Thursday, 27 February 2014
Sunday, 15 September 2013
All my bags are packed I'm ready to go...but what to pack??!!
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| The road not taken... |
With the admission done, student visa in hand and all the other formalities over, an international student going abroad for studies is possibly the most confused, now!
How cold will it be there? What utensils to take along? How much will I cook? How many notebooks? HOW MUCH WEIGHT IS ALLOWED??!
According to my daughter's friend who went to UK a year before her, "This country has 3 seasons, cold, colder and coldest, so when you land in September end, its going to be cold and from there on it just gets colder"!!
And so we went ahead and bought all possible warm clothes and sweaters that we could find in the hot and humid september in Delhi! In fact we bought a lot of stuff which, after she reached Leeds realized:
(a) all of it wasn't as much of use (b) added to the weight (c) costed the same and (d) somethings were actually lesser!
So here's a list of things an Indian student should look into while you are packing. Use it a as a guide or a checklist to customise a list matching your individual needs.
CLOTHES:
1. Warm inners (1 pair, leggings and upper) - The buildings are heated, so layering is a better idea than wearing warm inners which cannot be removed if you're hot. However you would require it if you're planning a day out in the thick of the winters.
2. Sweaters/Cardigans - 2/3 for home-wear, 4/5 for wearing 'out' (Sweaters are sold at 'Primark' for low cost and a huge variety, should you require more after reaching).
3. Jackets - 1 thick, heavy. 2 light (Easier for layering). 1 hoodie (buy one from the University store with the logo and wear it proudly!)
4. Jeans - 2/3 pairs of jeans, different colours/shades (so that it doesn't look as if you are wearing the same for months!)
5. T-shirts/tops - At least one for each day of the week (easier for laundering, once a week).
6. A couple of fancy party wear, especially for the girls. Though my daughter says "at least 4 dresses"!
6. Shoes - Slippers/close toed slip ons for the room. 1 pair of comfortable walking (sports/lifestyle) shoes. Plus 1 pair formal/party wear. Again girls, more if you have the space.
7. Socks - 6 pairs cotton, 2/3 pairs woollen.
8. Clothes hangers - 8 to 10. Depending on your kind of clothes and space available.
9. A formal set of clothing - keep it separate (cleaned and ironed) for special days like attending job interviews, etc.
10. Towels. 2 full sized, 2 hand towels. Whites are difficult to maintain. The thinner cotton ones are quicker to dry. Plus a bathrobe, especially if you are sharing a bathroom. This too, I would suggest not to go in for the thick lush kind. Keeping space and drying time in mind.
11. Scarves/stoles -2/3, 1 pair - woollen gloves
STATIONERY:
1. Pens, highlighters, markers, pencils, erasers, scale, sketch pens.
2. Notebooks - one for each of your subject (more or less and thickness, you know the best). These tend to be the heaviest so keep the net suitcase weight in mind.
5. Binders, folders and loose punched sheets.
6. Board pins, post its, cello tape, double sided tapes, pair of scissors.
7. A pouch to hold your daily stationery.
8. A bag (entirely your style) for taking to the University everyday.
KITCHEN:
Here the important factor to consider would be the kind of accommodation you're getting, catered or non-catered. If you're pampered, have no idea of cooking and can spare the extra cost, go in for catered (especially for the 1st year, after which you might find your bearings!). If otherwise, choose self catered accommodation.
2. 1 small 2/3 litre pressure cooker. 'Prestige' has brought out a new model which can be used both with gas stove with flame and induction cooking. Some kitchens might have only induction method.
3. 1 round (10 inch or less circumference) non-stick griddle (tawa), without raised edges. 1 small kadhai. 1 small saucepan.
4. 1 lid to cover any of the above. Choose the lid to cover your biggest sized utensil, it can be used for the smaller ones too.
5. 1 wooden spatula, 1 ladle. 1 all purpose knife, 1 potato peeler, 1 tea strainer
6. Dining set - 2 full plates, 2 quarter plates, 2 tea cups/mugs, 2 glasses, 4 teaspoons, 2 tablespoons, 2 forks, 2 small/soup bowls. 1 medium sized bowl esp for microwave cooking. (You can buy the light weight, non chipping 'corelle' or go in for melamine). These sets meant for students are available at popular stores in UK itself and are pretty cheap. So you needn't bother if you don't have the space.
7. 4 kitchen towels
8. Buy a liquid dish washing soap after you reach. Avoid messy spills as far as possible.
9. 1 soap case and 2 dish washing scrubs.
10. Spices - the bottled 'shaker' kinds are easier to take and use. Available in any of the modern food stores.
11. Take pickles only if you cant live without them! Try to get double seals. Avoid messy spills. There is a story on the net about an Indian student bound for US and the pickle packet leaked. He had a big suitcase full of everything dipped in oil inside! So be careful.
12. 2 - water bottles, 1 - tiffin box13. 3/4 - plastic boxes of different sizes to store things in the fridge/cupboard.
14. Zip - lock plastic pouches - 1 medium pack (having about 8 -10 pouches) for easy organization.
15. 1 - small chopping board
16. Can/Tin opener, bottle opener.
17. Rice and wheat flour (1 kilo each or less depending on your requirement, to begin with).
18. A few packets of 'Maggi'. Rest you can buy as required.
19. Packets of ready to cook kinds. 5 to 7 of your favourites, again to begin with.
There is 'Poundland' and '99p' stores where you'll find a lot of things for less like ketchup, spreads, cornflakes, muesli, juices, etc. Go there and find out gradually.
20. Don't buy electrical items like kettle, toasters or grinders. Most of the times you will find these in the kitchens or students leaving universities would be selling these.
IN THE ROOM:
1. A bedding pack is usually available in the accommodation. Find out and apply before hand.
2. 1 - single bedsheets plus pillow cover.
3. Shower caddy (a small plastic basket to hold your toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, tooth brush, tooth paste, shower gel, loofah). Which you can take in to the bathroom and bring back with you to your room if sharing a bathroom. Fill in with small size of each. Buy there itself when you run out.
4. Smallest pack of washing powder for the washing machine to take you through your first washes.
5. Bathroom scrub and rubber gloves.
6. Feather duster/duster cloth
7. Dust bin (Check if it isn't already there in the room).
8. Small Laundry hamper (collapsible, for easy packing). Available in 'Hometown'. Check the circumference with your biggest size suitcase.
