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School of Oriental and African Studies
London

First Year SOAS student - Ask me anything!

Hey guys!

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

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Hello neighbour! I'm from UCL! The girls at your uni are piffffffffff
School of Oriental and African Studies
London
Reply 2
Original post by Alleyezonme
Hello neighbour! I'm from UCL! The girls at your uni are piffffffffff


Hey! Thank you, I guess!
Original post by alevels.
Hey! Thank you, I guess!


I see no ones really asked anything so let me get the dice rolling:
What question do you hate to answer?
Reply 4
Original post by Alleyezonme
I see no ones really asked anything so let me get the dice rolling:
What question do you hate to answer?


Aha, I guess the age old question - SOAS, what's that? oh where is it? It still surprises me that SOAS is such an underdog.
Reply 5
Original post by maria2259
Hello! What program of study are you in? I've accepted an unconditional offer for the LLB program starting in the fall :smile: Looking forward to SOAS.


Hey Maria! I'm currently studying International Relations and History! Congratulations! The Law department at SOAS is wonderful, I have a few friends who study law - it's a very social, fun and rigorous course! Can't wait to welcome you in September!
A particle of mass 6kg hangs in equilibrium, suspended by two light extensible strings, inclined at 60 degrees and 45 degrees to the horizontal. What is the tension in each string?
Original post by alevels.
Aha, I guess the age old question - SOAS, what's that? oh where is it? It still surprises me that SOAS is such an underdog.


Lol I thought SOAS is well know aha, at least its more chill than most other places
Reply 8
Hiya!
Hoping to come to soas in September.
What is the accommodation like? And how is the experience of living in London?
Reply 9
Original post by maria2259
Thank you! 😊😊 hope to meet you in the fall. What is one piece of advice that you could give to an incoming international student?


Apologies for the late reply! My one piece of advice would be to not be afraid. I can only imagine how nervous you could be walking into a place where you don't know anyone, but SOAS is genuinely one of the most friendliest places ever and there's loads of international students! Plus, SOAS have lots of great things going on during freshers for international students, our student body has over 100 societies so you'll definitely find something you'll love!
Reply 10
Original post by nwao
Hiya!
Hoping to come to soas in September.
What is the accommodation like? And how is the experience of living in London?


Hey! Well personally I live at home because SOAS isn't too far from me but a few of my friends live in Dinwiddy. According to them. it's not as bad as people make it out to be and considering how it's an equal-ish distance from both campuses, the price is affordable! My own experiences of living in London my whole life tells me that London is a busy place. You'll always find something great to do! In terms of Central London, I learnt very quickly that its quicker and easier to walk between campuses/places, rather than getting public transport - one, because of the scenery and two because public transport = traffic - Hope this helps!
Hey - thanks for starting this thread!

I've got an offer to do Chinese at SOAS - really excited! However most of the stuff I've read online about SOAS are really negative comments? What's your personal view of SOAS - are you enjoying it?

I know you live at home, but with regards to accommodation do you know what the social life at Dinwiddy and/or the intercollegiate halls are like?

Thank you!
Reply 12
Original post by alevels.
Hey guys!

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


Hey I'm gonna go to SOAS next academic year and was wondering about what housing I should apply for? I live in London already so I don't think I'll get a room at Dinwiddy (and I'm not even sure I want to go there). What do you think of people who live at the intercollegiate halls or private halls like Unite housing?? Thanks!
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.
Original post by jakepro94
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.


Out of interest, what are you studying and why did you apply to SOAS, as this view of SOAS is widely promoted online, particularly on the student room?
Hi, I`m considering taking a Joint Course, would you recommend it?
Original post by alevels.
Hey guys!

I'm a first year undergraduate at SOAS - Ask me anything!
Original post by alevels.
Hey guys!

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


how does it feel to be a UCL reject? :tongue:
Reply 17
can I get into clearing for economics with bbc/bcc?
Hii, I have a conditional offer from SOAS to go study Management there. Where are u from? What do u think about the uni? And are u living in student accommodation? If yes, then in which one? Thank you !!


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@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 :smile:

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