Hi everyone,

It is amazing how fast times go by. I only have two months left of my master's, and I can only stop and reminisce about how a year ago I was getting ready to start this adventure, full of expectations and wondering who I would meet, how would my life in the UK be like, and if I would enjoy the experience. I remember feeling anxious about preparing everything and how overwhelmed I felt about it. So today, I want to share with you some tips and thoughts about getting ready for your trip to the UK:

Getting your Visa: This can be very stressful as you must prepare all the documents and then wait for a response. Don't get overwhelmed with what they require you to submit; just upload the documents they require you to upload, and, most importantly, make sure you have sufficient money to prove you can maintain yourself during your masters, whether that is with a scholarship, a loan, savings, or a combination. They don't usually email you updates about whether you got the Visa or not. You just get your passport back, and when you open it, you see the Visa (or not :S). The wait time in Colombia is usually three weeks, but because so many students are applying for their Visas during this period, some people can wait for more than a month, so just be patient. Your Visa will arrive sooner or later. My suggestion here is to apply as soon as possible (by now, the University must have sent you the CAS, which you will need for your application) so you don't have to change your plans.

Packing: Moving your stuff is never easy, especially when you have a limit on how much weight and bags you can bring with you. It is essential to prioritise and remember that you will probably be able to buy or get most of the things you will need here. Some do's and don'ts when packing are:

YES

· Bring a basic amount of medicines that can get you through your first weeks while you get used to the brands here. In this stance, it is also important to bring your glasses, prescriptions, and any other documents you might need in case you have to buy more medicine.

· Bring a small part of your home with you. This might be pictures, small amounts of food you like, or a piece of clothing. Having that piece of home with you will be comforting sometimes.

· Plug converters! Don't forget them if you come from a country that doesn't use the same plugs as the UK

· Even though the UK is known for being grey and cold, remember we now live with climate change and have heat waves, so pack just a couple of summer clothes. You might also need it when you travel somewhere else in Europe.

· Bring sweaters and hoodies. You will use them almost all year (except on the heatwaves)

· Pack one or two light jackets. They are very practical, and you will also use them a lot.

NO

• Packing pans, bed sheets, towels, dishes, and big electronics like hair dryers is unnecessary. You can easily buy them here, new or used, so that you won't misuse space in your bags.
• Don't bring your entire closet with you because a) it probably won't fit in your bags and c) it won't fit in your flat. Student accommodations are small and don't have ample closets to keep your clothes. Bear this in mind when you are packing.
• Don't fill your bag with bottles of shampoo, toothpaste, etc. You just need to bring enough to get you through a couple of weeks, and then you will buy them from the grocery store.
• If you like reading, don't bring your whole library with you. Books are very heavy and take up a lot of space. Maybe consider using a Kindle or having them on your iPad or laptop to save space.

DEPENDS

• You will need winter clothes. This includes a proper winter jacket, boots, base layers, and gloves. If you already have them, you can bring them with you. If you don't, I recommend you buy them here, as they can be much cheaper than getting them in a country where they are not required (which was my case).
• If you have a raincoat, bring it! Otherwise, buy one when you get here because the UK is rainy.

Saying goodbye: This might be the hardest but most important part. Make sure to say goodbye to those most important to you. Find a moment and time to meet with them, grab some food or a coffee, and spend quality time surrounded by those you love before leaving. You might also want to consider doing some of the things you enjoy the most back home before coming. It might sound sad or very dramatic, but the truth is, you are travelling to another country for a whole year (or even more if you decide to stay here), so you must take your time to be with the ones you love, eat as much as you can (trust me, food in the UK is not the best), and take one last snapshot of your home country!

You are about to begin an incredible journey. Doing a master's abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will change your life, but preparing properly and leaving home without any rush is important. Right now, you must be feeling happy, but at the same time sad, and at the same time anxious about what will happen. Enjoy it. It is all part of the experience, and we've all been there.

Safe travels!

Mariana Amador

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing)

Hi everyone,

July is almost over, and by now, I am done with modules and 100% focused on working on my dissertation. I finished my last module a month ago, and it just seems incredible how fast time past by. I am reminiscing in all the lectures I had, and I can definitely say I learned many new things about technology and digital marketing.

