? This can help you get higher grades for next time and make your independent study more specific (and more importantly, bring honour to us all).

 

  1. “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”

Life does not have to be as glum as The Shinning. While being prepared and organised is critical, make sure you set yourself rewards to keep you motivated. A piece of candy a chapter works well for me but a healthier approach is always advisable.

 

  1. “We’re all in this together.”

Seek comfort in the mutual panic of independent study you and your fellow classmates endure.  You are not the only one trying to figure this all out. For most students, finding the balance between basketball and music is very challenging but if Troy Bolton can do it, so can you.

The NHS – My Medical Saviour

Posted on July 4, 2018 by Maryam Anis
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The National Health Service (NHS) has been my medical saviour since the day I was born, and this is often the same case for a lot of us who have been privileged enough to receive free healthcare. I remember the countless visits to the GP throughout my childhood; sitting on my father’s lap with my little red book rearing to go, spending hours trying on different glasses in Specsavers and imitating characters to complement each look (all the while my mother stood there judging my sanity). I remember selecting questionable colour combinations for my braces track, to match the unnecessarily bright glasses my siblings convinced me was the most fashionable (they lied). I would attempt bribing the dentist with chocolate to let me off the hook for never wearing my braces, spoiler alert, it did not work and I still did not wear my braces (regret that now). Happy memories of eagerly waiting for the birth of my nieces and nephew in the busy hospital waiting rooms come to the forefront of my mind when I think of the NHS, and those corridors hold sad memories too.

 

I also have the NHS to thank for supporting me during my studies at university and providing placement opportunities for me to exhibit my theoretical knowledge. When I walk through the wards of my hospital placement I am exposed to the diverse workforce who are committed to providing each patient with high quality care. The vibrancy and optimism contained within the walls of the buildings, that hold an individual significance to each person within it, has always stuck with me. I am reminded constantly of the scope of people that the NHS caters for – it really is something to treasure and appreciate. Often, I think it is a blessing many of us take for granted. We allow the extensive waiting lists, the hustle and bustle of hospital to overwhelm us.

 

My experience of medical settings around the world however, has given me a new appreciation for the NHS. The stark contrast of walking in to labour rooms with steel beds and equipment lying around, to NHS settings, where everyone sanitises their hands at every turning, is admirable. The smiles and hospitality (pun intended) of the dedicated NHS staff make the queues and waiting rooms comfortable. The inherit sense of compassion and empathy that dominates the NHS make us grateful for its presence. Despite all that goes on in NHS settings, the NHS possess a sweet serenity and familiarity that lingers- giving us all something special to hold on to.

 

So as we approach the 70th anniversary of the NHS, I just want to say a massive thank you. For improving the lives of millions, including mine.

 

The Summer Before Starting University

Posted on June 18, 2018 by Maryam Anis
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Your A-Level exams are ending soon, and the long summer awaits you before university begins. You have been anticipating these alarm-clock free mornings and that sweet satisfaction of crossing of the last exam boldly marked on your calendar. Some of your friends are off travelling, volunteering or even working. While that all sounds great, some of us are still wondering what to fill these months up with. Having an unplanned summer can make things a little anti-climactic, but do not let that get you down. We have a few tips to help make the most of your vacations.

1. Travel, obviously!

Although this is a given, planning a trip does not have to be something out of our budget. As Groupon and Wowcher taught us, we can save a whole lot on local getaways that will get our Instagram feed looking summery. Make the most of them!

2. Find a healthy balance between binge watching Netflix and going out.

While it is tempting to hibernate at home and break the world record for watching a series in a short space of time, space out those episodes. Schedule in some time to go out and enjoy the sun with friends and family, don’t just rot at home.

3. Take up a new hobby.

As cliché as it sounds, finally capitalise of this free time and take up that one hobby you always wanted to try. You might discover that you are basically Picasso. But do not be too disheartened if you paint like a two-year-old, we know it’s been awhile.

4. If you are just starting university, visit the campus!

Ideally before getting here on the first day, this would have really eased the continual mishaps involving walking in to the wrong room, or being in the wrong building!

5. Sort out your living situation.

For those living away from home, take the time to plan where you will be living in the upcoming year. Visit the accommodation and the local supermarkets to cut down on take-out costs; I highly recommend Chapel Market for your fruit and vegetables. You can find Facebook groups or forums of other students who are going to live there, which may ease any anxiety about making new friends. If you luck out, you might find someone living in the same flat as you.

Come and visit us at City, we have tours every week: https://www.city.ac.uk/study/visit-us/campus-tours

Fasting during Exam Season

Posted on May 25, 2018 by Maryam Anis
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So, the blessed month of Ramadan has arrived. For those of you curious about what this month entails beyond starvations and dehydration, this month honours the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him). Abstaining from food, drink and sin from sunrise to sunset (approximately 18 hours) commemorates this month with a lot of effort, but it is worth the struggle. Fasting is attached to numerous health revelations and more significantly, reaffirms one’s faith in God –bringing us to a whole new level of zen that yoga sessions touch on.

 

This year, Ramadan falls on one of the busiest months for students, exam season. While us Muslim students intend on making full use of the dua (supplications) privileges we gain from fasting, the struggle of revising and fasting remains very real. To get you through this time, here are 7 tips and tricks on how to make the most of this month:

 

  1. Eat well, sleep well.

Eating the right food for iftaar (breakfast) and sahoor (the meal at sunset) is vital for ensuring you stay fresh and energised for as much of the day as possible. Since we both know staying away from fried food is nearly impossible –because let’s face it, who has that kind of self-control? Instead, just limit it. Concentrate on consuming foods rich in complex carbohydrates and protein, fruits and vegetables.

