Hi there! I am Pranmayee, a postgraduate student studying MSc Management at the University of York. Since childhood, I always dreamt of pursuing higher education in one of the British universities. Back then it was just a fascination, but later growing up I started researching universities and considering various aspects of studying abroad.
I completed my undergraduate degree in Microbiology which is an entirely different discipline. Initially, I was confused about the stream for masters. With prior experience in Biology, choosing a course relating to biological or life sciences would have been much easier. But I wasn’t very enthusiastic about building a career in Biology.
I have grown up idolising my mum and watching her managing everything all together at a time. This made me more curious about management. I was skeptical about how opting for a career in the subject would turn out for me, so I started researching more about management, conversing with more people who have already studied it, and weighing course modules. I liked the modules that the School for Business and Society at York was providing.
Initial Days of Uni Life
I arrived in the UK almost three weeks late due to unforeseen circumstances. It was my first traveling alone away from my parents to a completely different place. The reception staff were so kind to help me out and gave me a welcome kit. I kept my luggage and freshened up. After I stepped out of my room, all I needed was a cup of hot coffee. I met a bunch of students who were heading to the library and they showed me the way to the Library Cafe, which was just a 4 minute walk from my block. Every person I met on the way was very helpful and polite.
After a while, I met my flatmates and they made me dinner and guided me on the things I needed to do the next day. I attended my first lecture in Central Hall where most of the lectures are conducted and I cannot explain the feeling of finally making it to that lecture, full of people from different nationalities. I had interactions with a few of my classmates. For the first few weeks I was really confused about whether I had made the right choice or not, because I found it all very difficult.
Studying Management and Student Support
One day, I saw people going to the lecturers and asking their doubts. I went and explained my situation to them. They introduced me to VLE, where we have access to the course material and lecture, workshop, and seminar slides. I started reading the course material and came across some concepts that I did not understand well. I booked a drop-in session with the module leader, discussed lectures, and later got introduced to the Student Services staff, who are always there to help students if they are facing any difficulties with course or engagement. The entire team were super friendly and considerate of every student.
As much as I enjoying the student life at the university, I used to feel very low once I got back to my room, homesickness was the reason. It started to impact my routine and diet. A few days later, I had a meeting with my Academic supervisor who told me about the Schools’s well-being team and helped me book an appointment with the Student Wellbeing Officer. It felt relieving to talk to someone and the School for Business and Society are very particular about student well-being. There are support staff, and a well-being room, where you can spend some time to yourself, in the Church Lane building which is easily accessible for all students. There is a multi-faith room as well where one can pray.
Course Modules and Assessments
In the first semester, we had three compulsory modules also known as core modules. Through various case studies in the workshops and seminars, we made it through the first semester. We had a group report in one of the modules called Management, Governance and Society. This was an excellent way of interacting with people from different backgrounds and learning teamwork. We had to write essays for all the modules which may be very new and different to a lot of people. The University has a Writing Centre where they help and guide you with the essays through which you can improve your writing skills.
Other support and looking forward
The School also organised regular career and placement events and drop-in sessions to assist with CV writing and mock interviews. Students can also become a part of various student societies at the university and maintain their social and study life simultaneously.
The UK and University have changed me a lot as a person and each day comes with a new challenge, but I’m glad that the University and the School have resources where I can seek help from, anytime I need.
Read more student stories about Postgraduate study at York.
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