From Myanmar to Mile End

Welcome to First Year Diaries, our student blog series where we look back on the many different experiences of first year at Queen Mary. This entry was written by Roxy, a Pharmacology student from Myanmar.

The photos used do not represent the people in the stories.

How old were you when you started your first year at Queen Mary? 19

Had you ever been to university before? No

Arrival Day

Tell us a bit about your life growing up

I was born and raised in Yangon, Myanmar. I went to an international school and I have always been quite extroverted. I was cheerful and enjoyed playing basketball. I have always wanted to go to university, but it wasn’t something I constantly thought of.

What was it like to say goodbye to your parents?

Saying goodbye was okay. There weren’t tears or anything. Perhaps it’s because everyone including me always knew that I will be studying abroad as my parents sent me to an international school in the first place. Regardless, my cousins were there at the airport and it was nice.

How did it feel when you got to campus for the first time?

I only had two small suitcases when I moved in. I came all alone and I think that’s when I realised that I finally made it to university. Probably because I was quite nonchalant throughout my journey. But, the campus with all the banners and booths made me feel proud that I made it to this moment. It felt very nice and special. I wasn’t very scared nor intimidated because I love to meet new people.

Which hall of residence did you live in?

Stocks Court

Did you start unpacking as soon as you got to the room?

I started unpacking ASAP because I brought very few items and my mum packed me food so I wanted to warm it up.

Tell us about meeting your first new flatmate

They were very friendly and approachable. We got along very well living together initially. However, there were tense moments regarding noise levels throughout the year. But, it was alright.

What did you do in the evening?

I was so jet lagged that I slept for 2 days straight and stayed in my room. Sometimes an extrovert also needs to recharge their social battery!

How were you feeling when you went to sleep that night?

I was exhausted and tired that I just went to sleep. I didn’t think of anything honestly.

Freshers Week

Describe freshers week at Queen Mary in one word:

Chaotic

What did you get up to?

I did meet a lot of people, but I only met my friend group a few weeks in. I actually didn’t spend much money. But, I did go out for a friend’s gig at a club and it was nice going out with people. I didn’t feel loneliness because I call my family everyday

How did you feel when the first day of classes was looming?

I was surprised of the sudden shift. Welcome week and then boom serious lectures

The First Week of Classes

What was your very first class/lecture like?

It was overwhelming regarding the cellular content I need to understand.

Did you meet any memorable people in your classes?

I met Apple and they are the most responsible and hardworking person I’ve met at Queen Mary.

One Year On…

How did your feelings about your classes change with time?

The classes got much harder and I do need help a lot of the times. I also reached out and still do reach out for help when I need. I would email lectures and arrange meetings to understand topics I couldn’t grasp.

On the whole, what was your first year at Queen Mary like?

It was much better than I expected, but I also realised university is a lot harder than I anticipated.

If you had any advice for current or incoming first year students, what would it be?

Enjoy university life, but also lookout for internships or opportunities.