Anqi Shi

What’s your background?

I was born in Xinjiang, China.

I studied Economics at Beijing Jiaotong University for my undergraduate degree.

In my free time, I enjoy travelling and experiencing different cultures. I have always been fascinated by British culture, and since high school, I have hoped that one day I could study in the UK.

Why did you choose to study the Pre-sessional English course online rather than face-to-face?

Firstly, I have taken the IELTS multiple times but haven’t been able to achieve a score above 6.5 in both speaking and writing simultaneously, so I chose to take the Pre-sessional English course.

Secondly, since I have been studying in a different city, it’s been difficult for me to spend time with my family. I wanted to accompany them during the summer vacation, so I chose the online mode for this reason.

Which degree are you studying now, and what is it like?

I am pursuing an International Master’s in Economy, State and Society: Politics and the International Economy (IMESS).

I chose UCL because of its high international reputation and the unique structure of the IMESS programme. This programme involves studying for one year at UCL and another year at the University of Helsinki in Finland.

Upon graduation, I will receive a dual Master’s degree.

What attracts me most about this programme is the opportunity to earn two Master’s degrees in a relatively short period of time while studying subjects I am genuinely interested in—politics and economics.

This will provide a significant advantage when seeking employment after graduation. Experiencing education, culture, and life in two world-renowned developed countries will also broaden my horizons.

So far, I find the course structure very interesting. It doesn’t just focus on economics but also covers areas such as politics and finance. The biggest challenge for me, I think, is the Finnish language course.

Learning Finnish has been particularly challenging because it belongs to a completely different language family from my native Chinese. Additionally, Finnish is recognised as one of the most difficult languages to learn globally. Moreover, the Finnish language is taught to me in English, so I often have to translate twice—first into English, then into Chinese.

Despite this, I am putting in my best effort to learn Finnish as I will study in Finland next year, and mastering three languages will become a skill I can take pride in.

How has the Pre-sessional English course helped you in your degree?

The Pre-sessional English course has undoubtedly boosted my confidence. The encouragement from my teachers and repeated interactions with classmates have significantly improved my use of English.

Additionally, I learned academic skills essential for my master’s programme. Essay writing, in particular, has been extremely useful. The course provided detailed guidance on writing in a structured manner while clearly expressing logical arguments, which is crucial for my studies.

What was the biggest challenge you faced during your time on the Pre-sessional English course, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge was time management. This was my first time encountering the flipped class method, where we study on our own first and then practise in class.

Initially, I struggled to keep up with the preparation required before each class and felt exhausted during the first week. However, as I became more familiar with the course structure, I developed a better understanding of its pace. Constant practice helped me improve, and by the middle of the course, I was managing my time effectively.

What advice would you give to future students taking the online Pre-sessional English course?

Maintaining a positive mindset is key. Don’t be overly anxious—trust in your learning ability and the instructors’ expertise. Don’t hesitate to communicate with your teachers if you encounter any issues.

Pay attention to deadlines and avoid piling up tasks. Also, start preparing for the final exams while the course is ongoing.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen, or been involved with at UCL so far?

The most interesting activity was during our Finnish language class, where we celebrated Finland’s Independence Day.

We met peers interested in Finnish culture, tasted Finnish cuisine, and watched the ceremonies held in Finland. It was a wonderful two-hour event that I thoroughly enjoyed.

How is the UK education system different from your home country’s system?

The UK education system is more flexible. It allows us to select courses and arrange our schedules independently, whereas in my country, 80% of the courses are pre-determined.

Another difference is the semester structure. In my country, there are two semesters per year with minimal breaks. In the UK, the three-term structure, along with reading weeks, provides more time for review and preparation.

Where is your favourite place on campus and why?

My favourite place on campus is the UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES) library. It offers plenty of study areas and is quiet, with individual spaces for everyone to focus on their work. Its central location makes it ideal for studying during a two-hour gap between classes.