BSc Neuroscience, University of Leeds

Name: Julita Nieweglowska

University: University of Leeds

Program: BSc Neuroscience

Year of Study: Year 2

Contact details: julitaniewe@gmail.com

Instagram: @julitaniewe

Institution: Program:

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Campus Facilities: Academic Environment:

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Social Life: Career Planning Opportunities:

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Overall Experience:

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Contrast Between Workload hours in University vs High School:

I did less work in university than in high school

Same number of hours

1-3 more hours of work in university

4-6 more hours of work in university

7-9 more hours of work in university

10+ more hours of work in university

What made you choose your institution over others?

Many different factors. One was the distance from my hometown: the two hour car journey was far enough but, at the same time, close enough that I could go home on the weekends. Also, it is an amazing university! It is a Russell Group university and I loved the sound of the course. Another factor was the vibe I got at the open day. I could picture myself here: walking and chatting with new friends, studying in the library, going to social events. One advantage to Leeds is that there is always something to do and events going on, whether that be at the student union, with societies or in the city itself.

Are there any disadvantages to your institution?

Leeds is a huge university. As a fresher, I found it hard moving from a sixth form where everyone knew each other to a massive university; it can make you feel very alone. However, I don’t think this is exclusive to Leeds. I think it’s something that happens at every university.

What did you wish you knew before choosing your specific program?

I wish I had known that there is quite a lot of chemistry involved! The majority of people on the course took chemistry at A Level, but I didn’t. We have to do quite a few chemistry calculations in labs and their assessments. They are definitely manageable but I found it daunting, especially as chemistry had always been one of my weak subjects. A big advantage about my course is that a lot of the content covered in first year is similar to or builds on topics we covered in A Level biology.

What was your best experience at university?

Semester 2. I found semester 1 much harder than I ever expected. However, in semester 2 I felt much better about every aspect of university: I had made some good friends, I preferred my modules and I felt much more confident and happy.

What was your worst university experience?

University is much different to anything I expected. As a fresher, it is easy to come with a lot of expectations. You are comparing your experience to your home friends’ experiences. It is important to remember that sometimes the things people put online aren’t a true representation of how they are doing or feeling; they might be really struggling but just putting on a brave face. Loneliness at university is very real and needs to be talked about more.

What is the hardest part about your program and what were the steps that you took to overcome any difficulties?

The hardest part of university in general is that it is completely independent. It is your responsibility to go to lectures, workshops, tutorials, complete assignments, make notes and study for exams. No one checks up on you to see if you’re keeping up or doing the right thing. Stay on top of things and attend all your scheduled sessions because no one will be waiting for you to catch up and the work will build up.. When you tell yourself ‘I’ll just watch the lecture online’, let me tell you, you won’t.

What tips and advice would you give to first year students?

There is so much advice I would give myself if I could go back in time. Maybe the best advice I could give is to go with an open mindset. Do not put any expectations on yourself to have the best freshers week, to meet your best friend for life within the first week, or to become great friends with all of your flatmates. In reality, not all of those things are likely to work out. Instead, a list of tips: speak to as many people as you can; be confident in yourself and show your personality; join societies;, make friends with people on your course, but don’t neglect keeping in contact with your friends back at home; don’t compare your experience to others; and finally, speak up if you need help, whether that is academic or personal.