Hi, I’m Mollie and I am a second year student at the University Of York studying Psychology In Education. Going to uni can be both nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time, but York has made this transition seamless for me and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Thanks to the support, community atmosphere and vibrance, it has become my home away from home.
I have particularly enjoyed being in an environment that enables me to tailor my learning towards my academic interests. I have also loved being part of the University of York Netball Club (UYNC), being a university ambassador and part of a college (“Langwith till I die!”) that allows for me to immerse myself into uni culture. So here is a little snippet of what a typical week looks like for me.
Each week I have 8 hours contact time which includes seminars, lectures and workshops (practical sessions including dissecting a brain). Being part of UYNC also means that I have around 6 hours of training and one match a week. This is an enormous part of my university life, providing me with a break from my studies. Through UYNC I have also met friends for life who I share some of my best memories with including a long weekend to Madrid and Berlin. I also have a part-time job at an estate agents in the city centre over the weekends.
So… Mondays
I start my Mondays with a lecture on ‘Learner Behaviour and Socialisation’. In this module we are currently looking into social psychology and concepts such as obedience and conformity. Within this lecture we typically watch various video clips and analyse research. This term we have been working towards an assessed research proposal: I have chosen to investigate the correlation between autism and conformity. After the lecture I usually head to the uni library to grab a classic chicken and bacon panini and a coffee with my friends before studying. Within the library there are various ‘zones’ allowing you to work in an environment that suits you best. I usually work in the ‘studious buzz’ zone which allows for group work (however, there are also silent zones and quiet zones). I then head over to the new sports arena for 2 hours of Strength and Conditioning for Netball with a personal trainer, before heading home for some dinner (courtesy of our local Morrisons or Aldi).
Typical Tuesdays
Tuesdays are slightly busier, with 5 hours of lectures: ‘Research Methods’ in which we learn how to use statistical software for analysing data, and ‘Understanding Learner Behaviour’ where we investigate concepts such as language development and vision. This is a module which I am particularly interested in and numerous opportunities come up within the Department to allow this interest to grow. For example, I am involved in assisting one of our lecturers in a programme that she is carrying out within local schools, providing me with the opportunity to attend a research conference, set up a web page and interact with local schools. These regular opportunities are invaluable experiences that build up a network of connections.
Winning Wednesdays
Wednesdays are a personal favourite of mine. With an hour of lectures and then an afternoon filled with Netball, before heading out in the evening… what’s not to love? Currently within the ‘Educational Diversity’ module we are studying personality. What theories are there which illustrate personality? Are these models relevant in the current education system? After this I head to my second home – the sports centre – for our match. One thing I love about University is the collective atmosphere. With flatmates, friends and other sports teams all coming to support us, you feel a real buzz. Wednesday nights we then dig out our fancy dress before heading into town for sports social nights… a night not to be missed!
Rest up Thursdays and Fridays
The end of my week isn’t quite as busy, allowing me time for independent study and meetings with my supervisor (who is allocated to you at the start of the year for any challenges that may arise), ensuring that student wellbeing really is at the heart of York. On Thursdays and Fridays me and my friends usually head into the city centre to grab some brunch before heading to a new cafe to study. With a cafe and coffee shop on every corner you will always find a new place to visit with incredible views over the city (Gatehouse Coffee and the Bike Shed are two well worth a visit).
Working Weekends
Over the weekends I get the bus into the city centre to work (usually getting distracted by Zara and Urban Outfitters on the way… my downfall). Then in the evenings I meet up with my UYNC friends (as 24 hours without each other is just too long) and we all head to someone’s house to watch a film and indulge in a melt-in-the-middle chocolate pudding. Some weekends we even splash out and head to the cinema. These nights we always end up crying with laughter, staying up much later than we planned and making memories that truly make you realise how lucky you are to be in such a friendly, diverse, lively city and at a university that is so invested in their students.
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