Maryam Imran

What did you enjoy most about your degree programme?

Studying Medical Sciences was most definitely a direction I never imagined myself taking. It was unplanned. But I found that the degree program offered an invaluable taste of independence and collaboration encouraging students to learn on their own and more importantly, learn from their peers. Perhaps this is a property of many degree programs, I wouldn’t know. But it is a property that took time for me to enjoy and value especially after graduating where its importance truly shines. I also enjoyed the ample opportunity to put myself out there to take up leadership or other roles within the program as I had the honour of being the student peer programme organiser for the 2021-2022 academic session. I realised that even when you feel you are not ready, the support available within the degree program from staff and other students can really motivate you to become who you could be!

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

First Aid Society.

What was the highlight of your time at Exeter?

 The highlight has most definitely been the people I have met from lecturers to peers and friends. It had been an extraordinary journey for me from the beginning getting to study at this University and the people I met were truly the icing on the cake. I always say it is quite rare to meet people whom you can deeply connect with on a soul level but university is huge and is practically overspilling with people just waiting to connect! I got to experience that vastness with the variety of beautiful souls I met.

What will you miss the most about University?

I will miss the sense of community I began to feel with time. It is difficult to move on and let go of a place when you are finally getting the hang of the inner workings of the degree.

What advice would you give to current and future students? (If you are an international student what would you like to tell future students from back home who might be thinking about applying to study in Exeter?)

 It’s tough because the first year is the “settle in” year, the second year is the “get to know people and myself better” year, and the final year is “the I finally think I am getting the hang of this but I might need more time” year. It is a lot. But the best part is being able to go through the process in a way that works best for you because of the environment. The way things are already mapped out and the choices you make are limited. It eases you into the real world. My advice is to take it all in. Really consider exploring interests, and societies, and trying new things. Figure out who you want to be, then be exactly who you want to be. For fellow international students like myself, I understand how difficult it is to be away from home. But know that it is well worth it.

What are your plans now that you have graduated?

I have no solid plans for my future at the moment. I am thinking of starting a Ph.D. in 2023. For now, I am gaining experience interning with the Nuffield department of medicine lab at the University of Oxford with hopes of finding a job as a research assistant for the next one year. However, I can’t wait to see what surprises the future holds, as always!