Zoe Lukacsi

What is a typical day in your life like?

On an average day, I try my best to wake up as early as I can (or at least in time for my lectures). I always make an effort to have a fulfilling and quick breakfast, as I often feel more energised and awake after having a bit of food and time for myself. I like to catch up on a show I've been watching, as I usually get a bit addicted to them and can't resist. I do English Literature and Creative writing, and since I am second year I live in Selly so none of my lecture halls are too far.

By the time I finish getting ready- choosing an outfit is a daily struggle- I already need to be running out the door! Luckily, I usually make it in time. During lectures, I make limited notes and focus on listening as I realised that learning style fits me more than having a lot of notes to look back on. Fortunately, if I'm finding it hard to concentrate, the lectures get uploaded on canvas afterwards so I can go back and look over anything I missed.

After lectures, I go home and talk with my flat mates while cooking dinner. I'm part of Latin Dance committee so I always look forward to go to the dance classes at the guild, as I feel like dancing is such a freeing feeling and I love socialising with the people there. If I don't have a class on that day, I'll go to the gym for an hour or two to get some exercise in. Lastly, I make my room as cosy as possible, watch a bit more of my current show (right now it's sirens) and that drifts me to sleep! Obviously, everyday is different but most days I try to get this routine in.

How did you know that the University of Birmingham was the right choice for you?

I visited a few universities trying to find the right one, I enjoyed going to the open days because it gave me a better feel of what the place would be like. I think they're one of the most helpful ways to find the right place for you. During my open day at University of Birmingham, a couple of things caught my attention which confirmed it was the right place for me. Firstly, I loved the campus! There was greenery everywhere and the redbrick buildings looked beautiful alongside it.

Secondly, the open day was very well-organised and everyone was ready to help- from giving directions to telling their experiences- it felt like it was a community I could see myself being a part of.

Thirdly, Birmingham was relatively close to where I live which was one of the most important things to me when considering a University as I planned on visiting my family as often as I could.

Lastly, during the open day I started to feel at home, choosing a university was such a stressful and scary part of my life because it was a big change. However, my nerves calmed and my head cleared and I knew deep down that this was my home away from home. So, overall, Birmingham was perfect on paper but seeing it in real life solidified my appeal for it and I am so thankful I chose the one that felt right to me.

What made the University of Birmingham the right place for your course?

I do English Literature and Creative Writing so it was really important to me that I find a course that helps me explore my creativity while still maintaining some structure. While I know it's not everyone's desire to have no choice of modules for first year, I felt like it took away the stress of choosing the right modules when I didn't know what I liked or what I needed to learn in order to have foundational knowledge for second year. Therefore, I felt like not having to choose modules for first year was very convenient for me.

Another thing which drew me to the University of Birmingham is the amount of choice I had for second year in creative writing modes. I had never thought of pursuing anything other than poetry but the course opened up my eyes to things such as screen writing and play writing. While, it was difficult to get used to a different writing style, it was so rewarding when I created something I could be proud of.

As for the English Literature side of it, I enjoyed once again how unique the modules were. For example, this year I had a module called 'Our Digital World' where we learnt about technology and AI and how it can be linked with English Literature, I thought it was such a fun and unique module and having the chance to study things I hadn't in A-Levels.

What is your student experience like?

In my two years in Birmingham, I've changed and grown more than I ever thought I would. I learnt so much about myself, and even through the hardships I felt like it was another step towards discovering myself. I met most of my friends in first year accommodation and my course. I usually grew close to them through study dates and going to grab coffee but we also went to parties and clubbing together.

What I discovered during university is that everyone is in the same boat and we are all trying to make friends and be open and talkative. I was definitely nervous when I first went to university, as I'd never been away from my family and friends for more than a couple of weeks but my flat mates and friends were so kind and understanding that they felt like family to me. I think university will always feel like a massive change but just remembering that everyone is going through the same thing is comforting. In first year, I joined Dance Club Latino which is one of the many clubs the guild offers. I have always loved dancing and was keen to learn salsa and bachata but it was too expensive.

When I saw there was a society/club like that at the university I decided to join it. I've loved learning to dance salsa and bachata, especially as I met new people through it. I decided to join the committee as secretary for second year as I wanted to help out and learn new skills! It has been such a fun journey, with outings such as going to the jazz house on Thursdays where a live salsa band plays and we social dance. I think pursuing a passion which otherwise would've been hard to access was very fun and worthwhile for me.

I also got a part-time job during second year as a student content creator for the university. I loved how flexible the hours were and how the university was understanding when I needed time away during exam season. Lastly, I've enjoyed exploring Birmingham as a whole including the areas surrounding Birmingham such as Leamington Spa.

There are so many places to visit which have charming back stories and nature all around. The city itself has everything I need, as there are so many shops and places to explore. I especially like Digbeth as there is ruin bars and the Redbrick Market which sells vintage clothes. Overall, I would describe my student experience at Birmingham as eye-opening, exciting and fun.

How has Birmingham helped you throughout your studies?

I work as a student content creator which I applied to through the university. The application was sent by email and there was a form to fill out. The next stage was the interview which was a group interview where we had to showcase our skills. The job consists of briefs which we have to complete, such as writing blogs or filming videos which are put on the university TikTok and Instagram. I felt like this was a good opportunity as it can be taken as experience for marketing which I think will help me with jobs in the future.

