Choosing York
It was the winter of 2021 and the height of the pandemic when I attended the online Open Day of the English department at York. York wasn’t initially top of my list of university choices, but given its high student satisfaction rate and subject ranking in the UK I decided to give it a chance and apply.
The event was organised, informative, and thought-provoking. I had the chance to hear about the experience of current students back then and still vividly recall one of the comments. “Imagine your favourite teachers back in high school. This is what the tutors are like here.” Within half an hour, I understood what the student meant. But more importantly, I knew I wanted to spend three years studying literature here.
Staff Expertise
One of the staff members lectured on old English literature. I was mesmerised and inspired by her knowledge and enthusiasm when I wasn’t even a fan of that literary period. Nevertheless, the lecturer’s contagious passion led me to set my mind on York.
I thought that was the end. But when April rolled around, I suddenly received an email congratulating me on my Academic Excellence Scholarship (now known as the International Scholarship). If you are an eligible international applicant, you’ll be chosen with fourteen pupils to receive funding of £1,000 in the second semester of study, based on the strength of your application. As an international student with double the tuition fees of home students, it was certainly an offer that could not be resisted.
Lastly, the flexible, diverse, and interdisciplinary modules enticed me. Unlike other Russell Group universities, York offers modules on various contemporary literary forms. For instance, fiction, film and comics, or other practical modules on publishing, archiving, creative writing and translating. Moreover, the department ensures students read diversely, such as works authored by African, European, American, and Asian authors. Thus, English at York is attentive to the changes in literary academia.
How York Supported Me In Medias Res
Things were not immediately easy when I entered university. As someone diagnosed with anxiety disorder, I tend to suffer from imposter syndrome and get incredibly stressed about deadlines. Fortunately, I qualified for an SSP (student support plan) and have since been able to get an extra 25% of exam time and apply for ECA (exceptional circumstances affecting assessment) claims. This allows me to obtain essay extensions of more than four days on top of three self-certified extensions of four days without medical proof.
The best part is you can book an appointment with the departmental wellbeing officer, who provides all kind of support. Furthermore, wellbeing workshops are held every Wednesday as a safe space for students to relax with handicrafts. In my experience, I have benefitted a lot from the chats since my first year and it is rare to see this kind of support in other English departments across the country.
Um, the Books?
York is a perfect city for studying literature. Its long history is engrained within the modules, especially ones concerning the medieval period. In my second year, we examined the hagiography of an anchoress called Christina of Markyate. As a result, we went on a field trip to All Saints Church, whose history dates back to the 19th century and retains traces of how anchorites lived.
Of course, the array of bookshops in town is indispensable for us literature nerds. Notably, York houses many independent bookshops selling second-hand books, with the Minster Gate Bookshop being my frequented spot.
Beginning of the End: the Degree in Retrospect
From the bottom of my heart, I’m continuously amazed by my department’s inclusivity. Many open (and free) lectures are consistently held to celebrate black history month and queer histories to acknowledge oppressed voices. In addition, I have been honoured to participate in a departmental internship, educating students on approaching challenging conversations about gender or racial violence in literature.
Nearing the end of my undergraduate studies, I was allowed to choose all of my modules. Because my interests lie in contemporary literature, I am studying modules like 21st Century American Fiction and Cinemas of Protest.
Read more blogs about studying English at York.
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