Isaac Arif
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About Me:
I am a disabled film fanatic and reader who's excited to be a part Disability Ambassador team.
My course and my studies:
I am a Film Studies and English Literature Undergraduate student. So far, my modules have been all coursework based, meaning that I do not complete exams, instead my grade is calculated through my essays. Based on the subjects I’ve selected for second year; my work will be less essay-focused and more creative which I am looking forward to.
What is your favourite thing about your course?
What I love most about my degree is the fact that it is dual. Being able to study two separate, yet intertwined subjects has greatly enriched my academic experience and understanding of the individual subjects. The dual aspect allows me to study a broader range of modules than if I studied either one, for instance next year I have chosen modules covering journalism, publishing, screenwriting and creative writing. I feel it is equipping me with a wide array of skills for my personal development and future.
Adjustments:
When I joined the university, I quickly got in contact with the disability team to establish my needs. They were helpful in informing my school that I may need authorised absences and extensions due to my disability.
Support at UEA:
Earlier this year I reached out to the student well-being team and received a one-off talking therapy appointment, which led me to becoming involved in the ‘Move Your Mind’ scheme. This scheme gave me free access to sport events, dog walk afternoons, and more for a limited time.
My journey to UEA:
I chose UEA because I was already familiar with Norwich and loved it. I researched the university and felt that the subject and university’s approaches aligned with what I was looking for. I wanted to be at a university with plenty of green space, where I could easily get around so I could treat campus as a hub, which is true of my experience since starting. This is my second time going to university after dropping out of another two years ago. I am glad I took the time I needed after dropping out of my previous university to find the right one for me.
The application process was quite straightforward for me because I applied through UCAS after having finished school two years prior. Already having my A-Level grades made the process fast and I knew months in advance that I would be attending the university.
Similarly, with DSA the process was fast due to me already having completed full-time education, so I was able to apply for the scheme early. Applying early meant I got my equipment before even starting in September.
What would I have done differently?
As I mentioned previously, this is my second time attending university and, in a way, I have gotten the chance to do things differently. If I could give myself a piece of advice three years ago, when I was first considering university, it would be not to pick a place because everyone else is telling you to go there or because your friends are going. What’s more important is whether it is a right fit for you and your goals.
What is something I wish I knew before starting university?
I think it is important to understand that it will always take some time to settle into university, especially if you are moving to attend. I think the early months can be uncomfortable if you aren’t an extroverted person, or least they were for me, and it will pass as you spend more time at university, and find the places you thrive, whether that be one campus or in the city.
Hobbies and interests / clubs and societies:
Most of my free time is spent watching films, visiting the cinema, and writing about films so you can tell that I am 100% studying the right subject. I occasionally write articles for the university’s arts newspaper, Venue as well. I also enjoy reading books (literary fiction is my favourite type of book to read), cooking, and crochet.
I haven’t hugely engaged with societies at the university, as I prefer to attend one off craft events at the Student Information Zone.
My favourite thing about UEA / Norwich:
I am going to sound like I am repeating myself, but I love the cinema. Norwich has a lovely three screen cinema called Cinema City. I visit there about once a week and as a student member I get a variety of discounts and get to see the latest films right on my doorstep. The atmosphere there is great for studying in their cafe or attending workshops, for instance I recently partook in a cartooning class there.
I also love exploring the independent cafes and food venues around the city. Often after my cinema visits, I go around the corner to a cafe called Soupear, which is a soup cafe. As a big lover of soup, it is the best. They have monthly specials, changing up the soups every month and they sell crepe cakes. The cafe is tiny, so it is always a relaxing and calm environment. I couldn’t recommend it more.
My future plans are...
I am quite open-minded in terms of my future career, as I know going into the film industry can be difficult, but my biggest dream is to work in film journalism. I want to give it my best shot and see if I can go anywhere with that.