How I’m Surviving 2 Sciences in the UK

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How I’m Surviving 2 Sciences in the UK

I have been abroad for nearly two months now and finally feel like I am surviving 2 sciences in the UK! I arrived thinking I would be taking three science courses—Physiology, Basic Biochemistry, and Electric & Magnetic Fields—and one drama course. An overlap in my timetable required that I drop Physics. I chose to replace it with an English class called Global Shakespeare, and while at first I was stressed about this modification, I quickly realized that it was a blessing in disguise! Although all three science courses were level-4 (classes that first-year students take here), I was forewarned by IFSA-Butler advisors that even lower-level science classes are rigorous and expect a great deal of background knowledge due to the UK’s A-level system. I quickly found this to be true and was relieved to have one less science course on my plate!

Even so, the academic expectations definitely took a while to adapt to. Coming from a liberal arts school, I had to adjust from smaller classes with professors who knew my name to 200+ person lectures in which professors aren’t expected to keep me accountable. Factor in the details that I have less time in class, no weekly assignments, and lectures that are often “Q-reviewed” (recorded and available online), it was easy to lose sight of my priorities. Fortunately, my first Physiology “mini-test” came in Week 4 and snapped me back into reality! I learned that I need to study regularly to prevent information overload come the final exams, which are worth 75% of my science grades (I know, intense). Now, I have a self-designed weekly study schedule which has eased my anxiety about these classes and relieved the stir-crazy feeling I had in the initial weeks when I was slacking off!

I have been surprised to find out that most of the study abroad students I meet at Queen Mary, especially STEM students, aren’t taking many/any classes here that count towards their majors. Personally, I wouldn’t be able to swing that with my degree, but also, I would feel sad about a semester without any science courses! They challenge and fulfill me, which I imagine most STEM people can relate to. Plus, if I give myself incentives to stay on top of things, my classes are more enjoyable! For instance, every Thursday morning I have an early Biochemistry class on another campus which is a 30-minute walk away. I know that sounds dreadful to many (myself included) but watching the sunrise from my room when I wake up and treating myself to a pastry from my favorite street café as I walk home is great motivation to get my butt to class. Overall, taking two science classes is making me more self-disciplined while still giving me enough free time to fully enjoy my time abroad—balance is key!