Capitalizing on Early Arrival in London: Academic Readiness, Networking, and Practical Gains

Arriving early in London before other students felt challenging, as it meant I had limited time with my family compared to other scholarship recipients. However, this early arrival proved to be highly beneficial in preparing for academic activities. One of the key supports provided by the Arryman Scholarship is the Pre-Sessional English Course, aimed at enhancing English proficiency for eligible recipients. The course is offered in two durations: 8 weeks and 4 weeks, starting in mid-July and August, respectively. Although Arryman recommends the 8-week course to strengthen English skills, the limited availability of seats prioritized those with the greatest need, resulting in my enrollment in the 4-week course.

In order to demonstrate this, in this essay, I will outline three main benefits of taking part in this course. First, it provides an opportunity to become familiar with SOAS's lecture system, including its writing and presentation standards, which differ from those learned through IELTS. Second, it offers the added benefit of networking with students from various disciplines and even other universities. Lastly, there is the potential for cost savings, as budgets previously allocated for purchasing furniture upon arrival can be conserved.

The most significant benefit I have gained from this program is a clear understanding of the academic writing and oral communication standards set by SOAS University of London. The course is designed to familiarize students with these expectations, ensuring that they do not face challenges during the academic year. In terms of academic writing style, SOAS places a strong emphasis on establishing a well-structured idea framework, clearly following a rhetorical style, and presenting both the argument and counter-argument, a practice I have incorporated while composing this informational essay. Additionally, the use of signposting is encouraged to help readers easily follow the flow of the argument and the writer's position. Besides SOAS uses the Harvard citation style and ensures students adhere to its specific referencing guidelines, as the Harvard style can vary across different institutions.

On the oracy side, I gained insight into SOAS's teaching approach. SOAS prefers a more interactive environment rather than a one-sided lecture. In addition to traditional lectures, they also conduct seminar classes that encourage active participation, allowing students to express their ideas and opinions. These seminars are typically held in smaller groups of around 15 students. Thus, SOAS employs two teaching styles: lectures and seminar discussions. In this course, we were required to adapt to the seminar format, where we were encouraged to engage in discussions on various topics over a two-hour period. As a final task, we had to complete a group presentation in line with SOAS standards.

Moreover, participating in the Pre-Sessional English Course has allowed me to expand my network beyond my department and even across different universities. This is a unique opportunity that I would not have had if I had joined SOAS directly for the academic year. Engaging with students from diverse backgrounds and experiences has greatly enriched class discussions and enhanced the overall learning experience. For instance, some of my classmates are enrolled at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), and the Royal College of Art. Interestingly, many of these students and other SOAS students were not required to take the Pre-Sessional English Course but chose to attend as a preparatory session before the academic year, ensuring they could adapt quickly to the lecture environment.

Besides, having friends from this program has greatly alleviated the sense of isolation that can come with being far from home and family. These friendships have created a supportive community, making the transition to life in London much easier. Together, we have had the opportunity to explore iconic landmarks and cultural spots around the city, such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Chinatown, which has not only strengthened our bonds but also enriched my personal experience in London. This social support system has been invaluable in making me feel more connected and at home in a new environment.

Lastly, arriving early in August provided me with the unique opportunity to benefit from the previous year's master’s students' checkout period in early September. During this time, I was able to acquire a variety of their preloved items, including winter clothing, kitchen essentials such as kettles, pans, and tableware, as well as bedding and home decorations. Many of these items were in excellent condition, as departing students were often unable to take them due to luggage restrictions and opted to donate them instead. These preloved items were typically left in the accommodation lobby for others to collect, offering a significant cost-saving advantage by reducing the need to purchase new essentials. This allowed new students to allocate their budget more efficiently while still acquiring high-quality items.

In conclusion, although arriving in London early initially felt daunting, the benefits I gained from the experience and the Pre-Sessional English Course have been immensely valuable. The course equipped me with a strong understanding of SOAS's academic standards, particularly in writing and oral communication, while also familiarizing me with an engaging and interactive teaching style. Furthermore, it provided an excellent opportunity to network with students from various universities, which greatly enhanced both the academic and social aspects of my experience. The friendships I developed during this period created a supportive community, making the transition to London much smoother.

Additionally, arriving early allowed me to take advantage of the departing students' preloved items, helping me save significantly on essential winter clothing and household goods. Overall, the combination of academic preparation, social connections, and practical cost savings made the early start in London a rewarding and beneficial experience, providing a strong foundation for my academic year ahead.

London, September 17, 2024

Milhatun Nisa’

Arryman Scholar 2024

The second Batch of Arryman Scholarship

Recipients at SOAS, University of London