On finding the place you belong!

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 Reem, a biomedical sciences student who grew up in Saudi Arabia.

The photos used do not represent the people in the stories. Names have been changed for privacy.

How old were you when you started your first year at Queen Mary? 20

Had you ever been to university before? No

Arrival Day

Tell us a bit about your life growing up

I am originally from North Sudan but I grew up in Saudi Arabia. I went to an American curriculum school. The classrooms were small (~20 students) so we had a close relationship with our teachers. I have always been interested in and passionate about science!

Fast forward to 2020, peak Covid time I decided I wanted to join my older siblings in England and did my A levels. Initially, I wanted to do medicine as I thought that was the only way for me to achieve what I wanted; thankfully through my gap year and researching I discovered that Biomedical Sciences (specifically research) was what is right for me. Now in my second year, I am so thankful for taking that decision. I love everything about my degree and never thought about changing at all.

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

Since I took a gap year after A levels, I was mentally prepared to start this journey and was very excited. I came with my older sister and mother from Birmingham. It was sunny and warm, September 2023 and very lively. After my family left and I was in my room alone, it all sunk in. This is what I was working for all those 15 years of education, and now it's finally happening!

Which hall of residence did you live in?

Selincourt House

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

I cleaned my room then started unpacking. I started with decorating the room to make look more lively and home-y.

Tell us about meeting your first new flatmate

I remember while unpacking I heard a noise from the other room so I stepped out and it was my first flatmate Nia! Nia and I first bonded over the fact that we both speak Arabic. It was so exciting and relieving that the first person I met, I bonded with.

Then throughout the first few days everyone else moved in: Hana, Sooyoung and Louise. We all bonded sooooo well and I genuinely created friends for life. If anything, I was so lucky to have been put in this flat. Even my university friends loved my flatmates, so we would all hangout in the kitchen and do game nights.

What did you do in the evening?

After we dropped off everything in my room, my mom, sister, and I went to Nando’s by Mile End campus as a goodbye meal before they headed back to Birmingham. I did not go out on my first night, just chilled in my room as I was very tired from moving in, and filmed a room tour for my family and friends!

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

I felt happy and excited for what is yet to come! It felt very natural and like it was meant for me to be there!

Freshers Week

Describe freshers week at Queen Mary in one word:

Interactive

What did you get up to?

In fresher’s week, I had some introductory lectures for my course in which I met two of my closest friends. I attended some events, mainly with my flatmates. I thought ‘fresher’s flu’ was a myth but I was completely wrong hahaha, so my fresher’s week ended with me being sick! But it is okay, it was part of the experience.

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

I was very much looking forward to starting the degree, as I did not have much idea about how the three years would go! I enjoyed every bit of it so far.

The First Week of Classes

What was your very first class/lecture like?

Challenging but in a good way, lectures made me think in a different (good) way!

It was very interesting learning about the human body but in a very molecular and cellular aspect.

Did you meet any memorable people in your classes?

I met my closest friend at university in the first week of lectures, where we had to form a random group and go on a scavenger hunt on campus. That is where I met Bea and since then we have been inseparable. So, I am very thankful to have joined her group.

One Year On…

How did your feelings about your classes change with time?

In some modules, I faced struggles but communicating that with lecturers makes it easier as they explain it more in depth 1-2-1 before or after lectures. My first year went smoothly, it was balanced between university work and life.

In my current second year, things definitely got more challenging but in a very good way, as it all helps the career path I want to pursue after university. Every challenge that I thought was a ‘failure’ was always an amazing learning opportunity.

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

Queen Mary has genuinely been the best decision I have ever made, from friends, work colleagues and lecturers to my degree!

I love my degree and can’t wait to see what the future holds for me. Every day, every lecture confirms that this where I am supposed to be. Growing up, every answer was absolute in school where critical thinking was never challenged, but coming to Queen Mary my critical thinking has been challenged and I have the freedom of being creative in everything. Which further develops me into a better future scientist/researcher!

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

Come into university with an open mind and heart. Do not set absolute expectations, just come and enjoy the ride. Voice your concerns, as at Queen Mary (especially SBBS!) your voice is heard and someone is always available to help. Be curious and ask questions!

Utilise London opportunities inside and outside of university. Do not be scared to make mistakes as they are never ‘failures’ but learning opportunities. You have got this and God has the best plans already made for you!