Seven Questions with Ieva Karvelyte

What are you studying, why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future?

I study a course which sounds confusing to most people: Social Sciences with Quantitative Methods, mainly focusing on sociology, economics, and various research methods. I think the possibilities for specialisation is what attracted me the most, as I have not decided what to do in the future yet. However, this year I got immersed in the economics of education and policymaking, so I might pursue my old dream of improving the education system back home! 

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

Last January I started volunteering at a student-led project, Politeach, aiming to educate primary school students around London about politics and democracy. Seeing the impact of education first-hand, I discovered my passion in this project, which I now lead, as well as creating another project aimed at underprivileged high school female students. Getting involved in volunteering with the help of UCL Volunteering Services has and is the best thing I have done at UCL so far. 

Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at UCL? 

From time to time I enjoy attending Lunch Hour Lectures, where various academics from UCL speak about their research and recent academic publications in various fields. Also, the new IOE bar unintentionally became a lunch spot for many of my friends and course-mates, so it’s pleasing to walk in there knowing that you will see someone familiar.

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

1. Parks. All of them are spectacular, especially those that have hidden gems inside them – such as the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park.
2. River Bus (The Thames Clipper). Only a few months ago I found out about boats as a form of public transport in London. I would recommend travelling late in the evening, when the city is dark and gets breathtakingly romantic.
3. Food markets. Honestly, there is something for everyone.

If you were Provost for the day what one thing would you do?

I would take a day off and pretend to be a student for the day – attend lectures and events, talk to other students, go and study in one of the libraries, just to feel how a casual day at UCL feels like. 

Who inspires you and why?

My family and closest friends. Feeling love and support from them is the only thing I need to be inspired and strive to be a better person. 

What would it surprise people to know about you?

That's a very hard question to answer. Probably the most cinematographic event of my life so far – catching my first wave on a surfboard with the last of the sunset’s rays warming the coast.