Ikram Koubli

Why did you want to study at Birmingham?

I wanted to study at Birmingham because it was local and I already had a community here. Also, the beautiful campus and number of opportunities available at the Uni drew me towards applying.

Why did you want to study English and Film?

I wanted to study English, however, I didn't want to do a sole English degree so I chose film as I'd grown up loving watching films and TV shows and wanted to gain a new perspective of them academically. The variety of options between theoretical and practical film studies drew me in the most, and having these options allowed me to discover my passion within film.

What are your favourite places to visit in the Midlands?

I enjoy going into Birmingham City Centre due to the variety of leisure activities available, though I mostly love trying new places to eat some delicious food.

I also love going to Sutton or Cannon Hill park when it's sunny to sit near the lakes and have picnics with my friends, or attending the German Markets in the winter. I love going to Stratford-upon-Avon since it's just a short train-ride away; watching plays at the RSC and exploring the historical town is an important cultural experience for me as an English student, so I feel like I'm learning whilst having fun there!

Describe an average week in your life

Most of the time, I study at home or on-campus with friends. I have timetabled classes for 2 days of the week, so self-motivated study is essential to keep up with classes and make progress on my dissertation.

I occasionally attend society events as a non-member and am pleased with the range of events you can attend when not directly involved in societies. My job as a Student Ambassador is flexible so I always have plenty of time to balance my studies, work, and personal life.

I often spend time with friends exploring fun events in Birmingham such as free music events, markets, art exhibitions, or discovering different cuisines at the range of amazing restaurants that can be found in Birmingham!

How do you think your degree will support your future plans?

My degree has helped me advance my written and spoken communication skills, helping me gain a greater understanding of the world around me. I feel I've become more empathetic since I'm able to explore different cultures and social norms through my degree. With this, I've gained a wider perspective and am able to connect with many different people.

I wish to pursue a Masters once I graduate, focusing on film and TV studies because I recognise the importance of studying the arts and want to do my part in showing others the importance of art and culture in a world where they're often overlooked.