9. Hairdryer/straightener
10. Universal electrical adapters - 2
11. One small table lamp
12. Mobiles - Keep 2. Or a dual sim mobile. Take the one you are using and buy a sim from a local store there itself. The second, buy a cheap mobile in India and use a 'Lyca/Lebarra' sim (most of the stores in UK sell it for free). You may also find them at 'British Council' exhibitions or the Visa office. The cost of calling India is very cheap with a 'Lyca' sim. If you use an i-phone, you can 'facetime' for free!
13. Iron (check availability in accommodation before buying)
14. 2 - Extension cords
15. USB sticks
16. Emergency sewing kit (sewing needles and 3 different coloured threads)
17. Spare glasses and contact lenses if you wear.(Take in bulk, depending on your usage, these will be expensive).
VERY IMPORTANT:
First aid box - Basic medicine for cold, cough, fever, aches and pains, ointments for sores, burns and a packet of bandaid. Of course you know best which medicine you use more often. Put all of these in a see through plastic pouch or plastic box.Family pictures - Do take some happy pictures of your loved ones and pets to be pinned to your board to tide you over homesickness.
RELAX and enjoy the journey of one of the most exciting phases of your life!
Friday, 24 May 2013
IELTS - The way to go
IELTS - International English Language Testing System. This is one of the approved English Language tests by the UK Border Agency to show your English competency for a student visa. There are other tests that you can take instead, like the PTE (Pearson's Test of English). My daughter took the IELTS because it was also the requirement of certain Universities for admission.
Here are a few important points to understand:
1. There are 2 versions of this test. IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic. You take the General Training version if you want to study or train at an undergraduate level. You take the Academic version if you want to study at the graduate level or higher. Be sure which version you need before applying.
2. The only valid ID is your passport.
3. You will get your results within 13 days of taking the test.
4. I found booking through booking through the British Council the best way.
5. The British Council site also has all the information you could possibly require on how to prepare for the test. If you score above 70% - 75% in CBSE exam, you can prepare on your own with help of all the material provided by this site, as well as a host of other sites on the internet. But you do require practice, however good you consider yourself to be. If your English is not up to the mark you must go through a preparatory course.
6. The listening, reading and writing components are held together without any breaks on the test day. The speaking test is conducted separately, 7 days before or after the main exam date. My daughter had it on the same day, after a gap of a few hours.
7. The complete test takes 2 hours 45 minutes. Listening - 30 minutes, Reading - 60 minutes, Writing - 60 minutes and Speaking - 11 to 14 minutes.
8. You can take the test on any of the available 48 test dates in a year. Find out the exact dates here, the official IELTS site.
9. The test fee is INR 9300 as of July 2013.
10. Register early. You may not get the date you want. The places fill fast. You need time to prepare, take the test and get the result. A re-sit if required. Find out more about re-sitting here.
Thursday, 25 April 2013
The DREAM offer!
Close on the heels of the the second offer came the third and the fourth offer, both conditional and very achievable.
And amongst all of them came the dream offer from The University of Leeds. The offer that my daughter had been waiting for. BA (Hons) Broadcast Journalism with a conditional offer to score about 78% in the 12th board exam. I distinctly remember her jumping up and down with joy and relief for days! And the rest of the days of the exam period went relatively stress free!
Then came the offer from Nottingham Trent University with a very low score as the condition for the offer for their BA (Hons) Broadcast Journalism programme. It was a perfect back up, the insurance, easily achievable.
Later the fifth and the last offer came too. University of Westminster gave a conditional offer after a telephonic interview. Too many choices!
However my daughter decided to choose Leeds Uni's offer as her 'firm acceptance' and Nottingham Trent's offer as her 'insurance acceptance'. Do check the UCAS website's page to understand how to reply to your offers. It's very simple really and everything is clearly and lucidly explained. Check out the video too.
We, as parents and I, as a mother, cannot even begin to describe the relief I felt when my daughter had both of these offers in her hands. With only 2 subjects left for which she had to write the exam, we just had smiles on our faces throughout the said period and for much much later.
And very quickly out came my 'journal' and the jotting started yet again. This time around I was looking at the halls of residence, other accommodation, food, etc of both these universities, with the smile perfectly in place!
And amongst all of them came the dream offer from The University of Leeds. The offer that my daughter had been waiting for. BA (Hons) Broadcast Journalism with a conditional offer to score about 78% in the 12th board exam. I distinctly remember her jumping up and down with joy and relief for days! And the rest of the days of the exam period went relatively stress free!
Then came the offer from Nottingham Trent University with a very low score as the condition for the offer for their BA (Hons) Broadcast Journalism programme. It was a perfect back up, the insurance, easily achievable.
Later the fifth and the last offer came too. University of Westminster gave a conditional offer after a telephonic interview. Too many choices!
However my daughter decided to choose Leeds Uni's offer as her 'firm acceptance' and Nottingham Trent's offer as her 'insurance acceptance'. Do check the UCAS website's page to understand how to reply to your offers. It's very simple really and everything is clearly and lucidly explained. Check out the video too.
We, as parents and I, as a mother, cannot even begin to describe the relief I felt when my daughter had both of these offers in her hands. With only 2 subjects left for which she had to write the exam, we just had smiles on our faces throughout the said period and for much much later.
And very quickly out came my 'journal' and the jotting started yet again. This time around I was looking at the halls of residence, other accommodation, food, etc of both these universities, with the smile perfectly in place!
Sunday, 7 April 2013
Stay Motivated - A Poem
This is my all time favourite poem learnt during my mid school years, which I pinned near my daughter's table to keep her morale high during the 12th Board Exam. Well, one amongst many beautiful poems and quotes.
Written by Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan, I find it to be very simplistically stated yet very powerful in content.
It's all about opening your mind to try. Believe in yourself and keep trying to the best of your abilities and you shall succeed. People who try never ever fail.
The poem is in Hindi. For my international audience, I've tried to bring out the essence of the poem in English.
Dubkiyan samundar mein gotakhor lagata hai. Ja ja kar khali haath laut kar aata hai.
Milte nahi sehaj hi moti gehre paani mein. Badhta dugna vishwaas isee hairani mein.
