Seven questions with Anastasia Vikhanova

This week, meet Anastasia Vikhanova, a third-year Psychology student.

Find out about Anastasia's experience of the UCL Global Citizenship Programme, her dream of becoming a clinical psychologist, her favouite spots at UCL and what she would do if she was Provost for the day.

Why are you interested in psychology and what do you plan to do in the future?

I happened to start my psychology path in a very random way. I really wanted to attend the Junior Journalist School in Moscow State University, but they required a few publications, which I did not have at that moment. So I thought: okay, what other schools do they offer; and this is how I found the Junior Psychologist School. This was exactly 8 years ago and after endless schools, courses, one university, another university I cannot imagine my life outside of psychology anymore.

I have already received an offer from UCL to start my 9th year studying psychology (9 years? Sounds insane, doesn't it?) at PGT level. My dream is to become a clinical psychologist, but I would also love to stay in UCL to teach and continue with my research - I am currently working in the area of social phobia.

What is the most interesting thing you've done, seen or got involved with while at UCL?

This is a funny question, as my friends would probably roll their eyes if they heard it. Within my three years at UCL I have managed to become a StAR, student rep, Transition mentor, and Senior Transition Mentor. I've also been an IQR and ASER reviewer, conducted a UCL ChangeMakers project, as well as holding roles as a Vice President and President of two UCLU societies. I am currently an intern in UCL CALT.

But if I have to pick one thing, it would probably be taking part in the UCL Global Citizenship Programme.

Unfortunately, my timetable only allowed me to do it in my first year, then I had to skip my second year and now I am looking forward to participating again.

I don't want to say all the same things that you can read on their website. All I want to say is that I was a part of the Health in Future Cities (Global Health) strand and my team represented Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Programme inspired us so much that my group actually went to Sarajevo over the summer.

My lame visa didn't let me go with them, however another little part of my group went to Turkey, including me.

All in all, the UCL Global Citizenship Programme inspired me and gave me an amazing long-lasting group of friends. To me finding that friendship group is probably more important than improving my CV or developing new skills. Meeting people is a skill too, you know.

Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at UCL?

Caffe Presto right in front on Torrington place: there are just so many things that are right with this place. I don't even remember how we found this place, because there is a Patisserie Valerie right next to it and I am sure most people would choose this fancier place for a coffee. In Caffe Presto people are so nice, they have a lovely outside area, which is somehow always sunny (or maybe it's just me), and they have a deal where a drink and a sandwich is just under £3. Especially now with spring approaching and weather getting warmer, this is definitely a great place for a break, as long as it is not at 1pm, because then the queue will take you ages.

Brunswick centre: I am all about the food. I figured recently that not many people know about this little shopping centre area located just 5 minutes away from Bedford way or 2 minutes away from Russell Square. This is our go to place for the bubble tea. I could talk about this for hours, so just go and check it out. They also have tons of other restaurants including a very reasonably priced Asian restaurant with great sushi (much better that Itsu in my opinion and it is an actual restaurant).

Bedford way common room (psychology building): My last suggestion would be about food again. Many people happen to be in Bedford way at some point of their uni life, as we share the department with CLIE and Geography. However, not everyone knows about the common room on the 3rd floor, which includes a great café with sandwiches, fresh food and desserts. The two Italian guys who work there are like legends for psychology students. Note: annoyingly, they don't accept cards. If you come here outside of lunch time - it is also quiet and great for studying (and no need to go far away to grab a coffee).

Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London:

Notting Hill and Portobello Market: I love this place for many reasons. I used to stay in a hotel in Notting Hill with my friend when I was only travelling around London, not actually living here. Maybe that's why this place is just really meaningful to me, it brings back a lot of memories. In terms of Portobello Market, it is just a bit classier than Camden and you can find some actual gems there, not just punk equipment or souvenirs.

St. Paul's Cathedral: It might sound like a very typical touristy place, but this is exactly what I like about it. Sometimes I like observing people, especially when I witness their first reaction to the beauty of the cathedral. It again probably just reminds me of the time when I first saw it myself. The area around the cathedral is lovely as well and I love Tate Modern with its view of the cathedral.

UCLU Russian Society events: This to me includes so many great things that you can do in London, and not just because I am the president of this society. Just recently we went to Banya #1, which is like a Russian sauna thing. I highly recommend it to everyone, as it is simply a very relaxing thing to do no matter if you're interested in Russian culture or not. Plus, with the society you get in for £20, instead of £40. Literally last week we also went to the Russian Revolution exhibition, which was £2.50 for society members instead of £15. Generally speaking, if you're confused about what to do with your spare time - just the join the society and they will give you lots of things to do, see, go to in London.

If you were Provost for the day what one thing would you do?

I would cancel all the written exams. No, for real. I think there are better ways of testing people's knowledge rather than making them revise for months, show all they've learn within 2-3 hours and then forget it straight after the exam. More coursework, presentations, seminars and discussions.

Who inspires you and why?

I don't want this to sound too egocentric, but the person who inspires me the most is myself. As a psychologist (or at least a future one), I strongly believe that every person on this planet is an individual, at least in some ways. Situations might sound similar, but one cannot repeat someone's fate or destiny. Looking at famous people, and geniuses who achieved something in their life - I think it is wonderful. For them.

I have my own path and I need to choose my own ways of doing things. So, if I am lacking inspiration, I look at my past achievements. It reminds me of how hard I worked to be where I am today and gives me energy to follow my dreams further. In moments of complete desperation - my friends, the main part of my life, are always there to support and inspire me as well.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I participated in the photoshoot for the UCL Global Citizenship Programme last year and my face was all over UCL, so if you get the feeling that you've seen me before - it is probably true.