Nadja Moncolova

Nadja Moncolova, originally from Slovakia, is in her second year of BA Management, Leadership and Leisure. She talks about her experience on the course so far.

On choosing my course at Manchester

I have always wanted to dip into the 'management waters'; however, I was not too sure whether I would like to study management only.

My second greatest passion was art – music especially, but I never played any musical instrument, nor did I sing well.

When the time for choosing my undergraduate degree came, this course popped up and seemed like the perfect amalgamation of my interests.

It was the only course of such nature taught at a Russell Group university as well.

I have always enjoyed music of any kind – large scale concerts, small underground 'garage' gigs, or even avant-garde or mixed music performance, such as cabarets tend to be.

Manchester has a large, thriving arts and culture scene.

It provides numerous opportunities to quench your 'art thirst' – whether you want to engage with this scene only as an observer/attendee, or if you want to get yourself out there and be part of organisation team of these events, there is always something.

On settling into Manchester

I think being a fresher is a challenge - especially if you are a foreign student and you suddenly have to move to a new country and get used to an entirely new culture and create a new social background.

Our course organises a four-day-long field trip to Wales, to help us to cope with this.

Of course, it is educational, as we visit various venues and get to observe and talk to professionals in the leisure industry, but it is also a bonding experience.

There were numerous team-building activities prepared for us, and it definitely helped me feel comfortable around my course mates (and lecturers) and create many new friendships - not to mention that you leave Manchester for a couple of days and are in a completely new environment.

Being a fresher has its ups and downs, but in the end, the positives are always prevailing – and even if I felt uncomfortable or uneasy, the university staff always provided a tightly-knit support network for me.

On my placement experience

The opportunity to experience Applied Study Period (ASP) is the highlight of the course.

It is one of the first 'reality encounters', as we need to put ourselves out there, reach out to companies, secure a position, and then quickly grasp the nature of the tasks the organisation expects us to do.

Many students get to experience this only after graduation.

Because we get to go through this experience three times throughout our studies, you really are prepared for the 'fresh graduate job hunt' situation and you can handle it seamlessly thanks to the preparation ASP gave us - not to mention that your CV is glowing since you have worked or volunteered for so many organisations.

In my first year, I did my ASP in The Coventry Music Museum.

I have only spent two weeks volunteering for this venue, yet I was given the opportunity to interact with visitors and give them tours around the museum.

I was also made responsible for revising and updating the museum’s exhibit inventory.

On the best thing about living and studying in the city of Manchester

The endless opportunities for spending your free time.

Manchester has it all – whether you are a sports fan, art enthusiast, nightlife lover, tourist disguised as a student, there is always something to do.

Even though I have already spent one year in Manchester, I am nowhere near close to saying I have seen everything Manchester has to offer.

On my extra-curricular activities

I have been a student representative of our cohort – I strongly recommend this role to everyone, as it gives you a strong sense of belonging and power.

You are in frequent contact with both students and lecturers, and you are given the opportunity to report and discuss any issues that might arise and suggest any changes, which would address these.

I was also part of the 'New Street Records Society' last year.

This society focuses on organising music events and promoting niche Manchester artists.

This experience allowed me to explore the underground music scene in great detail and get a first-hand experience of what it is like to organise music events.

On my tips for future students

I was definitely nervous when I arrived and did not know what to expect.

The first couple of weeks were very hectic and turbulent, maybe even stressful – everything was new.

After about three weeks of studying, all of my worries dissolved.

The university staff did everything in their power, to support me and make sure I am not struggling.

My tip would be to use every single opportunity that is given to you.

Is there an essay-writing masterclass? Sign-up for it. Is there a volunteering opportunity? Go for it. Is there a First Aid Training Course? Go for it.

Once you move out and live your own life at university, you are the manager of your life.

I am not saying you should make every second count, but if anything sparks even the slightest interest, or perhaps makes your eyebrows rise, why not give it a shot?

You never know when the slightest, most minor experience might make a huge difference or even advantage in the future.