For anyone starting at MDX this January - Student Writer Natasha lists the most essential things to do when you first arrive.
About 4 months ago, I changed time zones and continents to move my life from India to London.
While I was beyond excited to start a new chapter in my life, there was so much to do and I was absolutely clueless, struggling to figure things out. I felt like a lost puppy. (Shout out to all fellow lost puppies out there, I’m here for you!)
That’s why I’ve come up with THE essential checklist for all new MDX starters this January – follow this and you’ll be good to go!
This card is sacred. Not only does it give you access to buildings on campus, it also contains critical bits of information like your IT number which gives you access to uni computers and free printing.
Get yourself to UniHelp (Shepherd Library, Ground Floor) as soon as you arrive and start the process of getting your Student ID.
Log on to MyUniHub and download MDXapp – these will give you access to everything you need to make the most out of your time here at MDX (including emails, timetable and info on the MDX Student Union and Sport at MDX). You can even apply for an NUS card that gives you access to LOADS of student discounts, trust me discounts are gold!
Did I forget to mention that you can easily loan state-of-the-art laptops from uni as well?
We all come to uni with the hope that we’ll make a load of new friends. And at MDX it’s easy.
I was so excited by the range of societies I could be part of when I first started. Whether you’re a dancer, sports fanatic or knitter, there is a society for you! You can even find a little piece of home by joining a society with your fellow country students, and if it doesn’t exist you’re encouraged to create your own society.
There are even some liberation groups on campus that work towards bringing about positive change for the underrepresented and disadvantaged groups on campus. Budding journalist? Check out POW media - they have an online blog, TV channel, magazine and radio.
While studying can seem stressful at times, help is readily at hand.
When you start at MDX, make sure you find out more about our Student Learning Assistants (SLA’s). SLA’s are experienced students who have been identified by their academic tutors as being highly motivated and capable learners who "have been there before" and know the typical academic issues new students face in their studies.
We also have free e-textbooks available online on MyUniHub for students to use throughout their academic year.
There is no escaping exercise when you have a gym (The Fitness Pod) right here on campus that is not only affordable but also provides a great range of classes for students including Zumba, Pilates and Yoga etc.
If you’re into sports, Middlesex is linked to various local community sports clubs that you can be a part of. As much as our physical health needs to be taken care of, our mental health needs that attention too. The on campus wellbeing and support services are open to any student going through a mental health issue.
So that’s it! You’re all set to take on MDX uni life!
Last piece of advice before you start your new adventure: make the most out of this time, shed your inhibitions and fill yourself with positivity.