Muthi uski khaali har baar nahi hoti.
Koshish karne walon ki kabhi haar nahi hoti.
(The diver dives into the sea. He returns empty handed innumerable times. It's not easy to find pearls in the deep waters, But this in turn doubles his enthusiasm, He does not return empty handed every time.
People who try never fail.)
Written by Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan, I find it to be very simplistically stated yet very powerful in content.
It's all about opening your mind to try. Believe in yourself and keep trying to the best of your abilities and you shall succeed. People who try never ever fail.
The poem is in Hindi. For my international audience, I've tried to bring out the essence of the poem in English.
Lehron se darkar nauka paar nahi hoti.
Koshish karne walon ki kabhi haar nahi hoti.
(A boat that's scared of the waves can never cross the sea,
The people who try never fail).
Koshish karne walon ki kabhi haar nahi hoti.
(A boat that's scared of the waves can never cross the sea,
The people who try never fail).
Nanhi chinti jab daana lekar chalti hai. Chadti deewaron par sau baar fhisalti hai.
Mann ka vishwaas ragon mein sahas bharta hai. Chadkar girna girkar chadna naa akharta hai.
Mehnat uski bekar har baar nahi hoti.
Koshish karne waalon ki Kabhie haar nahi hoti.
(The tiny ant carries a small grain in its mouth. Climbs up on the wall, slips and falls a hundred times. The self belief in the mind fills the body with courage. So the climbing up and falling down does discourage the ant. Ultimately its efforts do not go waste.
People who try never fail).Dubkiyan samundar mein gotakhor lagata hai. Ja ja kar khali haath laut kar aata hai.
Milte nahi sehaj hi moti gehre paani mein. Badhta dugna vishwaas isee hairani mein.
Muthi uski khaali har baar nahi hoti.
Koshish karne walon ki kabhi haar nahi hoti.
(The diver dives into the sea. He returns empty handed innumerable times. It's not easy to find pearls in the deep waters, But this in turn doubles his enthusiasm, He does not return empty handed every time.
People who try never fail.)
Asafalta ek chunauti hai sweekaar karo. Kya kami reh gayi dekho or sudhar karo.
Jab tak na safal ho neend chain ko tyago tum. Sangharshon ka maidan chhor na bhago tum.
Kuch kiya bina hi jai jai kaar nahi hoti.
Koshish karne walon ki kabhi haar nahi hoti.
(Failure is a challenge, accept it, Recognize your shortcomings and rectify them. Till you achieve your dreams and succeed, shun rest and sleep. Never run away from the battlefield of struggle. Without genuinely deserving it, no one is ever praised.
People who try never fail.)
Jab tak na safal ho neend chain ko tyago tum. Sangharshon ka maidan chhor na bhago tum.
Kuch kiya bina hi jai jai kaar nahi hoti.
Koshish karne walon ki kabhi haar nahi hoti.
(Failure is a challenge, accept it, Recognize your shortcomings and rectify them. Till you achieve your dreams and succeed, shun rest and sleep. Never run away from the battlefield of struggle. Without genuinely deserving it, no one is ever praised.
People who try never fail.)
Monday, 25 March 2013
Finally, a conditional offer!
The not so patient waiting finally bore fruit. Not a sweet one but a ripe fruit nevertheless.
The second University to reply was Bournemouth. Though they made an offer, the conditional percentage seemed very high to achieve (at that point of time). Their website states a general entry requirement of less than 60% of the 12th class board exams for Indian students. However, and I assume because of the very high class media and journalism programmes and so the obvious competition, they asked for a score of above 85% for my daughter.
And so I strongly advise that one must email and ask the uni beforehand for specific subject entry requirements. The general entry requirements may be vastly different from subject specific requirements.
Consequently Bournemouth University's BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism, a beautifully designed programme that was supposed to be a smart back up, the 'insurance', wasn't one anymore. You can't place a seemingly difficult to achieve conditional offer as your insurance.
This left my daughter roughly in the same square as she'd begun. Hoping desperately for the University of her topmost choice (now only one) to make an achievable offer. While still concertrating on the final exam at hand. Not an easy task, a child's life these days, honestly!
Fortunately the 3rd and 4th offer came close on the heels of this offer, right about this time and date, exactly a year ago!
The second University to reply was Bournemouth. Though they made an offer, the conditional percentage seemed very high to achieve (at that point of time). Their website states a general entry requirement of less than 60% of the 12th class board exams for Indian students. However, and I assume because of the very high class media and journalism programmes and so the obvious competition, they asked for a score of above 85% for my daughter.
And so I strongly advise that one must email and ask the uni beforehand for specific subject entry requirements. The general entry requirements may be vastly different from subject specific requirements.
Consequently Bournemouth University's BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism, a beautifully designed programme that was supposed to be a smart back up, the 'insurance', wasn't one anymore. You can't place a seemingly difficult to achieve conditional offer as your insurance.
This left my daughter roughly in the same square as she'd begun. Hoping desperately for the University of her topmost choice (now only one) to make an achievable offer. While still concertrating on the final exam at hand. Not an easy task, a child's life these days, honestly!
Fortunately the 3rd and 4th offer came close on the heels of this offer, right about this time and date, exactly a year ago!
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
Best Female On Screen!
My daughter has been nominated for 'Best Female On Screen' for NaSTA awards 2013!!
Here's her short video compilation.
Kudos to LSTV (Leeds Student TV) for their marvelous performance every week and for providing an extremely encouraging environment for each and everyone to learn and grow! I'm absolutely amazed and highly appreciative, having seen (as a student's mom) the insides and their working, nomination or not.
LSTV, may your tribe increase!!
This was a special post for this very update. I had to shout it out!
Here's her short video compilation.
Kudos to LSTV (Leeds Student TV) for their marvelous performance every week and for providing an extremely encouraging environment for each and everyone to learn and grow! I'm absolutely amazed and highly appreciative, having seen (as a student's mom) the insides and their working, nomination or not.
LSTV, may your tribe increase!!
This was a special post for this very update. I had to shout it out!
Monday, 25 February 2013
First offer...Rejection!
The first Uni to reply was Sheffield. This was amongst my daughter's top 2 choices. Unfortunately I logged into track that morning to find some 'changes' made.