Today, I want to give you my opinion on some of the modules I took, so you get an student’s point of view and a small glimpse of what modules in WMG are like:

Personal favourite module: Creating a Digital Brand (CDB) was my personal favourite module. It was our second module after having our e-Business Fundamentals lectures, and it was all about understanding what a brand is and all the creativity, but also accuracy, there is behind coming up with brands that will disrupt the market. To me, it was a module to be creative and figure out all the psychology behind bonding with consumers. It was very interesting, and I enjoyed doing both the IMA and PMA very much, as I got to create my own brand and just think outside the box.

Most challenging module: Digital Marketing Strategy and Management (DMSM) might be the core module for the Digital Marketing specialism, but I have to admit, it pushed me to my limits. In this module, we learned all the theory behind the channels and technologies you currently use to do marketing (SEO, email, social media…). As interesting as it was, we had to learn a lot of new concepts, and then, we were tested when we actually had to do a marketing campaign and run it through a simulator as part of our IMA. It was a very stresfull week, as we struggled to understand what to put in the campaign, what channels to use, run the simulator, and then adjust. We had to consider so many things! But it was completely worth it, because it gave me all the tools I need to become a successful marketer in today’s digital world.

Most mind-opening module: Big Data and Marketing Technologies (BDMT) was a scary module for me just from hearing its name. Just thinking about the technical part behind big data got me nervous. But, the truth is, it was quite interesting learning about all these technologies and tools available for us as marketers (AI, VR, AR, Automation…), even when we are not the ones programming them and writing all the complex codes. I liked how it broadened my view about what Marketing includes and how it really made me understand that our jobs as marketers is also understanding the trends and technologies that might improve our interaction with the customer, even when we are not the experts in that subject.

Most practical: Digital Marketing Campaigns (DMC) was our last and capstone module. It was a very practical one, as it aimed to present us with a real business case and allow us to give our suggestions. To me, it was very exciting to see how I could integrate everything I had learned in the last 8 months, and provide a company with some insights that, hopefully, they found valuable.

Lastly, I would like to talk about a module I didn’t enjoy that much (because we can’t love everything), but I think did provide me with important information for my student experience:

Least favourite, but necessary module: Study, Professional, and Analytical Skills (SPA) was a mandatory module for some Master’s, and a 0 CAT module, for others. In my case, it was mandatory, and, in my opinion, a little time consuming. They teach you about academic writing, how to handle professional life, how to do your PMA, and you dissertation. Personally, I did think they provided students with good insights about writing, and, most important, the dissertation, but the fact that we had to do quizzes and submit assignments for this, whilst we were still expected to write PMA and progress on our dissertation, was a little too much. If I had the option, I would have just taken the lessons I considered I needed (example: referencing, dissertation). But I understand this helped me as a student in some way…

Remember, these are just my personal opinions. If you talk to some of my classmates, they might not agree with what I wrote here. But I think it is good to hear first-hand what modules are about so you can make up your mind about what to expect and, maybe, decide if WMG is the reight choice for you.

Best,

Mariana Amador

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing)

Hi everyone,

While you are doing your masters, you will be busy with lectures, dissertation, and assignments. But that doesn’t mean you won’t have time to explore the UK, a country full of history, culture, and landscapes. And a good way to start is by getting to know the area near Coventry, which has some amazing places just a short bus or train journey away. So today, I want to share my three favourite one-day trips you can do whilst living in Coventry:

OXFORD

The hometown to the oldest English-speaking university, it is only 40-45 minutes from Coventry by train. When you get to Oxford, you just feel like you are surrounded by knowledge and it’s amazing to think some of the most incredible minds were once students there. When you get there, you will want to walk around the city centre and see the cathedral, the Radcliffe Camera, and the famous bridge of sighs. But you will also want to visit the colleges (Oxford has a collegiate system, meaning it is formed by several colleges. Students have to choose the college they will attend before starting their studies), within which, Christ Church is the most famous, as it is not only beautiful, but also the birthplace of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and, if you are a Harry Potter fan, you will know it has the original “Great Hall” and was a filming set for the first two movies. If you live in England, visiting Oxford is a must!

WARWICK

Warwick is a small town 30 minutes away by bus from city centre (you can take StageCoach’s X18). It's biggest attraction is the Warwick Castle, originally built in the middle ages and used as a home for the Earls of Warwick even until the XX century (1970’s). Today, you can enter the castle and learn about its history, see recreations of what life used to be, enjoy knight shows, falcon shows, and many more things. I had a great time and I think it is worth it.

