Why did you choose St Mary's University?
I wanted to do primary education but I didn’t wanna go to an inner-city university because I live so close to the city and I’m always stuck in really busy city life. I wanted something that was a little different and could push me out of my comfort zone while still being close to home.
What are your favourite things about St Mary's University?
Our university is small so lecturers get to know us individually and help us with all of our needs, whether that be academic, social, or mental health. Our tutors care. They really do care.
Because we’re in nature, it allows me to see so much more – I’m not just stuck on my phone when I’m here. I push myself to go on walks because there’s so much you can see. There’s Bushy Park, Richmond Park, Ted Lock... There’s so much you can do in such close proximity.
What are your favourite memories as a Simmie?
One of my favourite things at St Mary’s – definitely, 110% – is the Unity Fast during Ramadan. Some of us come together to fast the day of Ramadan. It’s open to everyone, not just Muslims. And then we all have a giant feast. We break our fast together. You get to meet people you didn’t even know you went to uni with because people are so interested in learning about different cultures.
Also, the open days. Oh my god! Half of the friends I made were off the Student Ambassador scheme, including friends I’ve made for life.
Another thing: Summer Ball. Even though it happens every single year, it is never the same. There’s a whole new group of people and the vibe changes. It’s always great. Everybody just enjoys the music and the vibe. And because it’s on campus, it’s not hard to access. The Student Union makes that extremely easy for us.
How has St Mary's University helped you personally?
When I first got here, I was extremely apprehensive about how I’d achieve academically because I was a year that came from covid, I didn’t do my A level exams and I was thrown into Higher Education. St Mary's offered a foundation course which allowed me to learn skills like writing academically and referencing. Therefore, when I went into first year, I was ready for that.
And even when I got to first year, there were so many services open for me. The well-being services especially helped me because covid absolutely was a great detriment to my mental health.
And then we also have the library, who are underestimated so, so much. We see our librarians but we don’t utilise them. These guys are amazing when it comes to referencing and helping you with your work and showing you how to format. They’ve just made things so much easier for me – whatever you need, you will never be told “no”.
What do you want to do in the future?
As well as becoming a primary school teacher, I really want to make a change by working my way up into education politics.