It was a plain 'unsuccessful application'. And there it was, staring back at me, without any change, however long I looked at it. I even tried to log in again hoping there was some kind of error! Well there wasn't. The reply was too quick after months of hard work. Her predicted grades were higher than the asking for that course. And so we tried to get a feedback on the reason for the unsuccessful application. They asked for my daughter's 10th class grades, we sent, but we were still not given a reason.
If the first offer to come is unsuccessful, the idea takes longer to seep in and it may lead to thoughts like 'what if' imaginary rejections! And you start working on the back up plan/s in earnest. 'Be prepared for the worst and hope for the best', an excellent thought to keep in mind.
My daughter was however very 'cool' about the whole thing. There were 4 other offers to wait for and she needed to concentrate on her upcoming final exams, which she (thankfully) duly did. And very rarely logged into track. But I almost hyperactively did!!
It was a plain 'unsuccessful application'. And there it was, staring back at me, without any change, however long I looked at it. I even tried to log in again hoping there was some kind of error! Well there wasn't. The reply was too quick after months of hard work. Her predicted grades were higher than the asking for that course. And so we tried to get a feedback on the reason for the unsuccessful application. They asked for my daughter's 10th class grades, we sent, but we were still not given a reason.
If the first offer to come is unsuccessful, the idea takes longer to seep in and it may lead to thoughts like 'what if' imaginary rejections! And you start working on the back up plan/s in earnest. 'Be prepared for the worst and hope for the best', an excellent thought to keep in mind.
My daughter was however very 'cool' about the whole thing. There were 4 other offers to wait for and she needed to concentrate on her upcoming final exams, which she (thankfully) duly did. And very rarely logged into track. But I almost hyperactively did!!
Wednesday, 23 January 2013
Thou shalt wait...patiently
Thou shalt wait patiently...for UCAS to show changes in your application.
Oh the wait..the agonizing wait!
After a whole year and more of researching, planning, choosing, writing, editing and finally hitting the 'send' button, you realize it's no more in your hands. It's been SENT!
Now all you've got to do is wait. Well that's for us parents. The student concerned has to wait, yes, but has to study too. And study really hard without any distractions, if that's possible!
How does one do that when all you can think of is to log in to 'track' and check for any changes. Or may be check in the mail. Here came all my experience as a motivational speaker handy. I used my favourite quotes, pinned a particular poem near her study table (much to her annoyance, then!) and advised her to change her focus for the time being and zoom in to the 12th class exam which was closer at hand.
Easier said than done. If she got into her Universities of choice, Sheffield or Leeds, she'd be on cloud 9 and beyond. If she got into her next choice, Bournemouth, she'd be on cloud, well, 7 or 8. If she got into the others in her order of preference, she'd still be satisfied. But, WHAT IF...? What if she didn't make it to the any of them! There was a back up plan. she had applied to a couple of universities/colleges in India too. Some not so high ranking ones.
However, a 'life altering decision like studying in UK' and 'continuing with your life decision' of studying in India cannot be compared. So though there was a back up plan, it was as good as having no plan!
Yet she needed to concentrate on the exam at hand. Which I think she managed to do very effectively. We, as parents, went about our jobs routinely, keeping a stress free atmosphere at home. In fact we went a step ahead. We watched movies, celebrated birthdays that came during the exams, went for picnics, used up our 'free stay' hotel coupons, come to think of it, we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves throughout my daughter's 12th board exams!
Which by the way, lasted for a whole month and half for 5 subjects.
Oh the wait..the agonizing wait!
After a whole year and more of researching, planning, choosing, writing, editing and finally hitting the 'send' button, you realize it's no more in your hands. It's been SENT!
Now all you've got to do is wait. Well that's for us parents. The student concerned has to wait, yes, but has to study too. And study really hard without any distractions, if that's possible!
How does one do that when all you can think of is to log in to 'track' and check for any changes. Or may be check in the mail. Here came all my experience as a motivational speaker handy. I used my favourite quotes, pinned a particular poem near her study table (much to her annoyance, then!) and advised her to change her focus for the time being and zoom in to the 12th class exam which was closer at hand.
Easier said than done. If she got into her Universities of choice, Sheffield or Leeds, she'd be on cloud 9 and beyond. If she got into her next choice, Bournemouth, she'd be on cloud, well, 7 or 8. If she got into the others in her order of preference, she'd still be satisfied. But, WHAT IF...? What if she didn't make it to the any of them! There was a back up plan. she had applied to a couple of universities/colleges in India too. Some not so high ranking ones.
However, a 'life altering decision like studying in UK' and 'continuing with your life decision' of studying in India cannot be compared. So though there was a back up plan, it was as good as having no plan!
Yet she needed to concentrate on the exam at hand. Which I think she managed to do very effectively. We, as parents, went about our jobs routinely, keeping a stress free atmosphere at home. In fact we went a step ahead. We watched movies, celebrated birthdays that came during the exams, went for picnics, used up our 'free stay' hotel coupons, come to think of it, we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves throughout my daughter's 12th board exams!
Which by the way, lasted for a whole month and half for 5 subjects.
Thursday, 10 January 2013
Personal Statement - a clear and shiny reflection of you!
Now this is the tricky part. A lot of what goes into distinguishing and filtering the large number of applications. A good personal statement can easily make it or break it for you.
Having read all this and more, my daughter became jittery and avoided sitting down to actually writing it!
It can be intimidating, yet I think it's a wonderful idea to put 'yourself in words'. Who you are, what you think and why this course, rather than just a name with a set of grades and numbers sent to the admissions office. Especially for international students who won't be facing the actual interview face to face. The personal statement is the personality of the person writing it. I sincerely wish we have something of this sort for admissions here in India too.
Most universities actually mention on their websites what it is that they expect of the students. It becomes fairly easy if you go through and keep those particular points in mind while writing.
Any standard written piece can be dealt with by following CODER. Something I found useful in CBSE books, while teaching English to senior classes.
C - Collect your ideas. (Keep scribbling down ideas that come to you over a period of time).
O - Order of the ideas. (Follow a logical sequence).
D - Draft your ideas cohesively. (Learn and use linking words and phrases).
E - Edit what you have written.
R - Revise (keep revising and editing till it's perfect!).