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

If you are into literature, then this is a must for you. Stratford-Upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare and is 1 hour away from city centre by bus (again, X18 takes you there). Even though the town is small, it is really picturesque and you can tell they are proud to be where Shakespeare was born: they even have “Otello Taxis”. The main attraction is William Shakespeare’s house, where you get to see where he grew up and learn about life back then. The ticket to his house also allows to enter Anne Hathaway’s house (no, it is not the actress, it is Shakespeare’s wife).

During your masters degree, you will find studying can be stresfull and tiring at times. This is why you need to have breaks, and what a better way to relax than by visiting new places!

Cheers mates,

Mariana Amador

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing)

One of the best things about living in Coventry is its central location and how close it is to London. Personally, London is my favourite city, as it has so many things to offer. I really think you won’t ever get bored or tired of visiting this amazing city, and if you are studying in Warwick, you will definitely want to visit it at least a couple of times. Apart from the touristic spots, like the Big Ben, the parliament, Buckingham Palace, or Picadilly Circus, there are so many more things you can enjoy. So today, I want to share with you my five top things to do while in London:

1. Go to a park: London is a green city. It has more than 3.000 parks where you can walk, read a book, have a picnic, ride a bike, or just chat with your friends. Of course, there the more touristy parks like Hyde Park or St. James, but there are so many possibilities to choose from. I recommend Primrose Hill and Hampstead Heath (this has been the setting for several movies like Eternals). They are magnificent spots to see the sunset or just have a glimpse of London’s city Centre.
2. Go to a show: London’s West End is one of the most famous artistic neighbourhoods in the world, right next to Broadway. Going to a show, whether it is a musical (The Lion King is a must) or a play (Agatha Christie’s The Mouse Trap is the longest running play in the world), if you book your tickets in advance you can get £20 tickets for great quality shows!
3. Go to a (free) museum: Some of the best museums in London are free, and there is something for every taste. My personal favourites are the British Museum (where you will be able to learn about civilisations) and the Science Museum, which is very entertaining and interactive.
4. Take a stroll or ride a bike by the Thames: Taking a stroll by the river bank has been so far one of my top experiences in London. I recommend to do it on a sunny or at least not cold day, and you can start in Tower Bridge and just start walking towards London Bridge, Millenium Bridge, and just go as far as you want. You will encounter street artists, the Tate, pubs, Shakespeare’s Globe, the London Eye, and many other things that will give a good glimpse of London’s vibe.
5. Explore a neighbourhood: London is so big, each neighbourhood is like a small town within a big city. You never know what you may encounter. For example: Nottinghill is famous for its colourful houses and is Saturday Market, Hackney Road is know for its hipster vibe, the Sunday Flower Market, and its vinyl record stores, and Camden Town it the centre of punk culture… It is fun jut to pick one and just start exploring it.

Whilst in Coventry, don’t miss your chance to visit London. There are so many options, and places to visit, you will be amased!

Mariana Amador

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing)

Hi everyone,

As I dive into my last module and my ninth month living in the UK, I have reminisced about the previous months and my first day arriving at Coventry, my first lecture, the first time meeting my classmates, etc. It's been such a fantastic journey full of learning, both academic and personal. By this point, I realise living abroad is so much more than just learning a new language and immersing yourself in a new culture, so here are my main lessons about living abroad:

Have an open mind: This, to me, is the most important one. Before arriving, you will be full of expectations and imagine how everything will be. And then you come, and everything is real. However, the truth is that many of the things will not be as you thought they would, both good and bad. And that's totally ok, as long as you keep an open mind and understand that it's all part of the experience and that one bad thing shouldn't stop you from enjoying this wonderful experience.

Your friends become your family: Making friends is one of the things students are most afraid of. But, as I've told in previous posts, everyone is going through the same experience and is open to meeting new people. As time goes by, you will find yourself surrounded by beautiful people who become your family and whom you can rely on to go for some drinks, study together, or just talk about life and your future. Your friends will become your family and will be key to making you feel at home.

3. You are fortunate to have this opportunity: Just earning a spot in a master's is a significant achievement, but most importantly, having the chance to go abroad is something many people dream of, but only a few have the opportunity to do. I constantly remind myself of this, and that's why I have made the most out of my master's year. I travel, try new things, encourage myself to improve my English, and meet new people… Your master's is not only about academic life but so much more!

