Zahra's Experience

Zahra came from Indonesia to study English Literature, Creative Writing and Practice at Lancaster University. She has since completed her undergraduate degree and started a Masters in Creative Writing and English Literary Studies.

Finding a second home

Written by Siti Zahra

Why did you choose the UK and Lancaster University?

The UK has always felt like a second home to me; I have attended summer schools and been on holiday here quite often for someone who comes from the other side of the world.

From the police officers on horses, the British accent, the markets and the restaurants – I just can’t get enough of it. And, where better to learn English literature with creative writing than a culture that inspired Jane Austen and Julia Quinn for a romantic reader like me?

At the time I was considering Lancaster, I had just graduated from an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Jakarta but I wasn’t too confident with my results. I was just a couple of points off of the average for top ten ranked UK universities in creative writing, so I had a few ambitious university choices but most spots were reserved for safer options. Lancaster was never part of my original plan: I was too far off the grade requirements. But by chance, I had the opportunity to visit Lancaster University and immediately I was in love with the Library. The building is so visually pleasing, modern, and comfortable – I was eager to spend hours studying there. On a whim I applied to the University through clearing, not expecting anything to come out of it. Sure enough, three days later they responded with an offer and I accepted.

Choosing Lancaster University and continuing my Masters here has been the best decision I’ve made. I get to work with compassionate and excellent tutors, study in a creative, green environment, and be part of a welcoming global community – all respected in their search for knowledge.

What have you enjoyed about your time at Lancaster?

I’ve enjoyed plenty of things during my time at Lancaster, but the best ones are those spent with others. I am always eager to meet people with the same interests and passions, and enjoy learning from top-quality tutors who care about not just your academic progress but your health and wellbeing. I also find that the town has a lot to explore. Going for a walk to Williamson Park or by the canal to watch the sunset is always a beautiful and calming activity to do with friends. But the best part is when we find new cafés or bakeries or any other local businesses that make us feel a deeper connection to the community and Lancaster as a place.

The desks by ‘Norma’, the tree inside the library, will always be a favourite go-to place on campus. But a little further down the South of campus right by Lonsdale College is a bench facing a beautiful sunset. It’s a hidden gem I was lucky enough to find as a student living on campus, and when the sunlight hits right and the heat is warm enough, I love to have picnics with friends there.

My course offers a variety of modules, with experienced and inspiring tutors leading each of them. There is a lot of space for experimenting with my writing style, preferred genres of literature, and there are even career opportunities. I’ve met a lot of people who inspire my writing journey and care about how I am and what I do. There are also a lot of things to do outside of the class related to my course – writing and editing support groups, publishing opportunities, and even writing workshops. There is not one dull moment when learning with the English literature and creative writing community.

I am particularly proud that I applied for jobs, attended talks outside of my course, and completed the Lancaster Award at Gold level. It is very fulfilling to know that I made the most out of my experience at university by actually getting involved in the campus as well as local activities. There were lots of moments of accomplishment that I will never forget: my department requesting to display my artwork for other students to see, performing at the University theatre as part of the Hairspray musical cast, and singing at an open mic event in the city with my close friends as a confidence-boosting audience.

What opportunities has Lancaster offered you as a student?

Lancaster has offered me job and volunteering opportunities, a huge range of societies and clubs to join, career talks and workshops, as well as talks led by guest speakers that are highly experienced in the creative writing and publishing fields. I was also very keen on practicing my art, music and equestrian skills even when abroad, and the university was able to provide the opportunities for me to do so.

The best part was that they allowed us to choose a minor course to study alongside our degree in the first year – and some minors allow you to continue it with or without your initially chosen degree at the end of the year. I chose to study French, where I learned how to speak the language but also about its history and literature, which I absolutely loved. Unfortunately, I couldn’t continue with my minor because my course is already a double-major, but I was able to take evening classes with my French tutor to maintain my French language skills and expand them.

I went on a trip with the Global Experiences team to New York and Boston with tutors and peers from the English Literature, Politics, and other departments. I made friends that I wouldn’t have met any other way, and got to know my tutor better. It was all great fun and I would recommend it to anyone who is considering going. Prior to the trip I went to France with my peers and tutors from French class. I learned the language at a pace faster than ever before, and by the end of it I was so proud of the simple phrases I learned I was excited to use them again the next time I travelled to France with friends.

During my undergraduate degree, I was involved in creative and social media roles in a lot of societies. I decided to dedicate more time during my Masters to expanding my writing skills with other writers. Every Wednesday and Saturday, I attend the Writers and Editors Support Group’s (WES for short) ‘Write with me’ and ‘Writing in a café’ online sessions where we sit and write, discuss ideas, and give each other feedback. It is a really motivating thing to go through, and inspiring to be a part of a community with a shared passion for writing and literature.

How has your time at Lancaster prepared you for a future career?

Lancaster not only prepares your skills before you get a job but also offers work experience that students can easily apply to through employability modules, a sandwich year, and the TARGETconnect service. I feel lucky to have a career consultant available to talk to about my career path whenever I am in doubt – I can either attend drop-in sessions or book an appointment online via TARGETconnect. The same service also offers workshops to improve your interview and confidence-building skills, as well as talks about CVs and LinkedIn. Moreover, they advertise job vacancies for students to apply for online.

I had the opportunity to gain valuable experiences from three different jobs related to the degree I am currently studying: an English teacher, a Digital Content Ambassador (or social media strategist/blogger), and an editor in a prose and poem magazine. I love each and every one of them, and I hope to continue finding more opportunities I can do in the future.

How would you describe Lancaster University to someone that wants to study in the UK?

If you are nervous of the big city lifestyle, but still want the benefits of it – Lancaster could be the right place for you. The University is campus-based, so students have the freedom and space to feel a sense of belonging but can also head to the city if they want to spend some time away from the pressure of education. I have always found that there is the perfect balance between campus and city life.

I would describe the community at Lancaster as very welcoming, friendly, and close-knit. As an international student I find that it’s a small world in Lancaster and it’s not hard to meet new people, which is what I love about the community. There are many opportunities to get to know people within and outside of the course, and it is meeting and building a strong connection with these people that make Lancaster feel all the more like home.

Zahra has produced a variety of videos about life at Lancaster, you can check them out on our digital content ambassadors pages.