Name: Mueez Mustafa Khan

Country of origin: Karachi, Pakistan

Degree: BSc Management and Information Technology (Industry)

If you could describe your experience at Lancaster University in 3 words, what would they be? Busy, interactive and rewarding.

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Campus life and societies

"Joining societies helped me learn new skills and make lasting friendships."

“The natural beauty of the Lancaster University campus was a pleasant surprise; it’s rare to find such greenery so close to where you live and study.”

From my first year at Lancaster University, I immersed myself in campus life by joining several societies; Calisthenics Society, Pendle Football, LU MedTech, and Pakistan Society. Each one offered something unique, but the best outcome was undoubtedly the friendships I formed and the new skills I developed.

My favourite society event so far has been with the Calisthenics Society - a space where I could challenge myself physically and connect with others who shared similar interests.

In my first year, I frequently attended events related to my home country through Pakistan Society. those early experiences really helped me to feel connected and welcomed.

Outside of academics, I’m passionate about sports, horse riding, and mountaineering. These hobbies have helped me stay active and balanced throughout my studies.

When friends or family visit, I love giving them a tour of campus, especially the Management School and the north of campus from Lancaster Institute of Contemporary Arts (LICA) to the Health Innovation building. The natural beauty of the campus was a pleasant surprise; it’s rare to find such greenery so close to where you live and study.

The Management School’s C floor study area is my go-to place for focused, calm and quiet study sessions.

For relaxation, I enjoy heading into town to the area behind Lancaster Castle, or if I’m near campus, spending time near Galgate, both of which are peaceful spots.

Settling in and overcoming homesickness

"Socialising and staying busy helped me overcome homesickness."

During the first term, I did find it challenging to make friends, but I explored several societies to see which ones I enjoyed most. Socialising and keeping myself busy were key to overcoming any feelings of homesickness.

It wasn’t until the second and third terms, when I committed to one or two societies, that I began forming deeper connections. My closest friends today are those I met through my course.

For new international students, my advice would be:

• Academically - don’t hesitate to ask questions, especially with senior students on your course as they can provide good advice.
• And socially - try out many different societies and step outside your comfort zone. It might feel awkward at first, but it pays off in the long run.

Exploring Lancaster and the local area

"The University’s Lake District trips were well-organised and unforgettable."

I’ve found it really easy to find and buy ingredients to make my favourite meals. I usually shop at Maje Stores, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, and the Lancaster Halal Shop. When eating with friends, we often enjoy long conversations over card games, which is another simple but meaningful way to connect.

On campus, Sultans is my go-to place to eat. The variety of food caters to everyone’s tastes, and the service is really quick, which is always a bonus.

Lancaster is a compact city, which is what I love about it, you can walk almost anywhere. It’s safe, full of green spaces, and the people are friendly and open.

I’ve taken two trips to the Lake District through the University and both were fantastic. Everything was well-organised and I got to meet new people while exploring beautiful landscapes without worrying about the logistics.

Practising faith on campus

As a practising Muslim, I’ve found Lancaster to be very accommodating. The Islamic Society plays a big role in supporting Muslim students, especially during Ramadan, where they arrange food to break our fasts, which is very convenient as you’re able to meet quite a lot of people while maintaining your faith.

Career support and real-world experience

"My placement gave me real responsibility and a real competitive edge."

I’ve made good use of the University’s career services, especially while applying for my placement year. The careers team provided valuable guidance on how to approach interviews and group exercises, which directly contributed to me securing a placement year role.

I completed a year in industry, which gave me a deep dive into the professional world. I was trusted with quite a lot of responsibility like executing marketing campaigns, which is experience that many graduates don’t have. It’s given me a competitive edge and made me more confident in navigating job applications and interviews.

My course has also equipped me with a strong foundation of technical and theoretical skills, from programming and spreadsheet modelling to UML diagrams. I know these skills will be useful in my future career.

Why management and IT and why Lancaster?

"It was the perfect blend of business and IT, exactly what I was looking for. And the flexibility to choose modules helped me tailor my degree to my interests."

I chose my course because it offered the ideal combination of business and IT, two areas I’ve always been passionate about. The interdisciplinary nature of the course means I’ve gained a versatile skill set that’s highly valued by employers.

What I love most about my course is the flexibility; I’ve been able to choose modules that align with my interests and career goals. The teaching methods and mix of lectures and workshops strike a good balance between theory and practical application.

Extra support is also available from lecturers as you're able to contact them during their contact hours, which can be quite helpful if you are struggling, and some modules also have extra drop-in sessions which you can use to your benefit.

I’d recommend this course at Lancaster University to anyone looking to develop both business and IT skills. The interdisciplinary structure and flexibility make it ideal for students who want to tailor their education to their future career. Lancaster has given me the tools, support, and experiences I need to 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.