4. You'll never stop missing home, but…: Being homesick is normal and, to be honest, something that never disappears. And that's fine because you miss birthdays, weddings, babies being born, just hanging with your friends and family. However, if you are always thinking about how much you miss home and how much you wish you could be there, you will not see all the fantastic things the UK offers. You need to make this your new home, make new friends, and try new things. It's all about making beautiful memories that you will afterwards share with those you miss the most back home!

5. Cooking and budgeting are everything: Never underestimate the power of knowing how to cook and manage a budget! You don't have to be an expert, but knowing the basics will make your life so much easier and enjoyable because you will be able to do as much as you can, eat healthy, save money, and, why not, maybe discover a new hobby…

I can honestly say this experience has allowed me to get to know myself and grow as an individual in so many ways. I would not change this experience for anything else, and I am very grateful I get to live it.

Best,

Mariana Amador

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing)

Hi everyone,

It’s been six months since I arrived in England. I have made many great friends and learned so much about this country and its culture. Today I want to share five things I have identified that make British (or Brits) unique:

1. It’s always a good time to go to a pub and grab a beer: British are beer people, there is no doubt about that. And I knew that before coming here. But what I didn’t expect was that they could drink beer at ANY time of day. Morning, afternoon, or night, pubs are open, and people get together to drink beer with their friends and family. There’s nothing more English than crowded pubs!
2. Rain is not a limit: The UK is a rainy country. But unlike other people around the world, brits don’t care about the rain. Sometimes, they don’t even carry an umbrella because it’s useless when there is rain and wind. To British people, rain is part of their daily lives, and just because it starts raining, they are not going to change their plans. Genuine British people are just in to walk in the rain and have a wet park day.
3. If the sun comes out, you go out: Another undeniable truth about the UK is that it is cloudy and grey a lot of the time (it’s something you must know before coming here because it can be shocking at the beginning). Therefore, whenever it’s sunny, everyone goes out, and there is such a great vibe around. Even if it’s for a while, it is important to suck in some Vitamin D and sunlight.
4. Lunch=sandwich: This is one of the things that has shocked me the most, and it’s the fact that most brits just have a sandwich for lunch, eat in 10 minutes and then go back to whatever they were doing. In Colombia, lunch is a very important meal. You even get together with your family, friends and even co-workers to have a one-hour lunch (at least) and eat a lot. But the British enjoy their lunch sandwich, and then they have a good dinner at around 5 or 6 pm. It’s part of their culture.
5. Walking everywhere: People in the UK are used to walking everywhere. Of course, they have cars, but the fact is that, if it’s a walkable distance, they’ll just walk. I come from a city where people are used to having a car to move around. But I have enjoyed walking if I can. It’s a good exercise and a way to break from studying.

Being an international student is all about immersing in a new language and culture. It’s amazing how much you learn about a culture if you just open your mind and give yourself a chance to explore. The UK has so much to offer, and it is worth it to know its people and their traditions.

Cheers mates,

Mariana Amador

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing)

Hi everyone!

It has officially been five months since I arrived at the UK and Coventry as an international student. By this point, I can tell you I have defined my favourite spots in the city (hopefully, I will be able to share this with you in another post), made some amazing friends, improved my English, and learned a lot about e-Business Management. But most importantly, I have learned a lot about living by myself and on a student budget.

I am financing my studies with a combination of a scholarship from the University (please don’t hesitate to apply to WMG’s Excellence Scholarship), savings, and a scholarship-loan from a Colombian institution called Colfuturo. I have other friends you are paying their entire master’s with savings or are being supported by their families or companies. Whichever the situation, at the end of the day we are all students who mostly spend and have almost no incomes (I say mostly because you can still get part-time jobs to get extra money if you want). We are constantly looking for sales, freebies, and jump into any opportunity to save money because the last thing you want is to run out of it and stop enjoying all the amazing opportunities you will find here, whether it is a trip, or a nice dinner, or simply doing your laundry.

So, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you manage your budget wisely. This is something many people struggle with, but achievable if you are an organised and smart spender. I have been perfectioning this art for the last 5 months and I want to share with you my biggest learnings:

1. Be a smart grocery shopper: One of the things I struggled most at the beginning was buying what I would actually eat. It is hard to cook for one person and avoid food getting spoiled when you live by yourself. After three failed attempts to fill my fridge with food “just in case I would need it”, I learned the best way to optimise your spending in groceries is by PLANNING your meals. Before going to the supermarket, make a list of what you are going to eat during the week and the ingredients and quantities you will need. That way, you will only buy what is really necessary (you can even include some biscuits or snacks you like, but remember they are just for you, so don’t over-do it when you buy them) and avoid spending some extra pounds in unnecessary tomatoes, chicken, or even milk. BONUS: this also avoids you from having to throw spoiled food every week. In this regard, it is also important that you consider where you shop. Here at Coventry, you can find Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, Asda, Sainsbury’s and even Marks & Spencer’s. In my case, Sainsbury’s is very convenient in price and location (10 minute walk from my accommodation), so I go there every week to do a small fridge refill, but when I need to buy a lot of stuff, including toiletries, or non-perishables, I’d rather go to Asda, Lidl or Aldi because they are cheaper. Again, it’s up to you, but consider your options before over-spending unnecessarily
2. Student discounts are there for you to use them: There comes a point when just start downloading every student discount app you find. And why wouldn’t you do it? UniDays, Totum and Student Beans are some examples of free platforms that are constantly providing discounts just for students. Whether it is for a restaurant, or your favourite apparel store, discounts can go up to 50% sometimes, and trust me, every pound counts. So don’t be ashamed to use it and sometimes just getting excited for getting an email with a discount!
3. Set aside the money you need for fixed costs: Some of your fixed costs may include your rent, or laundry, or your mobile top-up, bus pass… This are things you need to pay no matter what, so at the beginning of the month, set aside the money you will need for this and know you cannot use it for anything else. Which brings us to our fourth and final point which is:
4. It’s ok to treat yourself every once in a while: Many people think that being a student is living on pasta, tuna, and not going out or travelling because: who has the money? But that is far from true. If you plan your budget smartly, you will see that you will be able to set some money aside for leisure, a trip to London or even to another country, a dinner in a good restaurant… It’s ok to treat yourself and you shouldn’t feel bad for it because it is a way of enriching your experience. Just know money is limited, and that sometimes you might have to do trade-offs. So, maybe, to be able to pay for your trip to London, you might have to stop going out with your friends for a couple of weekends. But it will be worth it!

Living on a student budget can be tricky, but if you do it correctly, you will find yourself living ok, eating good food, travelling, and most importantly, making the most of your time in the UK. Because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and the last thing you want is being stuck in your flat for a whole month because you didn’t spend your money wisely.

Best,

Mariana Amador

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing specialism)

Hi everyone,

I want to share my experience with the WMG’s “module model”. Unlike undergraduate programmes and other master’s degrees, WMG structures its courses with modules, which means you only take one course at a time, for one to two intensive weeks. I say intensive because during the “short” length of the course you’ll learn what you will usually learn in two and sometimes even three months. During the first week, you’ll have lectures from 9 am to 5 pm (sometimes 6 pm) to make sure the tutors are able to cover all the topics, and then, on week two, you will do the IMA (in-module assignment), which is usually a group work, and, in my case, usually involves an oral presentation (this is great practice for the real world, trust me.) After you’re done with you IMA, you don’t have any more lectures about that specific subject, but then you have one month to do your PMA (post-module assignment) that is an essay or business style report regarding what you learned in the module.

By now, I have been through 5 of the 7 modules of my course. At the beginning, it was hard getting used to the idea of not having a regular schedule for the whole term, or the fact that you must learn a lot of information in just one week, but it has been a good opportunity for me to adapt to something new and get out of my comfort zone, as I was used to having subjects that lasted a whole term and where I had several small assignments and not just two (I was freaking out just thinking my whole mark depended in just two things because: what if I messed up?). I have identified this model has its perks as well as its disadvantages, so today I want to share with you my Pros and Cons list:

Pros:

ü You easily perceive you are progressing and building up your knowledge, as the modules are structured in a logical way, and they complement each other. For me, it is very gratifying to see that I can apply what I learned in previous modules in the new ones, and that the course has a clear objective.

ü You will never have two deadlines on the same day, or even week. Since you don’t take more than one module at a time, it is not possible for two module’s PMA to have the same submission date. This, for me, is very good because I can really focus on each PMA and I can easily prioritise (sometimes, you will still have to work in two PMA at the same time, but it is manageable).

