Julia Krzywak

Hi You! My name is Julia and I have just finished my 2nd year at the University of Leicester. I decided to study abroad a few years ago due to the immense opportunities and prestige of British universities. However, choosing the specific course was more challenging, and in that aspect, the UK also came out on top – you won’t find such a diverse range of courses anywhere else! I love traveling and facing new challenges, so right after getting my high school exam results, I headed to the islands.

My main criteria for admission to Biological Sciences were an IELTS exam score of at least 6.5 and an offer of AAB, which translates to a high school exam passed with approximately 75% in 3 advanced subjects. However, it’s important to remember that requirements vary depending on the desired course.

Upon arriving in the UK, I easily found a job – many restaurants and bars are looking for part-time student employees. Currently, I work at the football stadium of LCFC, which I consider an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to earn some extra money. Depending on availability, I can work from 6 to 18 hours per week, not only during matches but also at elaborate events. Work does not interfere with classes.

Biological Sciences combines not only biology, chemistry, and mathematics but also incorporates elements of computer science and programming. However, it’s important to add that basic knowledge of most of these subjects is sufficient, as the first year mainly focuses on leveling the playing field among all international students. Lectures, also known as “lectures,” take up around 15 hours per week, and in addition to that, there are also laboratory sessions and tutorials where you work on tasks related to the material.

In the first year of my course, there were around 300 students. This is because for all specializations with “biological” or “medical” in their names, the first year consists of the same classes.

– Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience
– Microbiology and Cell Biology
– Biochemistry
– Genes
– Adaptation & Diversity

The available specializations include general Biological Sciences, Biological Sciences with specializations in Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Physiology with Pharmacology, and Zoology, as well as Medical Biochemistry, Medical Genetics, Medical Microbiology, and Medical Physiology. I chose the general Biological Sciences specialization, which allows me to select my modules. This way, I don’t have to specialize in just one field.
Laboratory sessions might seem challenging at first, mainly because in Poland, there isn’t as much emphasis on practical classes in high school. So, in this regard, the British approach tends to excel. But checkmate, high school has taught us to cuss by heart so in theory we are the best.

The University of Leicester invests in laboratory equipment and has had many successes, including where DNA fingerprinting was invented.

It is necessary to bring a lab coat to class, as well as the booklet received at the beginning of the year, in which the experiments are written out with details. It is a good idea to take notes since one of the forms of credit is lab reports.

The university assigns a personal tutor to each student, which means that at every step, we can seek professional guidance from the lecturer assigned to us. They not only help clarify doubts regarding the material but also assist us in finding direction and searching for internships, which are crucial. Do not forget that there is a lot of competition among students, and companies prefer to hire a person who has previously done something in their field.

Now for the vacations, I managed to get just such an internship, and all I had to do was send a few emails to people who specialize in research.

Leaving aside the topic of learning, the university also offers many forms of entertainment. Every year, freshers are organized a week before classes begin. During educational fairs, there are opportunities to apply for a mentor – someone usually studying the same course but in a higher year. Students often engage in charitable activities to help their peers, and this is highly valued on CVs! Each course organizes its own Bar Crawl, so you can meet people studying the same subject. And if that’s not enough, there are events organized every day for 7 days a week at the O2 Academy, our on-campus club.

Speaking of the campus, the University of Leicester is surrounded by a park where sports societies usually hold their matches. On hot days, students simply lie on the grass, admiring nature, or switch studying in the library to studying in the park.

During the exam period, additional activities are organized to relieve stress, such as. Laser tag, Yoga in the park, or a pool filled with balls. Every year the university surprises us with new ideas.