What do our students say?
Adam Kramer
BSc Computer Science student
(graduated 2008)
I took part in the first BrainAcademy competition, a joint venture between Queen Mary and Microsoft, in 2004 and I was fortunate enough to be selected as the winner. I was offered a place to study and a bursary. When I researched Queen Mary’s reputation I decided it was right for me not merely for the financial opportunity but the vibrant experience that awaited me.
The School and College have great facilities, which, along with their friendly academic and support staff, make the whole experience a lot more fun. The lecturers and teaching assistants are there to provide support and it's something they do well. At Queen Mary there are no artificial barriers (such as lack of facilities) to prevent you reaching your full potential. This college really does have the means to culture great and talented people.
The group project on the Software Engineering module helped me learn about working with others under time restrictions. It was a great feeling to see something that I had contributed to develop over time.
Queen Mary is a campus-based college and this means that the student community here is more close-knit than at any other University of London college. It's a great place to feel at home and I've made friends throughout my time here. I lived on campus for my first and last years at Queen Mary and was fortunate enough not to have to ‘arrive’ on campus each morning. The halls of residence and teaching and recreational facilities on campus are comprehensive and well maintained. There are plenty of places to meet friends, grab a coffee and get ready for lectures.
Volunteering with the Student Union volunteer group Provide has been a great way for me to meet new people, have fun with my friends and give something back to the local community. Provide is involved in many projects across east London and you can find out more about them on the union website www.qmsu.org. I’ve also been a member of the badminton club, which allowed me to make friends and keep fit. The Union has a variety of sports clubs and societies, so as clichéd as it is, there really is something for everybody. Even if you're not particularly sporty, a club or society is a great way to find a lasting camaraderie.
The diverse student base at QM makes it almost impossible to describe a ‘typical’ student. However having been a close personal acquaintance of former Students Union president Laura Blomeley, I believe that all students should aspire to be as good an ambassador for the college as she was. Laura was a hard working student, a fiercely dedicated member of the Student Union as Vice-President and then President and also someone who was great fun to be around. Students should look to Laura as a role model for their time at QM and I think it is fitting that the Blomeley Centre (The Student Union Offices) has been dedicated to her memory.
Having had such a brilliant time at university it is difficult to narrow down a specific time that could be said to be my favourite memory! I've had some amazing nights out at the Students Union, great times volunteering with Provide and a real laugh with the friends I have made on my course, in halls, through clubs and societies and the Union. Looking back I believe that my time at QM has been the best years of my life and I am confident that new students can expect to have a fantastic time studying at QM.
