Samira is an international student from Uzbekistan currently studying International Business Analytics at Queen Mary University of London. Before progressing to university, she completed her Foundation year at Kings Oxford, where she developed the academic skills and confidence needed to succeed in the UK education system. Alongside her studies, Samira is also balancing part-time work, gaining valuable professional experience while building her future career.
Q: Why did you decide to study in England?
A: I believe the best and most prestigious education is in England, so that’s how I decided to come and study here.
Q: Can you introduce yourself?
A: My name is Samira Casanova, I’m from Uzbekistan, and I’m currently studying International Business Analytics at Queen Mary University of London.
Q: What was your experience like at Kings Oxford?
A: My year in Oxford is one of the best memories of my life. It was such an important chapter because I met many international friends at Kings and learned how to adapt to an English-speaking society and environment.
Q: How did the Foundation programme prepare you for university?
A: Everything we are doing now in Year 1 is very similar to what we did during the Foundation year. They gave me all the useful skills I need at university now.
Q: What kind of skills did you learn?
A: I learned how to write assignments properly, how to use Turnitin, how to avoid plagiarism, and many other academic skills that are really useful now.
Q: What is university life like for you at the moment?
A: As a first-year student, I’m officially employed, so I combine both studying and working. It’s quite hard, but it’s manageable.
Q: What motivates you to balance work and studies?
A: I always think about my future and my career. I’m still learning how everything works professionally, and I know this experience will help me a lot in the future.
Q: Was all the hard work during your Foundation year worth it?
A: Definitely. Last year I worked really hard and did my best to prepare for exams. At the time, I sometimes wondered if it would all be useful, but now university feels much easier because of that preparation.
Q: What would you say to future students?
A: Everything you do now will benefit you later. The harder you work during your preparation, the easier your university studies become.
