First Year SOAS student - Ask me anything!

@cybellkiess I'll be studying international business managment mena. I went to the recent insight day and I thought the course talk was the most interesting I've heard compared to other universities I've visited (anglia ruskin, cambridge, middlesex) the lectureres seemed genuinely interested and enthusiastic. the school was quite school but compact all together so not easy to get lost!
I dont want to live in dinwiddy because of the bad reviews and news stories. im looking at private accomodation urbanest, as alot of private are super expensive and im on student loan! I'm from midlands countryside but looking forward to living in london

Here's my advice as a first year SOAS student to ALL prospect SOAS students (especially those pursuing a course in the Arts & Humanities faculty):

- If you don't identify as 'progressive', a 'social justice warrior', 'left-wing', anti-white, Muslim apologist, race baiting, gender binary-hating, feminazi, socialist hooligan, then this is NOT the place for you. It is a Marxist church that welcomes every dogmatic liberal opinion out there, but challenge it and you WILL be ostracized, vilified and dismissed, not only by your fellow students, but by your lecturers, tutors and the entire academic system, irrespective of how reasonable, sensible or rational you believe your view is. Diverting from the conventional discourse will effect your grades, regardless of how 'original' your tutor emphasises your work should be in your essays or exams.

- Anarchy, strikes and every other form of social disorder is embraced here, and irresponsibly glorified and glamourised. A few months back an angry mob gathered outside the main building protesting against some necessary cuts and job losses. Not only did this mob harass people at 9 am just trying to get to a lecture, but they intentionally pulled the fire alarm and evacuated the ENTIRE building. Once we were forced out of the classes and lectures that every single student had paid for, many of whom will be tirelessly working to repay their loans, the mob turned violent, physical and aggressive. They barricaded the only entrance to the building and prevented people from entering. To my surprise, striking staff and people who didn't even ATTEND SOAS were there in support. Shockingly, other students seemed unbothered, somewhat apologetic to the cause and sympathising with the disruptive and selfish actions of the protesters. And even worse, there was no disciplinary action taken against the students who participated. SOAS only sent out an email to apologise. This is disgraceful and an embarrassment to an institution that is supposedly internationally renowned, well-respected and prides itself in its academic achievement and rigour.

- I do a joint course between two different faculties. The subjective content and reading lists that are presented to us in the modules is clear in its bias, something I can only attribute to an agenda of a moderate process of dogmatic propaganda indoctrination, a significant flaw in the way in which the courses are run and I've noticed very few students challenging it. If a contradictory piece is somehow introduced, it is immediately criticised by the lecturer or tutor.

- The system, infrastructure and design of the library is an absolute SHAMBLES. I cannot tell you how many times I have searched for books that were registered as available in the library online catalogue but were missing, misplaced or in very poor condition. There were moments when the entire online system temporarily shut down (this happens a few times a month), which disabled the self-checkouts, made the online library inaccessible and forced you into long queues to only be told that you can't borrow the 7 books in your hand. There were also copies of books that were lost, and they have never been replaced.

If you're still convinced that SOAS is the place for you then by all means go there, I know of many people who are very fond of the place and idolise and defend it like a shrine. But do also consider what I've pointed out here. SOAS is not the special, virtuous and unique establishment people think it is. It's an institution that has heavily politicised its agenda and academia and is totally detached from the reality beyond its (crumbling) walls. It has morphed into this daycare for adults, adults cocooned in their delusions and doctrine, existing in an alternative world of egalitarianism and collective utopia with no real sense of responsibility or personal accountability and conviction.

I have only pointed out the negative experiences because they are more significant than the positive ones, which I've noticed are mentioned in this forum. There are some decent people at SOAS, those who just want a degree and to pursue a good career. Those too who hold no radical views and just want a normal uni experience free of political dogma. The lecturers are undeniably well qualified, professional and well-researched in their fields. Just reconsider your choices and make sure you research your options well.

Hey guys!

I'm a first year undergraduate at SOAS - Ask me anything!

Hey guys!

I'm a first year undergraduate at SOAS - Ask me anything!

Hey guys!

I'm a first year undergraduate at SOAS - Ask me anything!

Hey guys!

I'm a first year undergraduate at SOAS - Ask me anything!

Hey guys!

I'm a first year undergraduate at SOAS - Ask me anything!

Hey guys!

I'm a first year undergraduate at SOAS - Ask me anything!

Hey guys!

I'm a first year undergraduate at SOAS - Ask me anything!

Hey guys!

I'm a first year undergraduate at SOAS - Ask me anything!

Hey guys!

I'm a first year undergraduate at SOAS - Ask me anything!