Hello, can you introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is Jhoan Davila. I'm a second year digital media student, originally from Colombia and I've been living in the UK for six years. Today I'm going to be answering some of the most frequently asked questions about studying at London Met and living in London. Whether you're thinking about studying here or just curious, I hope this video can help you. Let's get started. So I have some questions in this fabulous Ariana Grande mug, and I'll be pulling them out and answering them for you. Let's go with the questions.
How do you afford to live in London? Do you work?
Yes, I do. I do work because living in London is very expensive. But I also receive a student loan. I do freelance photography sometimes, and I just started this new position as a social media ambassador for the Uni.
Why did you pick London Met over other universities?
Simple. Basically, I've been living in North London since I arrived to the UK and London Met was the first University I came across. The location was perfect and when I visited for an open day, it just felt right. It felt like the place I was meant to study.
How is your first year at uni?
My first year at uni was a bit overwhelming at the start, especially after taking a gap year, but once I started to organise my study time and take things day by day, it got easier. The first year is all about making mistakes and learning from them, so take it easy but don't get too relaxed.
Do people go home during summer or winter holidays?
Yes. Lots of students go back to their family home during the holiday time, but a lot of them stay in London too. So to avoid homesickness, I recommend you go to a museum, to a gallery, an immersive experience. There's so many things and activities to do in London, and of course, keeping in touch with your family back home.
What's your favourite memory from being at university and outside of uni, living in London?
One of my favourite memories from being at university was one time that my course leader took us to the National Gallery to try out an AI app. It was such a cool experience. There's always something going on in London, and there was one time that I was walking across Trafalgar Square and I saw a red carpet and there was so many actors, I think it was the BAFTAs. So there's something going on all the time in this city.
Do you feel like you'll be able to find a job after uni?
Well, I hope so. I believe I’m going to find a good job after uni, because digital media is such a huge field. There's so many things to do, to choose from. Web design, animation, graphic design and even working in a TV studio, social media. So that's why I'm very confident that I'll be able to find a job after uni.
What societies or extracurricular activities are you involved in?
I've been part of the LGBTQ+ society. It has been such a great community to be apart of. I even went to the Pride Parade with them. It was such an amazing experience. And if you want to join a society, there are so many different ones. So you just have to check out the Students’ Union website.
How do you decide which course to study?
Well, this is a very good question. It was a bit tricky at the beginning, but I always love working in the digital space, especially photography and Adobe apps. So this course was a natural fit for me. But if you're still unsure about what to study, you can try a career quiz on sites like Prospect to help you guide your decision.
Is university really hard?
University can be challenging, but it's all about balance. So if you stay on top of your studies and don't let things pile up, it's manageable. Plus, there's always support from your tutors, academic mentor and library services.
What is your life like in London?
When I'm not working or studying, I go to the gym. I meet up with my friends. I love exploring London and everything that it has to offer. Whether it's going for a coffee, museum, a gallery or just going for a walk. There is always something new to see or do here. Talk me through a typical day at uni. So during my first year I used to have lectures twice a week and those were full days. And the lectures usually start at 10am and finish at 1pm. Then we have a lunch break and I used to grab my food from the Highbury Canteen. In the afternoons I have another lecture from 2pm to 5pm and during break time I used to go to the Rocket and chill there with my classmates for a little.
Does it get lonely?
Making friends is totally possible. You just need to step out of your comfort zone. Attend to uni events, talk to your classmates, connect with people on LinkedIn or Instagram. So that's all the questions I have. Thank you for watching. If you want to find out more about studying at London Met, follow us on our social media channels which will be linked in the description. You can also view our Q&A playlist which should be on the screen now. Hopefully I see some of you join soon, bye!
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Digital Media student, Jhoan, answers questions about studying at London Met and student life in London.