This year marked the second time that I have attended the King’s Pre-University Summer School. After last year being such a wonderful experience I could not resist to come back.
During this year’s programme I have been studying Politics. I have never before engaged myself in this subject, and so I was hoping that by the end I would gain a detailed insight and overview of the subject. My expectations regarding the subject were exceeded throughout the programme and I have left feeling confident about the course and with plenty of information I would be able to use when deciding about my future studies at university. The Politics course was based on interactive lectures with student-led discussions and various small in-class projects and presentations. These activities allowed us to develop in terms of teamwork, presentation skills, but most importantly made us feel as if we were studying the subject under university conditions. In addition to our lectures and in-class activities we have visited the Houses of Parliament and the Imperial War Museum. Both of these trips were interesting and very enjoyable additions to our chosen subject. Overall, the course has been very well balanced, which encouraged our enthusiasm to participate and enjoy the academic experience.
The Pre-University Summer Programme also comprised of a social side. The ambassadors have organised a few icebreaker events for us to be able to interact with students we may have not yet been able to come across. Then there was the day trip to Leeds Castle and the closing boat party, which were both very relaxing and pleasant activities where we could have fun and spend more time together before the two weeks came to an end. During the two weeks we have lived in flats with assigned pastoral ambassadors. It was amazing to see that by the end of the programme the flats were more like small families who would gather every evening to discuss the day and just chat around. It was lovely to meet so many new and unique people from all around the world and get particularly close with the students from my flat who will remain very close friends, as the plans for our reunions are on the way and being constantly discussed.
King’s has opened its arms and welcomed me for the second time and allowed me to gain such an unforgettable experience one more time. Studying a university subject, receiving additional talks on ethics and university related aspects, meeting amazing people and being able to live in a vibrant city like London for two weeks has made me a more confident, open-minded and enthusiastic person for which I am overly thankful. The Pre-University Summer School has been an authentic, dynamic and memorable experience full of engaging events and extraordinary people. It has been a privilege to be able to spend these two weeks in such a special way.