Another useful way for helping you kickstart your personal statement writing is this UCAS worksheet . Complete this worksheet and you have something to start working on. Other than this read up as much as you can on other websites too. Just google 'personal statement' and immerse yourself in the gazillion sites. Then DO get down to writing.
Have a captivating opening moving onto a detailed yet crisp middle and a smart closing. I know easier said than done. But try doing it and it will become easier!
'The student room' has some examples of actual personal statements, by subject, with reviews and constructive comments from experts which really helped a lot.
After my daughter had written the first draft, she and the rest of us in the family read, re-read and re-read for a month before she finalized it. Very satisfied that it was over. However, realizing just as soon that she had used much more than the character limit on the actual form. Resizing after an almost perfect PS proved to be even more difficult. She went back to reading what is expected and chose carefully the more important parts and with a heavy heart, cut out the rest!
So it takes patience. And commitment. Besides language skills. A few qualities even the admissions tutors are looking for in suitable candidates. A personal statement, after all, does speak about you!
Please feel free to leave your email in the comments to ask for more details of what went into my daughter's personal statement.
Having read all this and more, my daughter became jittery and avoided sitting down to actually writing it!
It can be intimidating, yet I think it's a wonderful idea to put 'yourself in words'. Who you are, what you think and why this course, rather than just a name with a set of grades and numbers sent to the admissions office. Especially for international students who won't be facing the actual interview face to face. The personal statement is the personality of the person writing it. I sincerely wish we have something of this sort for admissions here in India too.
Most universities actually mention on their websites what it is that they expect of the students. It becomes fairly easy if you go through and keep those particular points in mind while writing.
Any standard written piece can be dealt with by following CODER. Something I found useful in CBSE books, while teaching English to senior classes.
C - Collect your ideas. (Keep scribbling down ideas that come to you over a period of time).
O - Order of the ideas. (Follow a logical sequence).
D - Draft your ideas cohesively. (Learn and use linking words and phrases).
E - Edit what you have written.
R - Revise (keep revising and editing till it's perfect!).
Another useful way for helping you kickstart your personal statement writing is this UCAS worksheet . Complete this worksheet and you have something to start working on. Other than this read up as much as you can on other websites too. Just google 'personal statement' and immerse yourself in the gazillion sites. Then DO get down to writing.
Have a captivating opening moving onto a detailed yet crisp middle and a smart closing. I know easier said than done. But try doing it and it will become easier!
'The student room' has some examples of actual personal statements, by subject, with reviews and constructive comments from experts which really helped a lot.
After my daughter had written the first draft, she and the rest of us in the family read, re-read and re-read for a month before she finalized it. Very satisfied that it was over. However, realizing just as soon that she had used much more than the character limit on the actual form. Resizing after an almost perfect PS proved to be even more difficult. She went back to reading what is expected and chose carefully the more important parts and with a heavy heart, cut out the rest!
So it takes patience. And commitment. Besides language skills. A few qualities even the admissions tutors are looking for in suitable candidates. A personal statement, after all, does speak about you!
Please feel free to leave your email in the comments to ask for more details of what went into my daughter's personal statement.
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
UCAS - Application Time
With the 'research' done and the 5 unis chosen, now came the time for the actual application.
UCAS, United Colleges and Asmissions Service, or the organisation through which you apply to the higher education courses in the UK. A centralized application system for the entire nation. Now that is something worth writing about.
It's unimaginable how this organization is actually so well organized! We have unequivocally been raving about this entire application procedure to our family and friends. Physically we didn't have to move more than just a few fingers - for typing, that is. And that's actually it!
Each and everything is given in detail, not just for reading but youtube videos demonstrating, directing, holding your hand and taking you through the entire procedure. Hats off to you guys!
Do please keep the following few things in mind before applying:
1. The application dates and deadlines. All clearly stated on the website. The registrations are now open for admissions in September, 2013. That means the students of class 12th and final year undergraduates should now be neck deep into the procedure.
2. Ask your teachers to write down 12th finals predicted marks for you on a school letterhead, subject-wise with each teacher's signature. This is not normally done in Indian schools, so you will have to explain exactly what you want. Also you will require a letter of reference (LOR) from either your present class teacher or a subject teacher. Find someone who really likes you! These letters should be signed by your principal with the school seal at the end. (Please feel free to ask me for more details, in the comments box.)
3. When registering for UCAS note down the password and username clearly in the same diary you were maintaining for tables and notes (as suggested in my previous post). You can register and save. Come back when you have all you material ready for application. You needn't do everything in one go.
4. Go to the chosen university websites and note down the university code as well as the subject code. Double check. Even if you're taking someone's help for applying, you must ensure these are filled in correctly. We took the help of an authorized consultancy here in Delhi. Back then we weren't too sure it could all have been done ourselves.
5. Prepare to write the most important aspect, if you haven't already -
your PERSONAL STATEMENT.
Questions to UCAS can be asked here
Some international student FAQs can be found here
You can always get in touch with them by calling - 0044 871 468 0 468 (for international calls). Timings - Mon to Fri 8:30 am to 6:00 pm UK time. We spoke to them a couple of times during the application procedure and were always met with genuine help.
NEXT - ADVICE ON WRITING PERSONAL STATEMENT
UCAS, United Colleges and Asmissions Service, or the organisation through which you apply to the higher education courses in the UK. A centralized application system for the entire nation. Now that is something worth writing about.
It's unimaginable how this organization is actually so well organized! We have unequivocally been raving about this entire application procedure to our family and friends. Physically we didn't have to move more than just a few fingers - for typing, that is. And that's actually it!
Each and everything is given in detail, not just for reading but youtube videos demonstrating, directing, holding your hand and taking you through the entire procedure. Hats off to you guys!
Do please keep the following few things in mind before applying:
1. The application dates and deadlines. All clearly stated on the website. The registrations are now open for admissions in September, 2013. That means the students of class 12th and final year undergraduates should now be neck deep into the procedure.
2. Ask your teachers to write down 12th finals predicted marks for you on a school letterhead, subject-wise with each teacher's signature. This is not normally done in Indian schools, so you will have to explain exactly what you want. Also you will require a letter of reference (LOR) from either your present class teacher or a subject teacher. Find someone who really likes you! These letters should be signed by your principal with the school seal at the end. (Please feel free to ask me for more details, in the comments box.)
