Name: Oluwapelumi Oyenekan

Country of origin: Nigeria

Degree: LLB Hons Law

College and year: Fylde, third year

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Choosing to study in Lancaster and in the UK

I chose the UK to study because of the quality of education. It is certainly a privilege to be able to come to the UK for my studies and to be able to afford all the expenses. It was something my parents were willing to be committed to and that helped in making a decision. Lancaster University was the only university I applied to and completed the application process. I did my foundation degree here, so it was easy for me to fit seamlessly into the undergraduate scene. Lancaster University has a good reputation and good rankings in the UK and that was something that I considered when applying because I wanted to attend a school with a good reputation.

Settling in and making friends

Personally, what I have enjoyed the most about my time in Lancaster would be the amazing friends I have been able to make both during my foundation degree and undergraduate degree. Being black and an international student, it may be difficult to make friends or feel like you can fit into a space that is predominantly white but being able to find and make good friends makes it less daunting and stressful being in a different space or environment than you are used to.

Campus life

My favourite place on campus would be Alexandra Square on Thursdays when the farmers’ market sets up. Having different stalls come to campus is a nice experience and I always try to go there just to see what they have (I always end up getting something).

Studying Law at Lancaster

Studying law is quite daunting because of how much workload that you have to work through. One thing that helps is the less crowded timetable that we have. This makes it easier to make time to work through the reading lists, prepare for seminars and so on.

Despite how challenging law has been mentally and emotionally, I have come to realise during my studies that this is the area that I want to specialise in professionally. It would be challenging but I do not see myself doing something else.

The Lancaster experience

Honestly, I am most proud of myself. For pushing through even in moments I do not feel like it, for not letting my grades define me or attaching worth to my grades. I would personally classify myself as a good student but there are moments that things just do not go the way you thought they would. In these moments, I have been able to be my own cheerleader, letting myself feel the emotions if I want to and just keeping the fight going.

I have personal expectations I have set for myself and there are expectations that my family and friends have for me as well. It can be a lot of pressure, but I know that I have people that care for me and support me which also helps me during times that I have genuinely wanted to give up.

Lancaster is a good environment to conduct study. The environment is good for learning and you can also have a decent level of fun without having to leave Lancaster. I would say there is a decent balance between learning and fun here and this has been really helpful in making sure that I am focused on my studies.

My community at Lancaster is pretty great and I have been able to make amazing friends from my foundation degree until now. Lancaster as a whole is a friendly community and it was relatively easy to get acquainted with how life is here

Hobbies and interests

I am a Secretary in a campus society and I also volunteered during Light Up Lancaster – a light festival that takes place in the city centre. This has helped me with being more comfortable in the area and in making sure my whole experience in Lancaster is not solely university focused. Also, being employed in the University has been good as I am able to work with the University and interact with other ambassadors and prospective students.

Preparing for your future

Honestly, throughout my degree, I have been more focused on my academic study and not really on what comes after. However, I have been trying to get involved in more things and get more experience so I am not at a major disadvantage. The career team has been helpful in checking my CV and making corrections and also having an extensive website in case you just need quick information or support.

Lancaster provides the support, community, and opportunities to help any student succeed.

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Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by our bloggers and those providing comments are personal, and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lancaster University. Responsibility for the accuracy of any of the information contained within blog posts belongs to the blogger.