BSB Alumni Ayushi and Carmen talk about university life

This week BSB is excited to welcome two of our alumni students, Ayushi Malla and Carmen Teo, to talk to our Year 11 and Year 12 students. They shared study tips and experiences of the IB Diploma Programme and gave some interesting insights into life after BSB.

Ayushi is studying law at the University of York in the UK, and Carmen is studying psychology at Taylor’s University in Malaysia.

Carmen (left), Ayushi (Right)

This was a great chance for our students to learn first-hand about life at university – choosing the right major, the application process and how to make a good impression on university recruiters, living and studying abroad, and how to survive as a first-year student.

Also, as former IBDP students, they were able to share their knowledge about the IBDP and had plenty of invaluable gems of advice for choosing SL and HL subjects, tips for revision, choosing an Extended Essay subject and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) activities, keeping up with assessments, managing time for balancing personal life and keeping healthy.

The talk encouraged a lot of lively discussions, and the current students enjoyed the chance to learn from former BSB alumni who have already been there and to benefit from their experiences.

Ayushi and Carmen talking to Year 11 students

Please see more details from Ayushi and Carmen.

Ayushi Rajya Laxmi Malla - Ayushi joined BSB in Year 12 and graduated in 2023. She is currently studying at the University of York, England, UK, majoring in Law (LLB Hons). 

1. Why did you choose this major?

I chose to study Law because I wanted to help people get justice. You see so many unsolved cases and so many victims/survivors who are failed by the justice system a lot, which is very frustrating and sad. It gave me a strong sense of purpose. It is kind of cheesy but the initial spark for my choice is reading crime novels/ watching fictional crime movies/ documentaries/news. I wish to contribute towards the greater good and help make the world a better place to live in. 

2. What is it like to study at a UK university? What’s your advice for students heading for the UK?

My first year of university has been amazing and quite a rollercoaster ride. It was a bit overwhelming initially which comes with moving to a new country and continent and starting university. I am lucky to have some amazing friends and it was nice to have another BSB Alumni Hazel (Class of 2022) in York who guided me in first year. 

You have to balance studies, some extracurriculars, taking care of your room and flat and maybe even cooking (for some universities/campuses). So I recommend students to learn basic life skills such as cooking and cleaning. In first year, most students live on-campus in colleges which is a good way to meet new people, adjust to university life and be more connected. After the first year, most live off-campus either sharing a house or a flat or even living either in studio flats or student castles.

While applying to a UK university, you have to apply for a specific major as well. A standard UK university teaching structure consists of lectures and workshops/seminars taking place 2 semesters per year for the 3 or 4 year duration. Unlike the IBDP, your timetable is less packed in a day although it depends on your major. In my case, I had essays instead of closed book examinations.

Lastly, my advice is to learn basic life skills; do not pack too many unnecessary things; stay in touch with your family and friends; try to find a balance; take breaks; try to enjoy the present more; meet new people; and to join societies in university.

Photos:

• Top left: University of York Law School
• Top right: Ayushi at the Diwali Ball organised by the British Asian Society. It took place in Central Hall (the main building of my university). Diwali is a Hindu festival celebrated by Hindus in South Asian countries like Nepal, India
• Bottom left: Ayushi at University of York's Law Society Spring Formal in a hotel.
• Bottom right: Attending a Lecture about Law

3. Any advice for Year 12 & 13 on how to select their university and make a good application?

I suggest selecting a university based on what you want to study, as in which university has a good reputation for that subject/ which university teaches it well. You should also factor in the location, price/affordability, acceptance rate, requirements, employability rate of the students, and many more. It is a good idea to undertake a thorough research and talk with family, teachers and higher education adviser. It’s also necessary to make a list of safety, target and reach or dream schools. Lastly, if you are unsure of your college major, it is also crucial to consider flexibility of changing majors of a university. For example, US universities generally do not require you to apply for a specific major unlike the UK. Or one could consider applying for a dual major as well if interested in two subjects.

For a good university application, it is important to first have knowledge of the requirements of a specific country/countries. For a UK university application, they require Year 11 and Year 13 grades along with a personal statement showing your passion for the major you’re applying for and how you are a suitable candidate. This could be shown in your statement through writing about your chosen IB subjects for example, and how the knowledge and skills you have acquired enables you to study this major better. It is also great to include extracurriculars you have been involved in as well as any achievements you have won.

4. For Year 11 any tips on how to successfully complete their IBDP courses?

• Firstly, it is essential to pay attention in class! You will be able to understand your subjects better and simply paying attention makes studying easier.
• Secondly, I strongly recommend taking the time to find out your learning style as everyone learns differently. For instance, some learn better through making flashcards and taking notes, some are visual learners, some are audio learners, others prefer a more hands-on approach.
• Thirdly, it could be a great idea to make a timetable and allocate a specific chunk of time for each subject/deadline to be more organized and reduce stress.
• Fourthly, do not leave your assignments last minute and it is better to start in advance.
• Moreover, it is really important to prioritize your physical and mental heath and you do not have to completely sacrifice your social life and having fun. Without taking breaks, it is easy to end up feeling burnt out.
• Enough sleep is also necessary. It is crucial to balance every aspect of your life, which is easier said than done but can be achievable.
• I also suggest finishing most of your CAS portfolio by the end of year 12 so you do not have to worry about it much later.
• Lastly, just remember to take deep breaths whenever you’re stressed and take a break or talk to your friends/family/other close people.