3. When registering for UCAS note down the password and username clearly in the same diary you were maintaining for tables and notes (as suggested in my previous post). You can register and save. Come back when you have all you material ready for application. You needn't do everything in one go.
4. Go to the chosen university websites and note down the university code as well as the subject code. Double check. Even if you're taking someone's help for applying, you must ensure these are filled in correctly. We took the help of an authorized consultancy here in Delhi. Back then we weren't too sure it could all have been done ourselves.
your PERSONAL STATEMENT.
Questions to UCAS can be asked here
Some international student FAQs can be found here
You can always get in touch with them by calling - 0044 871 468 0 468 (for international calls). Timings - Mon to Fri 8:30 am to 6:00 pm UK time. We spoke to them a couple of times during the application procedure and were always met with genuine help.
NEXT - ADVICE ON WRITING PERSONAL STATEMENT
Tuesday, 11 December 2012
NOW - Featured in UCAS Connect!
My enthusiasm has doubled and my zeal's tripled. The roller coaster ride continues as I very proudly now continue my journey associated with UCAS.
Read more parent blogs here and click here for student and UCAS adviser's blogs. Highly informative and based on personal experience, each one will certainly ease the path and answer a lot of queries any new university applicant may have.
All the best to everyone who's applying!
Friday, 30 November 2012
WHICH university-2-the final five
The final 5 universities my daughter chose, in order of preference, for her under-graduation in Journalism were:
1. University of Sheffield : Subject - Journalism Studies (BA) Accredited by PTC, NCTJ, BJTC.
2. University of Leeds : Subject - Broadcast Journalism (BA Hons). Accredited by BJTC
3. Bournemouth University : Subject - Multimedia Journalism (BA Hons). Accredited by - BJTC, PTC, NCTJ.
4. Nottingham Trent University : Subject - Broadcast Journalism (BA Hons). Accredited by BJTC.
5. University of Westminster : Subject - Journalism (BA Hons). Accredited by BJTC
Generally speaking each had an entry requirement of around 85% going down to 65% overall in 12th standard, CBSE. Plus an IELTS score of 7 to 7.5 or above and/or 85% and above in 12th standard English specifically for Broadcast Journalism.
BJTC- Broadcast Journalists Training Council. Find out more about what it is and which courses are accredited.
NJTC - National Council for the Training of Journalists. To find out more, look up their website.
NJTC - National Council for the Training of Journalists. To find out more, look up their website.
In this list, the top 2 are highly ranked in the league tables and amongst the topmost in UK for Journalism. Bournemouth is not so highly ranked overall but is excellent for the subject. The last two had lower entry requirements (than my daughter's predicted) and even though are not ranked so high in the league tables, they are quite well known for this subject and a host of others. So this final 5 list was kind of balanced. Whether she scored well or lower than expected. That actually removed a lot of pressure off her for her 12th board exams. All this was done by August-September of 12th standard.
Now that the 5 Universities were identified we started with the actual application procedure.
NEXT - UCAS and the application process
Thursday, 29 November 2012
WHICH university-1-the daunting task!
Time to choose THE one! How do you decide which university. For students who are very high scorers it's easy. You score so well that the best universities choose you! However, it's not the same for the others. You need to strike a balance between what you want and what you'll get based on your predicted marks.
Once you've decided on your subject, as discussed in the previous post, google for the university rankings for your specific subject. Make a list of all the universities which offer your choice. Select 20 to 25 from different rank brackets. Most top ones, some above average and a couple of mediocre, as back up, below your expected grades. There is no limit to the number of universities you want to add at this moment. Finally start tabulating it all. Make a table with 8 columns as follows:
Columns:
1. Name of the Uni, as it's usually shortened to in the UK. Leave at least 5 to 6 lines after each name.
2. Cost per year. Not just cost of tuition but boarding, etc too. And if it offers scholarships. Though from my research there aren't many for Indian/International under-graduates. Most scholarships offered are for students who want to pursue post-graduation and higher degrees.
3. Ranking. Have 2/3 sub divisions for different rankings in this. For World-QS/World-Times/UK, etc. Though don't rely heavily on the rankings alone.
4. Subject. That this Uni offers, the exact name plus is it an honors degree and is it accredited. As in the case of Broadcast Journalism, the recognized accreditation is BJTC.
5. Entry requirement. Most of the unis state the exact requirement for Indian Board Examinations. Look for subject specific requirement which is usually different from the general university requirement. Email and ask, if in doubt. You will get a prompt reply.
6. Alumni. Famous alumni especially related to your subject may tip the scales in favour, especially when it becomes difficult to decide between two.
7. Location. Where in UK is it. How would you reach from the international airport and how long does it take. However, again this can be the deciding factor only in case of two equally acclaimed unis. And in no way means that all universities close to London are better!
8. Others. Leave this column for any extra comments you would like to add. For example, if you've emailed them and are waiting for a reply or the date when their representatives are visiting your city or even something about their accommodation.
Visit chat rooms and keep googling using different words each time to dig out as much information as possible about each university that interests you. Here are the links to some I found very useful.
Push - especially their university guides.
The student room - I picked up a lot of good information (plus a lot of gossip!) from here. Type in the exact name/subject you want information about in the search box at the top, right hand corner. Spend time sifting through all the chats to get what you want.
UCAS - The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, highly informative and dependable site.
Click on the red coloured links on the left hand.
The British Council - For information about various courses, universities and many important related topics of settling in and staying on, etc.
QS-Study in UK - (one amongst many such which give loads of Info) - click on the names of Universities given.
I also googled 'worst unis in UK' to strike a few universities off my list! Of course you will have to take everything you read with a pinch of salt. Use your wisdom and don't believe everything you come across, good or bad.
Additionally, visit all 'study abroad/UK' exhibitions to meet the representatives of various universities. Make a list of all possible questions beforehand to ask them. Make a note of the answers they give (to tabulate them later) to be added to your table. I remember the first one we visited was the British Council's 'Education UK Exhibition'. Amongst many we met the admissions officer of 'London City University' who told my daughter to spend at least a day with a journalist and know more about this profession. Which she dutifully did, later to be added in her personal statement.
