Jessica Guy

Genetics

“London had always appealed to me as a city to study in, and an open day at Queen Mary sealed the deal. The programme offered everything I was looking for, and the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences felt welcoming – most importantly I felt comfortable there.

The campus student village and social areas have a chilled out, friendly atmosphere, making it a great place to study and live. You’ll always find something to tickle your fancy in east London. Nights out on Brick Lane are always a winner for cocktails or curries –it’s the best place for them. Saying that, if you don’t want to venture off campus, the Drapers’ (Students’ Union bar) is a good night out. 

There’s also an amazing gym with cheap membership and loads of classes, even if you do end up feeling like you’re dying in spinning classes, it’s well worth it. Oh, and a summer picnic in Victoria Park is a must. In the winter you can’t beat a good caramel latte in Ground (one of many campus cafes) in between lectures. If you can nab a comfy sofa, it’s the perfect place to chill out or study. 

I was a student rep during my first year, which involved helping to put students’ ideas forward and letting staff know what we, as a student body, were thinking. I’m also part of the PASS (peer assisted study support) mentoring scheme, where once a week we hold drop-in sessions for first years to approach second years with any queries – anything from what books are recommended to where’s good to eat.”