ü You are free to manage your “free-lecture” time as you want. If you are smart enough, you will be able to work on your PMA, your dissertation, and travel while you don’t have to attend lectures. Sometimes, you might have one week, or sometimes a month without any classes. This time is yours to manage. I have really enjoyed the fact that I can travel, or have day trips, or just have a day-off. I think it helps me with my well-being. But remember, the key is to be smart about how you spend this “free” time: you still have PMA and dissertation.

Cons:

û Module weeks are exhausting. After your 9 to 5 class day, you will be very tired, and you’ll probably just want to get home and sleep. It’s normal, because you are learning A LOT of new things in just one day, and trust me, it can be overwhelming. My advice is that, after class, you find time to do something you like and sleep well so that you make the most of your lecture the next day.

û You are free to manage your “free-lecture” time as you want. Yes. This is a pro, but also a con. The fact that you are not forced to attend a lecture can make it hard to get you working and sometimes, you might not be as productive as you want. Sometimes we just need someone telling us what to do, how and when to get going… We are humans. But, again, it all comes to how smart you are about time management: it’s all about balance between having fun, relaxing, and studying.

û You can’t settle a routine: since you don’t have the same classes throughout the term, you can’t establish a routine for every week, or even plan some things in advance, because you might get the timetable for your module just a week before. I am a routine person and I like to plan everything, so, obviously, this was a big shock for me at the beginning. However, I have made it work by establishing “mini-routines” for when I have lectures and when I don’t. Flexibility is the key here!

Please consider that this is my opinion. What is an advantage to me, might be a disadvantage to you. However, it is important that you understand how WMG structures its courses, because it might determine whether you attend Warwick or not. You might like this style of teaching, or you might not. That’s ok. The important thing is that you understand how it works and see if it is a) what you want, and b) something that fits your personality and how you like to learn. In my case, it was hard at the beginning, but now, I enjoy it and I think is one of the main reasons why WMG differentiates itself.

Mariana Amador

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing)

Hi everyone,

Today I wanted to share my experience as a Colombian, who was taught American English as a second language, living in the UK. I went to a bilingual school where I learned to write color instead of colour, and they taught me how to analyze, not analise. I also grew up watching American TV (mostly Friends because I am a big fan), through which I learned US slang like “cool” and “awesome”. Overall, I considered I had a good level of English and that I was capable of understanding and having fluent conversations with friends, family, and even in school.

That was until I started living in the UK and realised the English I learned is very different from the one they speak here. It’s not only about the accent, or the fact that some words are spelled differently, even though they are pronounced the same (example: in the UK you write behaviour, not behavior). It’s about how different the vocabulary can be. At the beginning it can be confusing and kind of frustrating because you feel you don’t understand anything. But the fact is that, with time, you start getting used to a whole new world of words and slang and it is fun to see how different one language can be from one country to the other. (This also happens with Spanish. Just get a Colombian and a Chilean together and you’ll know what I mean)

For me, the best way to cope with this language “barrier” is by doing a list of the new British words I learn and writing their “American” synonym. And this is what I have so far:

As my master’s journey continues, I am looking forward to expanding my British dictionary and adjusting my English to the local culture, as it is all part of the experience of learning about and adapting to the British life!

Have a great week!

Mariana Amador

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing)

It’s been three months since I started my life as a master’s student in Coventry and I started settling into a new culture. I’m not going to lie to you: as an international student, this is challenging, but also very enriching. For me, the first month just felt like very hectic vacation, but then I realised I was not going back to Colombia soon, and that this is my new HOME. Yes, home in capital letters, because I think settling in is a process of building a home away from home.

Of course, I was very overwhelmed at the beginning. Just the travelling process (in the middle of a pandemic) implied so many things: getting my Visa, figuring out if I had to quarantine or not, packing, saying goodbye to my family and the things I know and love the most, guaranteeing I didn’t get infected with Covid (yes, to me this was very stressful) … I didn’t even know what to expect of the university and the city because I had only seen pictures. And then I arrived, and what I had been preparing for almost two years, suddenly became real! Some things were just as I imagined, some were not (good and bad), which is why it is so important to always have an open mind. It’s ok and normal to have expectations, but don’t be disappointed if something is not exactly as you wanted it to be: that is part of the experience and at the end, we are very capable of adapting.

As the days went by, I started to get to know the city better and making my flat a homey place, where I could feel happy to return to after a long day of lectures. Don’t underestimate the importance of having a cosy and well-equipped room or flat: decorate it with your style, put some pictures of your family, go out and buy your pans, towels, utensils, and everything you might need to sleep, cook, and eat. It will help you develop a sentiment of establishing a home and making it your own.

