Turning learning into lifestyle: my journey as a UoL student

A futuristic scene with high rise buildings and a spiral roof design.

When I began my studies with the University of London, I did not see it just as an academic step; I saw it as an opportunity to grow into the version of myself I had been working towards for years.

Before I joined the BSc Marketing programme, I was already investing in my development through various online courses in digital marketing, communication, and personal growth. These courses gave me a strong foundation, and more importantly, they taught me the value of self-discipline, a skill that became essential when I started university.

English is not my first language, but I’ve always had a strong connection with it. Whether through books, films, or online communities, I found it easy to express myself in English both in writing and in conversation. This connection later helped me step into a completely new role: for over a year now, I’ve been teaching young children English, helping them discover the same excitement I found in the language. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my journey so far.

University life came with its challenges, of course. Managing my own schedule, navigating academic expectations, and keeping up with deadlines was an adjustment, but I was ready. I had already built habits of consistency through my independent learning, and the flexible structure of the University of London allowed me to keep building on that momentum.

One of the most exciting things about being a UoL student is how global the community is. You are constantly reminded that you are not learning alone: you are part of something bigger. I’ve interacted with students from different countries and backgrounds, and this diversity has made me a better listener, a better thinker, and a more creative communicator.

Marketing, at its core, is about understanding people - what moves them, what they value, what they respond to. Being surrounded by such a wide range of perspectives has given me insights I could never have gained from a textbook alone.

Recently, I was honoured with an invitation from my former high school to speak at their graduation ceremony. They wanted me to share a few words with the students not just about university, but about perseverance and growth. It was a surreal moment, standing in front of students who may look at me as a role model. It reminded me how far I’ve come, and how every effort, no matter how small it felt at the time, truly mattered.

Blogging now feels like a natural extension of everything I’ve been doing: learning, reflecting, sharing and connecting. It is a chance to put into words the growth I’ve experienced not just academically, but personally. And hopefully, to inspire someone else who is just getting started.

Whether it is teaching English to children, drafting strategies for a digital campaign, or presenting in a class session, I’ve learned that every moment counts. Growth doesn’t happen all at once. It happens when you look back and realise: you are not who you were when you started.

So, if you are a student just beginning your journey, my advice is simple: start small, stay curious, and don’t underestimate what you can become.

Abdullah studies BSc Marketing in Syria.

Turning learning into lifestyle: my journey as a UoL student

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