My course has an option for a year abroad, I felt like I wasn't ready to apply for this year but University of Birmingham runs a program called GoGlobal which you can access during your final year including summer. Therefore, I plan to apply during my last year and do a couple of months abroad during summer. GoGlobal offers internships and part-time jobs linked with your course, therefore it's a great way to get experience.

I have also applied to internships using B-Experienced which is an internship scheme where in only University of Birmingham students can apply. This really helped me get an interview as it reduced competition for the role and I felt like I had access to more specific internships, however I ended up deciding to do it in third-year summer as family plans got in the way.

I definitely feel like University of Birmingham puts an emphasis on career-based resources and pushes its students to think about the years ahead as well as the years spent studying for your degree. I've had a really positive experience with the help I received, my personal tutor is always encouraging and supportive and I feel like the lecturers really care for the students!

What advice/top tips would you give to prospective students?

I know starting university can feel like a big leap from school and it definitely is a step-up. However, my advice is don't stress too much, people are there to help you every step of the way and while the content gets harder, your knowledge grows so it doesn't feel out-of-reach. If you are stressed about starting university, I would say find the reading list for the modules you have in first year so you can read the books over summer as most courses will have compulsory reading. This will help you prepare yourself for first year.

Another piece of advice is make an extensive list of what you need to pack, a lot of universities have 'packing list' videos posted for things you might forget about. However, once again there will be time to buy things from the shops so don't worry if you leave some small things behind.

A piece of advice I wish someone gave me, is to set aside time for your hobbies and for self-care (not just in the traditional way of skincare or going on walks) but with things that make you feel like yourself. I spend so much time with friends, in societies and studying that I sometimes, feel like i lose myself in it all. For me, I need to pursue my hobbies that I used to do during school like writing poems in my spare time and watching films on my film list.

These things make me feel at peace with myself and allow me to recharge my social battery. I think it was hard to put aside time for it in first year because I always felt like I had to do something at all times, like focusing on myself was a secondary priority. However, it became my first priority during second year and it made me feel so much like myself. So, take a breath during all the change and do something that feels familiar to yourself.

What is your favourite place in Birmingham?

My favourite place in Birmingham is hard to choose, as I feel like each area has its own charm. However, if I HAD to choose I'd have to go with Digbeth. I love the vintage charity shops and the redbrick market which has lots of things to choose from, like dresses, trousers or stickers. It's a market of small, independent shops so each stall has a different vibe and you can support small businesses while at it!

My friend and I went to a cool ruin bar during one of my last weeks before going back home for the summer. It had a really cool bar and a rooftop terrace. We've also gone to a student-run art exhibition in which she was featured as one of the models for a photographer! It was so cool seeing everyone show their paintings, pictures and statues that they've made.

There are also lots of independent restaurants that have amazing food! I had the nicest loaded fries in Birdies Bar, but Birmingham is known for its food scene so regardless where you go you'll find amazing restaurants serving all sorts of cuisine!

What's your favourite memory of studying at the University of Birmingham so far?

My favourite memory while studying at University of Birmingham is the BBQ my flat mates and I hosted during our year living in Selly Oak. We invited all of our friends and played board games all night, while eating literally the best BBQed chicken I've ever had. My other flat mate baked a cake and we all made a small side alongside the main and the dessert.  It's a memory I'll always hold close to my heart.  Not only because the food was delicious but because we all put in effort to organise something and create a community!

What's your favourite place at the University?

Campus is so beautiful and full of places where you can either socialise or catch your breath and have some time for yourself. In first year, I didn't explore campus as much as I explored the city but I ended up naturally finding spots which proved to be my favourite. However, I don't think I can pinpoint one spot that I like because they all serve different purposes so I'll list several which I enjoy spending time in.

When I want a quiet place to study but feel a bit drained from the library, I go to the Guild since there's lots of study places and it usually isn't as busy. There are also tables and chairs outside so when the weather is nice I sit there by the fountain. When I want some quiet time, I sit overlooking the tennis courts on the benches by the cherry blossom trees. It's always so peaceful and has so many trees and flowers around.

Lastly, when I want to socialise I usually go to Joe's Bar because I love the pizzas there and once again, the outside seating. I think the way to find your favourite spots is not to look for them, but rather to discover them through exploring. That'll allow you to choose the ones you feel most drawn to.

What plans do you have for the future?

During my third year after graduation, I would love to get some experience via internships. I'd like to involve myself in GoGlobal so I can experience a semester abroad and internship, simultaneously. I think it would be an amazing experience and would help me get a job in the future.

I'd also like to do an internship through B-experienced in Publishing, marketing or journaling. This would help me broaden my horizons when it comes to jobs. After about a year or so of gaining experience, I will complete a teaching certificate that allows me to teach English abroad during which time I'll travel and discover the world to its full potential!

Of course, we never know where the future will take us but I always found it important to be ambitious and I have such a desire to travel its not something I want to deny myself of. When I feel like I'm ready, I will apply for jobs in Publishing and hopefully move on to publish my own work!