Maureen Mulia

Why did you choose the University of Leeds?

The University of Leeds is popular for being one of the top 10 universities in the UK and also top 100 in QS world ranking as of 2018. The university is also part of the Russel Group universities and it allows the student to have placement /study abroad opportunity. Not forgetting about the MBIOL programme which not all university can offer. I did not enrol myself to MBIOL programme just because I am not really sure about getting the master degree straight after. However, I know that I am in a safe place when I decide to change my plan to go for the MBIOL programme. Lastly would be the fact that the university having research-intensive curriculum framework as it helps us to hone the necessary laboratory skill for research. In my opinion, so far, the university has done a very good job in structuring the course framework where all theories taught in the lecture are being incorporated into practical/lab session. It definitely helps us to see the objectives of the learning in the bigger picture and in the same time helps us to understand some biological concept that may be hard to understand when being studied based on theory itself.

Leeds is such a pretty city where you can have both the hustling, busy, city life as well as the calm, soothing, and relaxing scenery. A good balance for student’s life. The school compound is also located in a strategic area where it is near to the city centre as well as accommodations.  Everywhere is almost of walking distance and it makes it convenient for the student.

What have been the highlights of your time at the University of Leeds?

Joining societies as well as the events coordinated by FBS Global Community as it widens my horizon by allowing me to meet new people from different parts of the world, exchanging opinions about things that we are passionate about.

What discovery modules have you taken and how have they help your studies?

I choose Introduction to Pharmacology as my optional module and it has helped me to understand about the drug structure, component, and the effect to our body. Through this module, I am able to deepen my understanding and knowledge about some biological processes in our body.

What extra opportunities have you been a part of while you’ve been at Leeds, and what did you do? (e.g. Link to Leeds ambassador, student ambassador, mentoring scheme, Spark enterprise, summer internships, research studentships)

I am currently an FBS student’s ambassador. The jobscope mainly is to help out during the Open day to lead the school tour, share about our experience and the reason to study at University of Leeds, and help out during the laboratory session. I definitely have learnt a lot through this experience. I learn how to be more confident and how to speak in front of crowds. I also learn how to be more flexible and work in team as the school tour is usually led by 2 or more ambassadors and we are in charge of the route for the school tour.

At the end of the day, while sharing to the future applicants, by sharing my own experience, it reminds me everytime the reason why I start this journey in the first place. It is also very rewarding knowing that what I have shared can help the applicants to choose which university they want to apply to.

Have you joined any student societies/sports clubs at the university? If so how has this enhanced your time at the University?

I joined Indonesian’s society, Music in Community, and Teddy Bear Hospital.

I become the committee for Indonesian’s society and it is always fun to gather together with people from the same country. That would probably be the closest thing I can get to my home country, making it a home away from home. We have arranged few events so far such as Wonderful Indonesia GIAG where we introduce Indonesian culture, food, music, games, and traditional clothes to the locals or other international students. The upcoming event would be the Indonesian’s Cultural and Art Festival where there will be a Play adopted from Indonesian’s traditional story.

Music in Community is a kind of voluntary activity where we bring music to different groups of people; such as the kids, elderly, youth, women refugees, even babies! Mainly the activity includes making music using things around us. We usually use boom whacker, ukulele, stomping sound, clapping sound, and even sometimes beat box

All of these activities definitely enhances my time at University as I get to meet new people from different courses, met some of amazing people who are passionate in things they do, met some genuine people who really care about the community, and I am thankful that our paths have crossed as I learn a lot from them and it makes me a better person. Moreover, all of these activities give me a productive and fruitful break from the academics part of university.

What are your ambitions for the future? Do you have specific career plans? Has the Faculty (careers centre/lecturers etc.) helped you with these goals in any way?

As for now, I do not really have a specific career plan but I know that I want to work in an R&D sector or be doing research. The faculty has helped me a lot in terms of enhancing employability through the various careers talks and fairs that are more focus towards job opportunities in research or STEM in general.  Students are frequently updated and reminded about it as well.

The laboratory / practical classes are also being related to real life cases as much as possible. One of the Laboratory class for microbiology module actually require us to do research for finding new antibiotics from soil that we collect ourselves. The result from this laboratory session is also being submitted to the organisation as parts of research initiative to find new antibiotics. These laboratory sessions allow the students to have the hands-on experience on how to carry out a research with the right and appropriate techniques and skills.

Are there any significant differences between studying at Leeds and your home country? (only applicable to students from outside the UK)

Yes, in terms of the facilities (cutting-edge laboratory equipment) and access to resources (books, journals, and medical literature).

As an international student tell us about how staff support has helped you throughout your time at university? (only applicable to international students)

I have always been looking forward to join events coordinated by FBS Global Community team be it the celebratory events or the workshops. I have joined the welcoming party, fish and chips day, pancake’s day, and Christmas dinner event. This allows me to meet new people from different parts of the world while getting to know local UK culture. In terms of academics, the faculty had set up few workshops to help us, the international students, with tips and tricks to write for essays, lab reports, and scientific writings.