On experiences old and new

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 Priyan, a Law Senior Status student who has now graduated.

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

How old were you when you started your first year at Queen Mary? 22

Had you ever been to university before? Yes

Arrival Day

Tell us a bit about your life growing up

I grew up in Jaipur, India. I was always quite sure that I wanted to attend university abroad and for that I was also aware that I needed to excel in academics. As a kid in school therefore, I was quite a serious child- very focused on my studies. At the same time, I was also quite outgoing: I loved debating, I loved socializing with my peers and working with them on a number of extra curricular initiatives, and I was even part of my school's student council a number of times. I even became the Head Girl in grade 11!

What was it like to say goodbye to your parents?

Despite the fact that this was actually the second time I was heading to university, it was quite difficult to say goodbye to my parents. I was quite surprised by how nervous I was feeling leaving home. The best advice that my parents gave to me at the time was to enjoy this new journey and not fret over the future as opposed to enjoying the present. Trite as it sounds, London was a new beginning for me and just existing in this city has changed me so much as a person.

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

Although I was alone, I decided to arrive on campus in style- in the classic London black cab... too bad that my entrance was rather overshadowed by the rolling safety hazards that were my suitcases :)

I had managed to get three whole suitcases all the way from India to Queen Mary all on my own. I think coming towards the campus, I was just so excited and nervous that despite the fact that I had flown almost 15 hours overnight, I was bright awake, trying to absorb everything in the chaos that is Mile End. I was so lucky that when I arrived on campus, 2 Residential Assistants decided to show me the way to my accommodation and help me with my suitcases. I don't remember their names but in my mind whenever I look back, they were literal angels who rescued me and my noodle arms.

Which hall of residence did you live in?

Ifor Evans

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

Absolutely not! I considered just hauling that luggage up the flight of stairs to get to my room as the absolute crowning achievement of my day; unpacking everything was a problem for future me.

I, however, did decide to open the bedding that I had ordered from Queen Mary and set my bed up. There really is nothing quite like sinking into a well made bed at the end of a long, tiring flight!

Tell us about meeting your first new flatmate

When I entered my dorm, I did not see a single person on my way to my room. I was so nervous about my flatmates because these were the people I would be sharing my home with. As I was sitting my room, pondering how to meet my flatmates, I heard footsteps coming down the stairs. I decided to step out and introduce myself and it was the most absolute wonderful first meeting! My flatmate had such a positive vibe and she also introduced me to another one of my flatmates who was in her room.

What did you do in the evening?

Although my flatmates invited me to one of the Welcome Week parties, I think I needed the first night to myself, just to allow my new reality to sink in. Up to that point, it was almost as if I was on autopilot- get to the airport, check in, board the flight, transfer to the new flight, arrive in London, clear immigration, reach the university, set up my room, grab a bite to eat. I think the enormity of the shift hit me when I finally settled in my room for the night.

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

Surprisingly I felt so calm once I got into my room. Maybe it was the space or the people around me or just sheer exhaustion, but when I went to sleep that night, I was out like a light without a single thought in my mind.

Freshers Week

Describe freshers week at Queen Mary in one word:

Underwhelming

What did you get up to?

I did manage to tour the campus and meet a lot of people, but one of my biggest complaints with the Welcome Week was that, as a mature student, none of the events organized really appealed to me and that seemed to hold true for my peers as well.

The First Week of Classes

What was your very first class/lecture like?

I think the one advantage of having already done another degree was that the start of classes seems less intimidating and more exciting. That being said, I was used to an American method of instruction which seemed to foster more class participation by students; in contrast my lectures at Queen Mary were very different, so that did take some getting used to.

Did you meet any memorable people in your classes?

I think all of my professors were very impressive.

One Year On…

How did your feelings about your classes change with time?

I think my classes got harder. We seemed to hit the ground running with covering our topics and with each week there was a lot of new information coming my way, which was very interesting and stimulating but at the same time also overwhelming.

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

It was absolutely amazing! I got to bond with my senior status year group and was also lucky enough to form friendships that I maintain to this day.

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

Starting university is always intimidating; there will inevitably be days where loneliness, homesickness, and imposter syndrome will hit you. Even friendships are never formed instantaneously (despite what the mania of Freshers Week will have you believe!)

Give yourself some grace and time to find your footing! I assure you, you most definitely will :)