What’s your background?
I am from the northern part of China, Hebei Province.
During my undergraduate studies, I majored in English, where I not only developed my language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing but also explored the theories and principles of linguistics in depth.
This experience fueled my passion for linguistics and cross-cultural communication, providing a strong foundation for my postgraduate studies in Linguistics at UCL.
Why did you choose to study the Pre-sessional English course face-to-face?
I chose to take the Pre-sessional English course instead of retaking IELTS because I felt that focusing on systematic learning and practice would be more beneficial than just preparing for an exam.
After learning more about the course, I found that its focus in writing instruction is more on academic writing, which is very helpful for my Master’s studies.
Moreover, I had never been in an all-English environment, so I chose the face-to-face course, which would allow me to interact more easily with teachers and classmates and help me adapt to an English-speaking learning environment more quickly.
Which degree are you studying now and what is it like?
I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Linguistics.
I find the phonetics course particularly interesting, especially when studying the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). By communicating with classmates from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds, I have learned about sounds in their languages that don’t exist in Mandarin.
However, the course is also challenging, especially with the large amount of pre-reading and some abstract and difficult concepts, which require me to spend more time to understand.
How has the Pre-sessional English course helped you in your degree?
The Pre-sessional English course helped me mentally prepare for studying and living in an English-speaking environment. I became more confident and willing to speak English.
Additionally, I gained a comprehensive understanding of English academic writing, especially through the course’s assignments, which required us to write short papers relevant to our master’s course.
This allowed me to read literature on related topics, familiarize myself with the latest research trends, and accumulate academic vocabulary related to linguistics, preparing me well for my postgraduate 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 I faced was overcoming my fear of speaking English, especially in a new language environment where I lacked confidence.
I gradually adapted to the environment by speaking more in group discussions, interacting actively with classmates, and asking my teachers questions during tutorials.
The support from my teachers, classmates, and family also helped me get through this phase.
What advice would you give to future face-to-face Pre-sessional English students?
My biggest advice is to be brave and speak up, interacting with teachers and classmates as much as possible.
Also, be prepared for the differences between academic writing and general English composition, especially the process of switching from writing in your native language to writing in English.
If you encounter any issues during the course, don’t hesitate to ask your teachers for help.
The actual experience of the course was more fulfilling and challenging than I expected.
Although it may be a bit stressful at the start, as long as you invest effort, the results will definitely be satisfying.
What is it like to live and study in London?
When I first arrived in London, I was impressed by the city’s rich and diverse culture, especially the changing architectural styles when walking from near UCL to Camden Town.
Compared to my hometown, London has more rainy weather. If you enjoy walking in the rain, you’ll love it here.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen, or got involved with at UCL so far?
So far, the most interesting experience at UCL has been participating in a seminar organised by a PhD student from our department on music phonology.
I gained a deeper understanding of the relationship between language and music, which was a unique experience that sparked my stronger research interest.
Where is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is the Main Library at UCL. The study environment is quiet and comfortable, making it ideal for focusing.