 

  1. Hydration is key.

Ration your water intake between eating hours. Aim to drink at least 1.5 litres in total because the more hydrated you are the more concentrated you will be.

 

  1. Change up your routine.

Make use of your optimum energy highs. After sahoor or iftaar works well, so schedule study sessions of difficult topics earlier on in the day when you have more energy and brain power.

 

  1. Diversify your study strategy.

Use visual cues to stimulate our mind, like flashcards and mind-maps. If you can stand the sound of your own voice, recorded voice notes work well too.

 

  1. Friends that fast/study together, stay together.

Make the most of studying with friends and classmates to help pass the time with collective agony and banter.

 

  1. Reality check.

Attending every gathering and event is tempting but you need to allocate your time wisely. Set realistic goals aim to work towards them without compromise.

 

  1. Find strength in spirituality.

As stressful as this period is, remember this is month is a blessing. Remind yourself why you are fasting to stay motivated and remember to keep up with your prayers and make lots of dua for your exams, you got this!

Exam Tips

Posted on May 2, 2018 by Maryam Anis
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The dreaded exam season has finally crept up on us, and this year I have decided to make some positive changes to help reduce stress and revise more efficiently. The days of revising last minute, having breakdowns (then realising you don’t have time for a breakdown) and rushing to remember chunks of information the night before are over. Here are 4 of my top tips:  

 

  1. Stay organised – plan your days out beforehand, keep your lecture notes in order and don’t forget to make use of your calendar apps
  2. Take breaks – breathe, spend time outside and have a walk around to clear your head
  3. Feel good – For me this involves taking care of my skin and hiring out bikes (like the Santander or ofo one’s you see around campus) in the evenings
  4. Move – I don’t like getting too comfortable when I study. I study with different people and in different universities (as we can as part of the University of London consortium) so I am constantly inspired by a new environment

I hope these tips help the both of us out, and good luck in your studies!  

*images taken from @zaynabtea (instagram) 

What went down in first year

Posted on March 21, 2018 by Maryam Anis
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First year seems so far away; getting to grips with living away for the first time, cooking a few meals (buying a few more pizzas), managing my own timetable, making friends, finding paid work, budgeting, oh and how could I forget learning? The life of a first year student is both exhilarating and all-consuming. On an average day I would wake up, get ready, make breakfast following this well-known recipe: 

  1. Take out bowl, cereal and milk 
  1. Pour cereal in to bowl 
  1. Follow with milk  
  1. Stir and enjoy  

Followed by a short walk to university where I was greeted by a maze of lecture rooms. Shortly after I had located the room, the lecture would start and I would frantically note every word they said as I tried to soak in every drop of knowledge. Luckily, most lectures are captured for consumption at a later date, and can be a vital tool for those with auditory learning styles. Often another lecture, or lunch would follow where you’d eat lavishly at one of the food outlets on campus, or have microwave leftovers – solely dependent on whether your loan has “dropped”, as mentioned in many student memes:  

Then we might have another lecture or be free to do as we please. Usually I would book in a shift at work on those days, with the plethora of paid opportunities available to us as students at City. Work can vary drastically from delivering campus tours to mentoring college students beginning their university journey  – I’ll dedicate an entire post to working whilst being a student another time.  

After this long day, I would typically return to my flat, make a fool out of myself copying a Just Dance video on YouTube, make dinner than do a tad bit of revision or file away the notes I’d made that day. I wanted to keep on top of my learning, as the information from first year creates a stable foundation for learning to come. As a future Speech and Language Therapist this foundation has a heightened need, as I will use what I’ve learnt for the rest of my working life.  

After this I would fall in to a deep sleep, to a different schedule the next day as the university timetable differs daily.

Hello!

Posted on March 13, 2018 by Maryam Anis
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Hi everyone, thank you for visiting my little post here on City, University of London’s website!

I am currently a second-year student studying Speech and Language Therapy, with a few weeks of learning left before the exam season commences – university life goes very fast! Let me rewind a little to explain how I got here in the first place.

I started university in September 2016, along with 1000s of other undergraduates; some finding their feet in this city for the first time, and others using a different route on city mapper. I am of the latter category, but I prefer Google Maps. Each one of us started with a unique story, at least 18 years of experience built up behind us and a desire to expand on that. My experience was slightly longer in fact, as I spent a year pursing a qualification in Business Administration, whilst working within the hub of TV and Film. During my second year away from formal education, I began working for a social enterprise that helped young people start their own businesses.

Then I started university, fresh faced and ready to absorb all the information that I could. You might wonder what inspired the change from Business to Speech and Language, and a few key reasons that stand out to me are being able to work in an environment where I was able to empower and help others, a career where I would be constantly learning and having work that varies on a day to day basis.

Everything that I expected has come true, we are constantly learning (even on placement) and everything we learn varies on a day to day basis. On Monday we could be learning about swallowing difficulties and then an hour later I would be learning how to teach a child about differentiating between a /t/ and /k/. Even on placement, I am often seeing children with voice difficulties in the morning then travelling to a primary school to have a language session with a child. I have not had one boring day on placement!

As I continue with my amazing journey here at City, I look forward to sharing my knowledge of what I enjoy doing around the university, how my life as a student is and other things I am involved in.

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