Hi! I’m Zahra, a graduate student at the London School of Economics and Political Science pursuing my MSc in Behavioural Science.

I moved to the UK from Nigeria in year 7 as a full boarder. During my time at school, I was involved in numerous societies such as the Chemistry Society, Debating Society and Politics Society. I was passionate about the sciences. However, I  also had an interest in politics and philosophy so I chose to do Arts and Sciences at UCL which allowed me to explore humanities as well as Science. My other interests include, volunteering, reading, travelling and filmmaking. Please feel free to reach out to me regarding any guidance or advice for anyone coming to study in the UK.

What was the biggest challenge you faced adapting to boarding school?: 

Boarding school was a very dramatic shift for me. Coming from Nigeria where I was always surrounded by my family and community, it was difficult for me to transition to the more independent lifestyle of the UK. What helped me was realising that it was a new experience for most of my classmates and that I was not alone in feeling homesick. Many of us were navigating similar emotions, recognising that created a kind of sisterhood between us that has lasted up till now.

Education:

MSc Behavioural Science The London School of Economics and Political Science

BASc Arts & Sciences University College London

Previous Schools:

• Woldingham School (Woldingham, UK)
• The Regent School (Abuja, Nigeria)

Extra-Curricular Activities:

• UCL Her Campus Society (London, UK)
• Neem Foundation Mentor
• Documentary & Filmmaking
• Elizabeth Court Care Home Volunteer (Surrey, UK)
• Debating Society (Woldingham, UK)
• Learning Arabic

 Notable Achievements and Experience:

Experience:

• Product Development Intern at Elemis (London, UK)
•  Intern at Health Data Research UK (London, UK)
• Volunteer at Mary’s Living and Giving Shop (London, UK)
• Intern at Neem Foundation (Abuja, Nigeria)
• Volunteer at Projects Abroad (Phnom Penh, Cambodia)

Achievements

• Grade 8 Public Speaking – Merit
•  Teen Tech Health Category – Silver Award