Azhar Arale

Why did you decide to apply to study at City?

First and foremost, I had received an extensive number of recommendations to take up my BA English course here before I even applied so the fact that City’s reputation precedes it was definitely a good sign. Also, when I came to the City Open Day, I was absolutely floored to see the sheer joy on the staff’s faces – anyone could tell that they take such pride and enjoyment in their course and I wanted to feel that too. City also stood out for me in terms of its educational/teaching methods. Although staff and resources are always there for you whenever you so need them, I really appreciate the fact that it encourages independent learning. This really allows my creative juices to flow so that’s also a very big plus for me!

What were the most important resources in helping you to make a decision?

The City Open Day was, for me, when I knew that this was the university that I wanted to attend for three years. Doing online research is definitely important, however, nothing beats physically going into a prospective university’s building and seeing what your gut says about it and taking heed of its advice. Always trust your gut and my gut told me City University, London is the place for me and I don’t regret that decision at all.

What is your favourite thing about studying at City?

It seems rather reductive because it’s not strictly educational, however, I am really surprised at how many good friends I have made in such a short space of time whilst studying here. Not even just from my course but from others too. Having a large circle of friends at City ensures that I am never short on help with a particular topic/module that I find difficulty with. I really cannot appreciate enough how nice the people are here and how willing they are to help anyone who so needs it.

What experience have you had that will help you with future careers?

During my time here, I have attended many talks and workshops that are directly relevant to my prospective line of employment. The most useful one for me personally was the workshop conducted by Penguin Publishing House as I would like to venture into the publishing world when I finish my studies at City. So, attending this workshop and getting all of the paramount information that I did from it was truly the experience of a lifetime and I am forever grateful.

What is your favourite thing about living in London?

I was born and raised in London and the one thing that I will always love about this city is that it never, ever gets boring or tediously repetitive. In all my time living in London, I have seen and/or done everything there is to do here and yet the vibe is different everywhere you go and each new place I see has so much culture and vibrancy to offer. I sincerely don’t see this being replicated anywhere else. The sheer diversity of this city and the cuisine and customs that come with it is something I will forever appreciate as I am always looking to explore new cultural waters and educate myself on these such cultures.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

As previously mentioned, I would very much like to work in publishing once I graduate. I currently have a part-time job at my local book shop, so I really hope to use the skills I’ve learned from that job and apply it to my career. If not, then I would be more than happy to become a journalist or writer of some capacity as it is a profoundly important industry that the world revolves around at the moment.

What would be your top tip for our applicants?

Make sure that you are absolutely sure in your decision. Universities in general require a lot from its students, however, with a demanding course such as English in a university that recommends independent learning, enrolling here is not a decision to be taken lightly. If you do decide to study at City you will not regret it as everything, from the staff to the students to the resources to the career opportunities, is of the highest calibre.