Once your table is ready it will become easier for you to compare and contrast. Keep writing down tips that you come across in your readings from various sites. Add stars or strike off, write 'not good reviews', 'very good subject content' or 'highly rated for journalism', etc, as and when you're sure. Thus narrowing down to a few chosen ones. For the simple reason that you can't apply to as many as you want but to only 5, through UCAS.
Be careful!
NEXT - WHICH university - the final 5
Once you've decided on your subject, as discussed in the previous post, google for the university rankings for your specific subject. Make a list of all the universities which offer your choice. Select 20 to 25 from different rank brackets. Most top ones, some above average and a couple of mediocre, as back up, below your expected grades. There is no limit to the number of universities you want to add at this moment. Finally start tabulating it all. Make a table with 8 columns as follows:
Columns:
1. Name of the Uni, as it's usually shortened to in the UK. Leave at least 5 to 6 lines after each name.
2. Cost per year. Not just cost of tuition but boarding, etc too. And if it offers scholarships. Though from my research there aren't many for Indian/International under-graduates. Most scholarships offered are for students who want to pursue post-graduation and higher degrees.
3. Ranking. Have 2/3 sub divisions for different rankings in this. For World-QS/World-Times/UK, etc. Though don't rely heavily on the rankings alone.
4. Subject. That this Uni offers, the exact name plus is it an honors degree and is it accredited. As in the case of Broadcast Journalism, the recognized accreditation is BJTC.
5. Entry requirement. Most of the unis state the exact requirement for Indian Board Examinations. Look for subject specific requirement which is usually different from the general university requirement. Email and ask, if in doubt. You will get a prompt reply.
6. Alumni. Famous alumni especially related to your subject may tip the scales in favour, especially when it becomes difficult to decide between two.
7. Location. Where in UK is it. How would you reach from the international airport and how long does it take. However, again this can be the deciding factor only in case of two equally acclaimed unis. And in no way means that all universities close to London are better!
8. Others. Leave this column for any extra comments you would like to add. For example, if you've emailed them and are waiting for a reply or the date when their representatives are visiting your city or even something about their accommodation.
Visit chat rooms and keep googling using different words each time to dig out as much information as possible about each university that interests you. Here are the links to some I found very useful.
Push - especially their university guides.
The student room - I picked up a lot of good information (plus a lot of gossip!) from here. Type in the exact name/subject you want information about in the search box at the top, right hand corner. Spend time sifting through all the chats to get what you want.
UCAS - The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, highly informative and dependable site.
Click on the red coloured links on the left hand.
The British Council - For information about various courses, universities and many important related topics of settling in and staying on, etc.
QS-Study in UK - (one amongst many such which give loads of Info) - click on the names of Universities given.
I also googled 'worst unis in UK' to strike a few universities off my list! Of course you will have to take everything you read with a pinch of salt. Use your wisdom and don't believe everything you come across, good or bad.
Additionally, visit all 'study abroad/UK' exhibitions to meet the representatives of various universities. Make a list of all possible questions beforehand to ask them. Make a note of the answers they give (to tabulate them later) to be added to your table. I remember the first one we visited was the British Council's 'Education UK Exhibition'. Amongst many we met the admissions officer of 'London City University' who told my daughter to spend at least a day with a journalist and know more about this profession. Which she dutifully did, later to be added in her personal statement.
Once your table is ready it will become easier for you to compare and contrast. Keep writing down tips that you come across in your readings from various sites. Add stars or strike off, write 'not good reviews', 'very good subject content' or 'highly rated for journalism', etc, as and when you're sure. Thus narrowing down to a few chosen ones. For the simple reason that you can't apply to as many as you want but to only 5, through UCAS.
Be careful!
1. The names of universities can be similar and thus confusing. Be sure which one you want. If there is Sheffield then there is Sheffield Hallam. Leeds University and Leeds Metropolitan University. Nottingham and Nottingham Trent university, etc. One may be good for certain subjects while the other may not match your requirements. Do a thorough check.
2. Always check the International students ratio. This will give you a good picture in terms of its international popularity.
3. If it's possible speak/email to any current Indian student at that university.
3. If it's possible speak/email to any current Indian student at that university.
4. Be sure of the value the programme will add to your education. Even if it is the 'name tag', it should be worth all the money spent.
5. Be extremely careful of fake universities. A fake university will certainly not be there on any world league table of top 200, for example. And you will certainly pick up something about it in the chat room discussions. You can't be duped if you've done your homework well.
NEXT - WHICH university - the final 5
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Journalism or Media Studies? The SUBJECT to be!
With the aim and destination more or less defined, we moved ahead. Where in UK and what exactly was the subject of my daughter's interest. I started googling 'top colleges for journalism in UK' and kept googling till a few favourites emerged. Not just established sites like 'QS World University Rankings' or the 'Times Higher Education World University Rankings', but I scanned hundreds of forums and chat rooms too. The 'QS' and 'Times' rankings do not cover Journalism as a subject or it's ranking so I needed to use a lot more elbow grease!
I started off by making a note of all the possible names of universities that came up in any conversation/write up/rankings. Then checked individual sites for the subject. These few subjects came up again and again.
1. Media and Communication
2. Media and Cultural Studies
3. Journalism
4. Journalism Studies
5. Broadcast Journalism
6. Multimedia Journalism
(Besides 'Film Making' and related subjects, which my daughter wasn't interested in)
What I eventually found out was that all media related subjects are more generic as well as theoretical and one can study these and move on to a more specific field of interest for post graduation. In a lot of cases 'Journalism' implies print journalism, more for newspapers and magazines and online writing. 'Broadcast Journalism' is specifically for TV/Internet/Radio. 'Multimedia Journalism' is multi-disciplinary combining everything (which is offered by just a couple of universities). All of the later ones (3. to 6.) are very intense and arm the students with advanced technical and practical skills.
After reading the course content under these headings, very soon my daughter reached the conclusion that 'Broadcast Journalism' was what she wanted to do. And maybe I wouldn't spend or send her so far away to study a subject too general like 'media and cultural studies'. In my opinion if undecided, a student should rather go in for Political Science, International relations or the likes for under graduation, to pursue a more professional degree for PG.
The subject chosen, now came the daunting task of which university!
NEXT - Choosing your university
I started off by making a note of all the possible names of universities that came up in any conversation/write up/rankings. Then checked individual sites for the subject. These few subjects came up again and again.
1. Media and Communication
2. Media and Cultural Studies
3. Journalism
4. Journalism Studies
5. Broadcast Journalism
6. Multimedia Journalism
(Besides 'Film Making' and related subjects, which my daughter wasn't interested in)
What I eventually found out was that all media related subjects are more generic as well as theoretical and one can study these and move on to a more specific field of interest for post graduation. In a lot of cases 'Journalism' implies print journalism, more for newspapers and magazines and online writing. 'Broadcast Journalism' is specifically for TV/Internet/Radio. 'Multimedia Journalism' is multi-disciplinary combining everything (which is offered by just a couple of universities). All of the later ones (3. to 6.) are very intense and arm the students with advanced technical and practical skills.
After reading the course content under these headings, very soon my daughter reached the conclusion that 'Broadcast Journalism' was what she wanted to do. And maybe I wouldn't spend or send her so far away to study a subject too general like 'media and cultural studies'. In my opinion if undecided, a student should rather go in for Political Science, International relations or the likes for under graduation, to pursue a more professional degree for PG.
The subject chosen, now came the daunting task of which university!
NEXT - Choosing your university
Monday, 29 October 2012
WHY study in the UK
Delhi University (DU). One of the best in the country and so obviously a student has to face very stiff competition to get in. Especially if you want to get into the top 10 colleges that too with the subject of your choice. If however you wouldn't mind a 'not in demand' subject or a lower rung college, the admission would be easier. But you would be paying the price in terms of quality, despite the DU tag.
When my daughter scored an 82% in her 10th class. We were all very happy, because she'd really worked hard and the percentage exceeded everybody's expectation. However an 82% in 12th wouldn't be enough to get her into a good college in DU. By this time she had more or less made up her mind to study Journalism/Mass communication for under-graduation. Which seemed to be the right option for her. She's always been outspoken, up till then took a keen interest in Political Science, was excelling at MUNs (Model United Nation), was writing for the school magazine, etc.
DU, since the past few years has begun conducting a separate exam for Journalism entrance known as CJET (Combined Journalism Entrance Test). In which the 12th percentage along with the written test and interview marks together are taken into consideration. Other than DU there are a few others who offer Journalism as a subject at the undergraduate level. Most good institutes, however, offer this subject at the post graduate level. Example the AJ Kidwai MCRC, Jamia and the Indian Institute for Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi.
1. US has 4 years of study compared to UK's 3 years.
The time spent is less and thus cost wise it would work out to be cheaper, besides saving a
whole year of life!
whole year of life!
2. The cost for studying in either of the countries is more or less the same.
About 16 to 18 lakh per annum, inclusive of tuition, food, boarding and miscellaneous. On the
other hand in the US a lot of good universities like the NYU for example have very high tuition
fee. It is generally believed in India that studying in UK is more expensive than in US.
fee. It is generally believed in India that studying in UK is more expensive than in US.
3. The time difference is lesser in UK than US.
So I could call and chat more! I have a friend in Canada and actually find it very difficult to
talk to her, other than at unearthly hours or weekends!
4. The travel time is less.
And hence the cost. Moreover one can actually think of travelling back and forth for holidays
with ease.
5. If you have to learn a new English accent, it might as well be the Queen's!
With our new found focus, I set to work. Digging and digging deeper into the sites and further into all corners of the internet! And as I looked into site after site of each university, we collectively, as a family, reached this conclusion:
If one had to study further it had to be at one of these selected universities in the UK!
Their interpretation of the subject, the course content, the various delivery methods, their ways of testing, the subject accreditations and their acclaimed alumni was unmatched! What started as a back up plan soon became a dream target. The best was, with 85% in 12th class you could get into a good college with the subject your choice!
NEXT - CHOOSING your subject
NEXT - CHOOSING your subject
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
WHY this blog at all?!
Sending a child abroad for studies is a major decision in the life of any parent. Especially Indian parents because of huge finances and long distances involved in sending children to US or UK. These being the two most popular destinations for Indian students. The other two being Canada and Australia, in that order.
When we started thinking of sending our only daughter abroad, we started asking around. Friends, relatives, neighbours and anyone who had even the slightest inkling to people with deepest insights. Then of course, there was the internet. The internet had hours and hours and yet more hours of material worth reading on thousands of sites! It was exciting but extremely overwhelming. If it had been for any other reason, I would have probably skimmed through the sites to jump to a conclusion. But the fact remains that an undergraduate degree happens to be a notably important factor in your child's life, as important as his or her schooling. So I couldn't just skim over, in fact I read the really fine print and went into details. And boy did I go into the details!
I spent a whole year and more, researching and jotting everything down. Roughly, in the beginning but had a properly maintained journal by the end. And now that my daughter's safely and happily settling down in the University of Leeds, I've got down to noting down all the points of how that journal came to be and what's in it. To the tiniest important detail.
My journey as a parent and a guide. For these couple of years, especially.
I am writing this blog as a way of helping other parents and students who may be as lost as I was to begin with. I hope this provides clarity and gives some useful insights. Thus making it easier for everybody to take one of the most important decisions of life!
NEXT - WHY study in the UK
When we started thinking of sending our only daughter abroad, we started asking around. Friends, relatives, neighbours and anyone who had even the slightest inkling to people with deepest insights. Then of course, there was the internet. The internet had hours and hours and yet more hours of material worth reading on thousands of sites! It was exciting but extremely overwhelming. If it had been for any other reason, I would have probably skimmed through the sites to jump to a conclusion. But the fact remains that an undergraduate degree happens to be a notably important factor in your child's life, as important as his or her schooling. So I couldn't just skim over, in fact I read the really fine print and went into details. And boy did I go into the details!
I spent a whole year and more, researching and jotting everything down. Roughly, in the beginning but had a properly maintained journal by the end. And now that my daughter's safely and happily settling down in the University of Leeds, I've got down to noting down all the points of how that journal came to be and what's in it. To the tiniest important detail.
My journey as a parent and a guide. For these couple of years, especially.
I am writing this blog as a way of helping other parents and students who may be as lost as I was to begin with. I hope this provides clarity and gives some useful insights. Thus making it easier for everybody to take one of the most important decisions of life!
NEXT - WHY study in the UK
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