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Reflecting on Term 1: My Journey at UCL

4 February 2025

Student ambassador Safia Ansari reflects on her first term as a Master's student at UCL GBSH, sharing the challenges she faced, and the things that helped her adjust to life in a new city.

Blog feature image, with title "Reflecting on tern 1 at UCL" and an image of UCL One Pool Street cinema hall on the right

Going into term 1 at UCL was a new and exciting experience. I moved across the world into a new environment which was nerve-wracking but also exciting. The transition was a big step in my academic and personal journey, which allowed me to grow in many different unexpected ways. Looking back at Term 1 I have grown and learned so much in the classroom and beyond.

Greatest Learnings and Highlights from Term 1

As an MSc Global Healthcare Management student, one of the most exciting aspects of term 1 was the variety of classes I got to experience. There was a span of different topics that I got to explore in healthcare such as leadership and management, health financing, and health analytics. I gained a new perspective on how business and healthcare are interconnected and it gave me a thorough understanding of the different industries. Furthermore, I thoroughly enjoyed the interactive seminars where we analyzed case studies and went further into the topic through a span of activities of healthcare systems around the world. They were very engaging and had lots of group activities where we got to learn from our cohort that came from different backgrounds and experiences. In addition to the programme, UCL itself had a variety of social, academic career and skills events that were beneficial to my personal and professional development. There were many different events I attended through the career essentials that help you prepare for the job field and refine your interview skills along with your CV and applications. There were also events where different speakers from global companies came to network with students which I found beneficial. Lastly, the social activities organised were a highlight of term 1 such as swimming and running with Project Active. I'm convinced that the environment at UCL is designed to foster and challenge growth, inside and outside of the classroom.

Picture of cinema room in UCL East One Pool Street Building.

Greatest Challenges in Term 1

Despite the exciting opportunities, Term 1 came with its own set of challenges. Moving to London, and living away from family for the first time meant there were a lot of changes. Balancing the new location with my academic coursework was rigorous. Some modules were pretty difficult and required more time to thoroughly understand the material. In addition, I also experienced homesickness while trying to adjust to a new lifestyle. Throughout the challenges, I stayed positive and it helped to connect with other international students who were going through the same struggles and understood the difficulties. UCL’s faculty also provides lots of support through their wellness teams as well as hosting many events that can help you feel more connected and involved. I also found it’s important to take care of yourself and not to let yourself get too stressed. Exploring the new vibrant city of London has helped me enjoy my experience.

Image of London's Big Ben with the parliament building

Advice for New Students

For new students, I would advise you to stay on track with your classes and be as engaged in them as possible as that is how you will get the most out of them. It can also be easy to get distracted in the excitement of a new place so being disciplined with your studies will pay off. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether it’s from peers, faculty members, or the various resources UCL offers. Everyone is here to support you. Another key piece of advice is to balance academics with personal time. Make sure you’re stepping out of your comfort zone, whether by participating in UCL events or exploring the city. Finally, embrace the opportunities to meet new people, join societies, and network within your field. There’s so much to gain beyond the classroom. 

Term 1 at UCL has been an unforgettable experience, full of growth, learning, and challenges. As I continue my journey, I feel more equipped to face whatever comes next, knowing that I have the support of UCL’s academic environment and community. The road ahead is just as exciting, and I look forward to what’s to come.