Q&A with Sude Işıl Baştuğ
Sude is a Psychology with Education BSc student, class of 2024. She tells us about her experience studying at IOE.
What do you most enjoy about your degree programme?
There are so many things I enjoy about my degree programme; therefore, it is hard to choose. I think I enjoy the most learning from our lecturers. They are really known in their fields, and it is a privilege and pleasure to learn about their areas of expertise. I really like it when they share their own work in our lectures because they are inspiring.
I also like how I can choose modules from other departments under IOE. They really help me broaden my thinking style, and I have learned to look at an issue from different perspectives.
I have learned how to think like a social scientist or an educator in addition to thinking like a psychologist.
What do you hope to do after completing your degree and have you used any of the services provided by UCL Careers?
I hope to continue with a Master’s degree after completing my current degree, preferably at UCL again. I have also used the resources that UCL Careers offer and attended many career events and 1-2-1 appointments. I have also subscribed to the weekly newsletter (vacancy and events), which I find very useful.
How do you think the system of learning and/or researching at UCL differs from that in your home country?
I am an international student from Türkiye. I think the biggest difference is that UCL is really focused on research.
We learn through research and we do our own research. UCL really raises their students to be researchers.We learn about research. We learn through research, and we do our own research. UCL really raises their students to be researchers.
This has been my experience in my own degree.
What it is like to live and study in London?
London in one word: opportunities.
There is always something going on in the city for everyone. However, I specifically like how I can connect what I learn at the university with my own experience of living in London. For example, I can go to a museum and a piece can remind me of something I have learned in one of my modules. Or I can see a musical and refer to that in my seminars.
A couple of weeks ago, I had a chance to listen to one of my lecturers in a pub talking about her research! Can you imagine that?
I am aware that London is an expensive city; however, I think, at the same time, it is student-friendly because there are student discounts, job opportunities and many more. I think it is a city that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime.
Where do you prefer to study?
I usually prefer to study at the IOE Library at UCL. However, I should say that the British Library is my favourite, and it is very close to UCL. I also like studying at Phineas (one of the student pubs) during the day, especially after having a morning shift at Gordon’s Café (the Student Union café that I am working at).
What do you do when you’re not studying?
I was the welfare officer of the Psychology and Education Society this year. It took a lot of my time, but I also met my closest friends while working in the committee. I was also involved in UCL Rare FM, which is the student radio of UCL. I had my own weekly show. I loved going to the studio and broadcasting live from there.
When I am not studying, I usually enjoy spending time in the amazing parks of London, including the ones around UCL. I like reading my book or having lunch with my friends there.
I also like going to museums, which has become one of my favourite activities. I didn’t know that you could learn so much from them. When I have the chance, I go to the musicals, too.
London is full of opportunities, and I cannot get enough of them.
Have you benefited from any work experience or internships offered by UCL?
Almost all the work and internship experiences I have had so far has come from UCL, either directly or indirectly.
UCL is the perfect place if you are looking for work experience during your studies. Work opportunities at UCL are also specifically very student-friendly and supportive during your studies.
In my first year, I worked as a peer link worker at the Student Union, and now I am working as a barista in one of the Student Union cafés.
I have also been working as a research assistant in Dr Keri Wong’s lab (the Wong Lab) for the EMPOWER-Islington Project. Finally, this summer, I will be working as a student leader in UCL Sutton Trust Summer School.
Sum up your time at UCL in three words:
Fun, fulfilling and inspiring.
Last updated 13 February 2024.
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