XClose

UCL News

Home
Menu

Seven Questions with Soleil Samanor

3 May 2019

This week Soleil tells us why she decided to stay at UCL after graduating from SSEES. If you're interested in writing for UCL Student News, UCL Communications & Marketing will shortly be recruiting for student journalists –  watch this space!

Soleil

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

I recently graduated from UCL, where I’d studied Politics and East European Studies at SSEES. I love the multidisciplinary study of international politics, business and culture so the programme had naturally appealed to me. During my second year I became a Student Journalist for UCL Communications & Marketing (CAM). It's been a lot of fun and the Communications and Marketing department has been super welcoming from the beginning.

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

I joined the UCL Gliding Club during my second year at UCL and it was one of the best decisions I made at UCL. Gliding is such a thrilling hobby and the UCL Gliding Club is actually also where I met one of my dearest friends. 

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

So many – UCL’s location is perfect because it’s so central so there is a lot around to do and see post-lectures. I love Chisou for sashimi. It has a really cool vibe.

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

The three places I cannot get enough of in London are Matches Fashion, the Petersham Nurseries garden centre in Richmond and Taschen, which is by far the coolest bookshop in London. You can buy the most amazing books there. Some of my favourites are the Salvador Dalí cookery book, Les dîners de Gala, and Inside Chefs' Fridges: 40 of Europe's most interesting chefs open their home refrigerators.

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

Given the time, I would organise a seminar-style day where students’ lecturers would be invited to share some of their most memorable, inspiring or humorous experiences. It was always really cool and inspiring to hear my lecturers’ stories while I was studying at UCL.

Who inspires you and why?

I wouldn’t say it’s just one person, but rather all my friends. We are super supportive of one other and all have our own stories to share. In the past few months I’ve witnessed friends starting up amazing companies, publishing bestselling books, organsing incredible exhibitions and being featured in major magazines. We inspire each other with what we are doing.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I’ve lived in seven different countries. One of those is Sweden, which is where I’m from. Unfortunately, I actually speak zero Swedish…