But a home is not just about the place where you eat and sleep: it’s also about your day-to-day activities and the people you share them with. This is why, for me, settling in has also implied meeting new people and establishing a new routine here in Coventry. I was very anxious about making new friends, but, as it turns out, everyone is going through the same process as you and is willing to meet new people. After a few days, I realised it just takes one “Hello, where are you from?” to meet someone new. So, I tell you: attend socials and events, talk to your classmates, your neighbours… That way, you can start forming your family for your new home!

Moreover, during the past few months, I have figured out the importance of having a routine, just like I would in Colombia. I’m not saying you have to do the exact same thing every day, but something as simple as joining a gym and exercising in the afternoons, or knowing every Sunday I (try to) do my laundry and go buy all the fruits and vegetables I will need for the next week, has been very important for me to pass from that stage of: “you’re on vacation”, to “you now live in Coventry”. It may sound silly, but by doing familiar and regular things in a new environment, you increasingly get more comfortable and feel more at home.

Today, after three months, I can tell you Coventry is my home. I still get homesick sometimes (Christmas was a very emotional holiday for me), but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel at home here. I can’t wait to be back in my flat after a long day, see my friends in class, or go out with my friends on the weekends, because, after all, this is my home away from home!

Mariana Amador

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing)

When you study at WMG, PMA (post-module assignments) are big part of your academic routine. After every module, you will be required to submit one and, most of the time, they will account for most of your final mark, so clearly it is something to want to invest time and effort in to get the best mark possible. It can be overwhelming at first, whether you have just finished your undergraduate, or if, like me, are returning to study after working for some time…

But after submitting three PMAs, I have learned there are ways to make the process easier and more efficient. So here are five tips I can give you:

1. Read and re-read the question: understanding what you’re being asked is everything. Before starting your research or any writing, be sure you read the question and marking guidelines several times so that you know exactly where you are heading and what you should be doing: what is the problem you should resolve? What is the industry? What frameworks should you be using? Are you requested to write an essay or a business report? Once you know your objective, the path will be much clearer, and you won’t waste any time reading irrelevant articles or understanding unnecessary theories.

2. There are no dumb questions: as students, we tend to be believe asking questions means we are lost and weak, but, trust me, asking the correct question might make a difference between a merit and a distinction. Tutors are willing to answer every question you have because they expect you to do well and like students to be engaged with their PMA. So just approach them face-to-face or online and I can assure you they will help you clarify any doubts you have. Just remember: the key is to ask the right questions!

3. Take notes and use a reference manager: this can make a huge difference in how much time you take to write your PMA. While doing your research, make sure to take notes and highlight relevant ideas, whether it is in a notebook, OneNote, Word… Whatever works for you is fine, but the last thing you want is being stuck in your writing because you forgot where you read what… Also, make your life easier and use a reference manager like End Note or Mendeley. Again, whichever works for you is perfectly fine, but having all your references at reach and being able to cite them while you write is timesaving.

4. Make an outline: this is something you might have heard several times, but to me, it is very important. After researching, you have much information in your brain, and it can be hard to know where to begin. That’s what the outline is for: it is helps you synthesize your findings by defining the key sections of your PMA. It also guarantees there is a coherence through it all. Again, how you do it is up to you (Post Its, notepad, OneNote…), but do it.

5. Manage your time: it sounds cliché, but I think it is what most students struggle with. You will need a plan to know when you are going to work on your PMA while you attend lectures, work on your dissertation, exercise, meet your friends, etc. Finding time for everything is hard, but achievable if you set deadlines (e.g., by this day, I will be done with research) and meet them. Good planning will give you plenty of time to write a good PMA, proofread it and submit it with enough time (don’t submit it 10 minutes before the deadline because chances are something is going to happen (Murphy’s Law)).

BONUS TIP: Celebrate your achievement! When you’re done with your PMA, celebrate and relax. You’re officially done with a module and one step closer to getting your master’s degree, so go out with your friends, watch a movie, have a good meal, or whatever you like, because you deserve it!

I can tell you, writing your PMAs gets easier with time. I hope these tips are helpful and, most importantly, that they make your PMA writing more enjoyable and gratifying!

Mariana Amador

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing)