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Seven questions with Urwah Ahmed

5 February 2015

This week we put seven questions to Urwah Ahmed who is studying Medicine with an intercalated BSc in global health.

Urwah Ahmed  

Why did you choose UCL?

I chose UCL because of its fabulous central London location, but also because of the principles it was founded on. 

The principle of allowing students of any race, class or religion into the university is as relevant in 2015 as it was in 1826, and so it was important for me to come to a university that actively recognised this. 

Also, I love the beautiful buildings, especially the Main Quad and the Cruciform!

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

This year, I am organising the National Random Acts of Kindness Week at UCL, which is taking place from 9-15 February. 

The idea is that no matter how small an act of kindness it is, it can make a huge difference; so next week, we want to fill the campus with kindness - no matter how big or small those acts may seem. 

Random Acts of Kindness

Some of our events for the week include having tea parties in the cloisters with free hot drinks and food as our act of kindness and encouraging those who attend to do their own (Monday and Wednesday) by volunteering with local schoolchildren.

The event that I am most excited about is Unsung heroes of UCL on Thursday 12 February. Unsung heroes of UCL is about those everyday heroes who go above and beyond what is expected of them and dedicate their time to helping others in anyway.

The great thing is that anyone and everyone can get involved and nominate their friends or staff! 

Where is your favourite place on campus?

Probably the portico steps (especially at night) or the Main Library reading rooms.

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

1) Walking along Hungerford Bridge - amazing views of all the touristy things, day or night!

2) The Natural History Museum - everything from dinosaurs to gemstones.

3) Regents Park in the snow - absolutely majestic!

If you were to switch departments or courses at UCL, what would you study instead and why?

I have been lucky enough to do a BSc in global health, so have already had the chance to do a different course in a different department with a completely different style of learning.  

However, if I were to switch departments again it would be to study Italian. I absolutely adore all things Italian and tried learning it in my own time for four years, but I would love to be able to speak it fluently and have the chance to go on a year abroad.

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

I am not sure whether I am allowed fictional characters, but probably Rhett Butler from Gone with the Wind. If you don't know who he is, you are missing out!

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I really love birds and it makes me really happy to watch pigeons 'walk'!

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