An Interview with Morgan Lee
BACKGROUND
Morgan Lee is a first year student studying international relations at the University of Birmingham. She tells us what she enjoys most about uni and some of the challenges encountered in uni.
TELL US ABOUT YOU
I am 19 years old. I am a first year international relations student at the University of Birmingham. I'm originally from Oxford in the UK. I do running at the university which is quite fun, kind of like five days a week.
ROLE MODEL/ INSPIRATION
I have many role models and inspirations, but I think one will probably be my dad. That's because he has done really well in his career and he gets to kind of travel the world with what he does. And even in the face of adversity I feel like he still kept going, working hard and manage to make his life through. And he is able to help me with a lot of my work and stuffs like that. So I do admire him for just been a really good person, a good role model and funny in his own way.
FIRST DAY OF UNI
It was my birthday, the 19th of September. I went to the library to see how it was because it was a new library. I wanted to see the facilities, so I went to the campus to look around. Then I was just kind of getting to know my flatmates and I met a few people who I'm like friends with now. While for my birthday I didn't really do that much because it was the first day and I didn't know anyone really well.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR COURSE
The course is very interesting especially with the current events that have come up. I really do enjoy it because I feel like I'm learning a lot of things that I haven't learned before, and I feel like anyone with an interest in politics or sort of international events, global history or security can do international relations. We have twelve hours of contact time, six hours of lectures a week and six hours of seminars, which I think is quite good going for a humanities course, because some of my friends in the university have like two hours of seminars a week, which is like nothing. I think the course is really interesting and it just gives me a broad scope of what is to come ahead and preparation for the future years of study.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR DAILY LIFE
Well, when I wake up I eat my breakfast, after that I just make my way to a lecture or a seminar. Sometimes, in between lectures and seminars I go to the library and try and do some studying or chat with some friends. After lunch I maybe go to another lecture or seminar. After that I maybe go back to my flat and potter around for a little bit. Then maybe go out to a running pub and then go back to my flat, have dinner, chat a bit with my flatmate, then watch a TV show and go to sleep.
THE MOST CHALLENGING THING ABOUT UNI LIFE
For me, I think it's been away from home because you don't get to see your mum everyday. That can be kind of hard but some people like to get away from their parents while some people find it a bit hard. The fact that you have to make your own dinner and not having your pets around, I find that quite hard. And it's a bit of a big routine change and even like lifestyle change in that sense. But if you view it as broadening your horizons it kind of helps a bit. And talk to your flatmate about it because they probably feel the same way.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT UNI?
I think I enjoy the sports side of it. That's because there are good opportunities if you want to get better at sport or just explore your sporting talent. I also really like the course as well, it's very interesting. And I guess you get quite a big degree, obviously of independence and been able to do what you want when you want without anyone really questioning you about it.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS LOOKING TO COME HERE FOR THE FIRST TIME?
Well I would say bring a rain coat because it rains a lot and make sure you bring some water proof trousers if you are going to cycle. And an umbrella because I have seen international students with no rain coat going on a walk and stuff. I think you should just come with an open mind, an open heart and don't be scared to say hello to British people because we are very friendly. And smile a lot, hope for the best. Also make sure you try fish and chips, try some of the national cuisine because you can boast to your friends at home, and be like I tried fish and chips when they haven't.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO STUDENTS WHO ARE YET TO GO INTO THE UNIVERSITY?
Make sure you go to an accommodation that you like. If you are not an international student try and visit it or if you know someone at the uni who is already there or a bit older than you, ask them what they would recommend because it's good to have a nice accommodation. Just somewhere that you can sort of call home. Also get involved in societies or sports because it's kind of like having a family after going to seminars or lectures and you meet lots of new people.
You can follow Morgan Lee on instagram @morgan_lee44
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