We caught up with recent 2021 BA (Hons) English and American Literature and English Language and Linguistics graduate, Phoebe-May King, about her plans for the future and her top tips for new English Language and Linguistics students.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan on continuing my studies at Kent in September 2022. In the meantime, I am working part-time in hospitality and am on the lookout for any short term internships/work experience in media, such as a junior role in TV production or an editorial assistant for a publishing house, newspaper or magazine. Also, I plan on applying for a Masters and PHD scholarship, so if I am successful, I will be doing a masters in Literary Linguistics followed by a PHD in Linguistics at Kent. One thing the pandemic has further encouraged me to do is to be open-minded and go with the flow as you never know what life will throw at you.
My top tips for new students are:
1. Don’t be afraid of asking for help!
I remember how daunting the prospect of starting uni was. My sixth form had warned me of how big the gap is between A-Levels and degree-level, and how independent you would have to be, which made me feel like I couldn’t ask for help as you were expected to “get on with it”. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Lecturers have a slot in their week called an “office hour”, which is a time where their door is open to anyone who needs a chat. They are always willing to answer your questions, go over anything that you don’t understand in class or give advice on an upcoming assignment. But equally, they are there if you need someone to talk to about anything that is not academic and can point you in the right direction. And if you miss their office hour, you can arrange an appointment at another time or simply ask your questions via email.
2. Strike a work/life balance
Whilst managing your workload can be challenging, make sure you take time out to relax and have fun. One of the best things you can do is join a society, where you can meet and socialise with like-minded people whilst doing something you enjoy. If you do find yourself struggling with your mental health, Kent has a dedicated team who you can talk to either in person or by email
3. Talk to people
One thing that worried me when starting university was how I didn’t know anyone, and suddenly realising that I hadn’t done the whole “making friends” thing since starting secondary school. Although it’s often easier said than done, don’t be afraid to talk to people whilst you’re waiting for your lectures/seminars to start. You’re all in the same boat and chances are, the person sitting next to you wants to talk to you as well. Whilst joining societies are a great way of making friends, making friends with people on your course is great as you then have people to study with, discuss assignments with and you will already know people before doing group presentations.
4. Always allow plenty of time to get to your lectures/seminars (especially Elliot and Rutherford buildings!)
This may sound like an obvious one but it’s been a long time since you were starting secondary school and having to navigate your way around a new environment. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than having to open the door to a lecture that’s already begun
5. Enjoy every moment!
Those three years fly by so embrace the challenges and enjoy every moment of your time at Kent 😊.