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First Year SOAS student - Ask me anything!

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Original post by hannah94733
@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:


Thank you very much!!! I went to the same talk and really like it there. Thanks hope to meet u one day in london.


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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.


true. soas is tumblr in person. i hate the place and i intend to go elsewhere for my masters.
how is the cockroach and mice situation at dinwiddy now? do your friends there have problems with the company sanctuary?
Which one is the recommended student accommodation when planning to study at SOAS ? The ones from uni had mice and insect problems... How is it now? Outside uni, which is the best private accommodation and one which is close to SOAS? Thank you!!


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Original post by alevels.
Hey guys!

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



Hey, may I ask. Are you commuting to uni or living in halls? How have you found it?friends wise/ social side. Do you know whether most people commute or live in halls Im in year 13 and I've just received an unconditional offer from soas(for history). Previously, I really wanted to firm Warwick(I hold an AAB conditional offer). But this unconditional changes everything -I was really shocked I didnt think soas gave unconditionals. I do like the feel of soas, and I'm very political(left). It's just that warwick is a Russell group uni...

All the best.
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(edited 8 years ago)
Reply 25
Original post by alevels.
Hey guys!

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


Hi alevels :smile:. I've got an offer from SOAS for a postgrad (very exciting!) and I was wondering, do undergrads and postgrads mix at all/a lot? I'm only just finishing my 3rd year and I'm worried that many of the other postgrad students may be older than me, and I'll be more like a 4th yr undergrad student, and they'll think i'm immature. Plus it would be nice to mix with as many people as people of all ages, but I'm worried undergrads don't talk to postgrads because they might be perceived as old and boring (even though i'll be 22 :tongue:!)

Also are undergrads welcome in societies?
@Snuffbox I know a week before uni starts there are 'bridging courses' for mature students (over 21s) so go to them to meet people. as for undergrad maybe depends if you're living in halls...
Reply 27
I applied at SOAS through clearing, but I think I will change my course within the first few months if I don't enjoy what I've chosen. Do you think that I'll be able to do that?
Thank you!
Original post by alevels.
Hey guys!

I'm a first year undergraduate at SOAS - Ask me anything!
Reply 28
Hey there,
I got a place at SOAS for Arabic and Islamic Studies and I got it through clearing. However, I think I'll change it within the first few month for International Relations with Arabic, do you think that they'll let me do that?
Pleaseeeee let me know because I am panicking right nowwww!!

Thank you :smile:
Original post by alevels.
Hey guys!

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


Hi there,
I got admitted into SOAS yesterday, for BSc Economics, since my admission was delayed and I had no idea I would end up in London come September, I didn't apply for accommodation. I did some research today through the SudentSanctuary website and I found out all halls of residence have been fully booked. The login page firstly asked for a serial number which is to be given to you by your uni, which I didn't have (I've contacted SOAS for that, still waiting for it). I also emailed StudentSanctuary separately to explain to them my issue, with which they replied to wait until 31st August, when the wait list for accommodation opens. My course starts from 26th September, and I'm an overseas British national residing in Pakistan. I hope you can provide me with some insight on the matter and on good accommodation options plus a few details on my course.
Thankyou.
Original post by alevels.
Hey guys!

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


Do you think its possible to still make friends and gain an active social life if you aren't in halls, because im commuting?
Sorry if my question sounds stupid, but this has been giving me major anxiety, especially because i assume a majority of students will live in some sort of accomidation as SOAS attracts a lot more international students than the average uni.
Thanks x
Hi! I'm just wondering how long did it take SOAS to give you an offer? Sent off my application the other day and just wondering when I can expect to hear back from them - I'm guessing they'll be quite late :wink:
Original post by alevels.
Hey guys!

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


What is the social life like at SOAS? I don't know much about it but my friends have said it's not that great compared to larger universities....
Reply 33
Original post by alevels.
Hey guys!

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


I've heard people at SOAS aren't really the party type. I'm dedicated to my studies but i want to make friends for life who enjoy drinking as much as i do. Is this not the type of 'uni life' i'll experience ?
Original post by alevels.
Hey guys!

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


Hey!
Are you enjoying the History aspect of your degree? I've accepted an unconditional offer to study History at SOAS come September, so any insight into what you've experienced in your first year would be great.
Thanks,
Izzy 😊
I'm in year 12 and want to study international relations. I've set my heart on a campus university and always ruled out London (especially as my mum went to UCL and hated it!) But the course at SOAS is increadible, and I love the small, political feel i'm getting. So, is SOAS a bit of a lonely experience, like mot at UoL? Whats IR like, any comments welcome! Also, being in London find accommodation where I can socialize (i'm shy until I know people, then very sociable!) Dinwiddy house looks great but if u live outside London how hard is it to get a place? Thanks!!!
Reply 36
Are the strings identical?
Is going to SOAS a disadvantage because it’s not as well known as other universities (eg-Warwick)?
Original post by alevels.
Hey guys!

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


So I'm planning on taking the MA course in Soas. My program is on social anthropology. I wanted to ask about the accommodations for pg students near soas. Also how can an international student like me be a part of the student community before actually entering the college? I would like to know the people and make some friends before coming there.

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