Elizabeth McEneaney

Why did you choose to study at UCL SSEES?

Choosing to study at UCL SSEES was an incredibly easy decision. I was already aware that the department had a good reputation and high standards of teaching, but it was the range of modules available that made me certain it was the right place for my degree. Studying languages in an interdisciplinary, area-based department is a rare but great opportunity. The department also attracts quite a lot of students from, or with links to, the SSEES region, so as a languages student it’s especially useful to be in an environment where I frequently hear my target language being spoken in the common room or around the corridors!

What are you studying and what attracted you to this particular course?

I’m studying for a joint degree in Russian and Spanish between SSEES and SELCS (the School of European Languages, Culture and Society). At A level I took English Literature, History and Spanish and didn’t want to give any of them up, so studying a degree in language and culture seemed like the perfect way to continue taking all three. I chose to start Russian ab initio as I wanted the challenge of taking on a language that was quite different to anything I’d studied before, and also as the Russian and Spanish speaking worlds combined cover a huge amount of the globe. I love that in a single day I can go from working on a Russian grammar exercise straight to a lecture on the Aztecs, before finishing my afternoon with a seminar on Soviet Literature.

How is your course going? Any favourite modules so far?

I have really enjoyed my course and am sad to be coming to the end of it! Without a doubt the Russian side of my degree has been a challenge, but it’s very satisfying to be nearing the end of the course and looking back at how far we’ve all come.

In terms of a favourite module, this term I’ll be taking a class with SELCS on music and how it intersects with nationalism, and I’m hoping it will be an interesting way to blend my academic interests with my passion for music. With SSEES I’ve taken a lot of engaging literature modules and it’s hard to choose between them, but I did particularly enjoy one on Gothic and supernatural literature in first year. I’m also really excited to be currently working on my final-year Research Project (the shorter dissertation option available to joint language students), which is a great opportunity to be able to explore my own interests under the supervision of a professor. 

How would you describe the academic staff at SSEES? What is the support like?

Particularly being a Languages and Cultures student at SSEES, you have the unique opportunity to really get to know the academic staff. Friends from other courses are often surprised when we’re walking down the street and one of my professors will say hello or stop to have a chat! Being on quite a small course has meant that the support from academic staff is very individually tailored, and there’s a real sense that professors are just as invested in your own educational development and progress as you are. University is definitely a step up from school in terms of independence and responsibility, but through systems like personal tutors and office hours I’ve always been able to find support when I’ve needed it. 

What about the social life?

Having grown up in central London, I was worried that it was unadventurous to stay so close to home for university. In reality, the social life at UCL and all the opportunities London has to offer make it really easy to try different things and meet new people. Studying a more niche subject like Russian made it very easy to bond with other people on my course, and I love UCL’s blend of feeling like a proper campus university with a strong sense of community, whilst also being right in the centre of a busy city. Alongside meeting people through my course or departmental events, UCL literally seems to have a club or society for everything. For example, throughout my time here I’ve enjoyed conducting and playing violin with various orchestras and was even able to act as assistant musical director for two semi-professional opera productions in UCL’s Bloomsbury Theatre. Shared experiences like these are a great way to build strong friendships, and there’s definitely something for everyone, whatever your interests.

What are your future plans/aspirations?

That’s a good question! I’m currently applying to a mix of grad jobs and master’s programmes and am looking forward to seeing what the future holds. I know without a doubt that I’ll also be trying my best to keep using and building my language skills whenever possible. 

Any advice for those thinking about taking this course?

It can feel quite daunting at first having to commit to applying for one specific university course! Before starting at UCL I had never studied Russian or met anyone who had taken it at university, but it ended up being one of the best decisions I’d ever made. I’d recommend looking into the types of modules available (most universities have module catalogues online) and attending open days if possible. It’s also useful to think about what transferable skills you’ve already developed. For example, if you’ve enjoyed learning other languages at school or at home, or love exploring different cultures through reading or film, chances are you’ll continue to enjoy this at university. While preparing my personal statement, I started learning some basic Russian on Duolingo and read a few Russian stories in translation, which I really enjoyed and which helped confirm that it was the right degree for me. 

Having said this, my final advice is that you don’t have to know everything before you start your course! If beginning on a Language and Culture programme, you’ll have four years (including a year abroad) to enjoy exploring and learning. It will fly by, so sit back, enjoy it, and take advantage of all the opportunities that university has to offer!