5. Please describe 2 of your best memories of your  time at BSB.

Firstly, I cherish all the memories I have made with my friends in school. From us hanging out in the common room or our lockers during break to anxiously waiting for lunch time and playing in the snow sometimes. My second favourite memory is our graduation last year. It felt momentous having our graduation picture taken at The Great Wall and getting awarded at the ceremony. The graduation ball was also a night to remember.

Other BSB activities: Student Council - the Internationalism assistant leader; NAE Academic Challenge 2022, BSB Cake-off, School Yearbook 2022, School Newsletter, Eco-committee, Halloween decoration team 2022, the "Legally Blonde" musical set production among others.CCAs such as table tennis, K-pop dance and choir.

6. How has studying at BSB helped you achieve academic success and personal development?

Studying at BSB has been an insightful and incredible experience. It has been amazing getting to know people from a variety of nationalities and being exposed to so many unique and different ideas. I feel I have thus been able to develop into the person I am today and I hope it continues. The demanding and diverse curriculum of the IBDP has enriched my knowledge and critical thinking/application and provided the tools to overcome challenges, find balance, and improve resilience.

Ayushi and Carmen talking to Year 12 students

Carmen Teo - Carmen joined BSB in Year 3 and graduated in 2023. She is currently studying at Taylor’s University in Malaysia, majoring in Psychology.

1. Why did you choose Psychology as your major?

I originally wanted to study music, as it has always been a passion of mine. However, after spending four years studying psychology in IGCSE and IBDP, I became increasingly aware of how music affects people in the modern world and how they rely on it in different situations. This realization made me want to find a way to help people in need through music. My curiosity led me to discover the field of music psychology, where I could combine my love for music with my interest in understanding the human mind. The idea of exploring how music influences emotions, behavior, and mental health ultimately guided me to pursue a major in psychology, with the hope of eventually specializing in music therapy.

2. How’s your first year of university life in Malaysia and what’s your advice for students heading for Malaysia?

I’m currently in my first year third semester as I started in February 2024. I think being able to study in Malaysia is an opportunity to experience cultural diversity and an affordable lifestyle. Malaysia's higher education system actually includes a variety of institutions including international branch campuses of global universities. Curriculums often combines local knowledge with global perspectives, giving students a well-rounded education. English is commonly used as teaching language, which makes it easier for international students to adapt and fully engage in their studies.

Life in Malaysia is also very culturally diverse including the Malays, Chinese, Indians and other ethnic groups. This diversity is reflected in the country’s food, festivals, and social interactions, making it an exciting place to live. The cost of living is relatively low, especially compared to Western countries, which allows students to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Malaysia is also known for its warm climate, beautiful landscapes, and modern infrastructure, making it an attractive destination for students from around the world.

For students heading to Malaysia, I think it is important to embrace the cultural diversity and be open to learning from different perspectives. Understand the local customs and traditions. Take advantage of the support services offered by universities, including orientation programs, academic advising, and student organizations, to make your transition smoother and enhance your overall experience in Malaysia.

Photos:

• Left: Carmen speaking in Orientation Day
• Right: Taylor‘s University photos

3. Any advice for Year 12 & 13 on how to select their university and make a good university application?

The advice that was most useful to me and I was given the most when I was applying was keeping my options open. Meaning be more open to countries maybe you didn’t think of going as that country may surprise you. It also meant not focusing on one certain university as other universities may give you a different and better experience than what you expected.

4. For Year 11s, any tips on how to successfully complete their IBDP courses?

Balance your time. I feel that IBDP is a very challenging course even up till now. I think with the sudden overload of work different to what we were used to before the IBDP (especially when it comes to the IA deadlines), a lot of people tend to forget about their mental health, and they start to feel stress and anxiety. Leading them to not taking care of their physical health as well, such as staying up the entire night and not getting enough sleep. Which affects their later attention and abilities in class or even exams.

So my advice to successfully complete the IBDP course is to understand the importance of balance not just balancing deadlines but also balancing rest and work.

5. Please describe 2 of your best memories of your time at BSB.

My two best memories of my time at BSB would be hosting the lunchtime soiree and Graduation. I would say these two memories were the best during my time in BSB because not only was it the memories that lasted through the last years of my time in BSB but also it was the memories that stood out to me the most because it was different.

During my time hosting the lunchtime soiree I was able to unravel all the hidden talents in our school and bring them to stage for everyone to enjoy and being able to introduce them on stage made me feel very proud and happy. And as for my graduation I feel like it was an amazing closing to my journey in BSB as I spent most of my school life there it made me feel like I got a proper close to my first few chapters of my life and also opening to my new chapter in life.

Other BSB Activities: Volleyball, netball, secondary/primary choir, Y7 to Y11 soiree, lunchtime soiree, primary/secondary orchestra, Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards, Eco-Committee, Student Council/student leader, Heroic Imagination Club, meeting with Susannah Cahalan, School productions “Little Shop of Horrors”, “School of Rock”, “Legally Blonde” among others

6. How has studying at BSB helped you achieve academic success and personal development?

Studying at BSB helped me achieve academic success and personal development by pushing me to try new limits as well as learn new skills such as joining different committees, participating in events, CCA’s and being one of the student leaders. They helped me build confidence in leading others as a team and learn new skills or peruse new hobbies.