Thriving in a new academic environment: my story as a Masters in Applied Human Rights student at York

Hello, everyone! My name is Mahdi, and I am honoured to be a Chevening scholar pursuing a Master of Applied Human Rights at the University of York. In my blog, I would like to share my experiences of life and education at the university.

Reflecting on my university journey

As I near the end of my university journey, I reflect on the incredible experiences, challenges, and growth I’ve undergone during my time here. I hope that by sharing my story, I can offer insight and inspiration to current and future students navigating their own university paths.

Adapting to a new life: my initial days at York

Every student feels a mix of excitement and anxiety when moving to a new country and continent. The transition comes with challenges related to adapting to a new environment, country, people, and education system. As someone who moved from Africa to the UK to study at York, I experienced these feelings firsthand. Arriving during the cold season, I found it gradually easier to adapt to everything thanks to the university’s supportive environment.

When I first arrived at the University of York, the cold weather was a stark contrast to what I was used to. However, the university’s well-prepared environment made the transition smoother. The campus is designed to help students adjust quickly to all aspects of university life. My classes, libraries, and accommodation were all conveniently located within a five-minute walk of each other, and the nearest shops were just a 15-minute walk away.

Differences in educational systems

One of the most significant adjustments was adapting to the new education system. The teaching methods and assessment styles in Europe, particularly in the UK, differ greatly from those in Africa. While I had previously completed a Masters degree, the approach here was different. Instead of focusing on exams, the UK system emphasized essays, discussions, and critical thinking. Classes were more interactive, involving lectures, workshops, and seminars organized by my department. When I compare the lectures at the Univerty of York to those at my home universities, I find that the lecturers are incredibly supportive and approachable. They are always willing to assist and genuinely ready to offer help when needed.

Practical learning and academic support

The modules were not only theoretical but also practical, such as a project placement in South Africa for two weeks, where our lecturers travelled with us. This experience provided us with practical knowledge and the opportunity to produce a paper. Additionally, there were academic skills and writing sessions that greatly assisted students throughout the semester. If you needed one-to-one meetings, you could easily meet with the lecturer.

Similarly, in the second semester, as I became more familiar with the university and the environment, I began to worry about my dissertation. Fortunately, there was a class focusing on academic skills for the dissertation. This was something I really appreciated during my time at the university. Our department also organized events where we had the opportunity to attend talks by human rights defenders from various countries. They shared their experiences and work in human rights, which helped us gain a deeper understanding of human rights issues in different countries.

As for assessments and how to prepare for them, this was a question I eagerly awaited an answer to. We were greatly assisted by receiving samples of work from most modules. This helped us understand the required standards and the approach needed to meet or exceed those standards. This was very helpful for me personally.

During your time at the university, you will also have an academic supervisor who assists you with your academic work. You will meet with them at least once a semester, which is very beneficial for students.

If you need to take an academic break, York offers many services. You can relax in your accommodation’s common room watching TV, go to the gym, play football, or take a walk. These are all activities I participated in during my free time or when I needed an academic break.

Conclusion

As I reflect on my journey at the University of York, I am filled with gratitude for the transformative experiences and the support systems that have helped me navigate this path. From the initial challenges of adapting to a new environment and educational system to the rewarding opportunities for practical learning and personal growth, my time here has been invaluable. The university’s structured support, the engaging course modules, and the insightful events have all contributed to a profound educational experience. I hope my story offers guidance and encouragement to future students embarking on their own academic adventures. Embrace the differences, utilize the available resources, and stay resilient in the face of change.