A Day in the Life of a Criminology Student - by Aldona Qerkezi
Living in Enfield and studying at Middlesex University in Hendon means I start my day with a commute, taking about an hour and a half. That might seem long to most people, but for me, it’s actually one of the best parts of the day. It’s a peaceful time to unwind, listen to music, and mentally prepare myself for the day. If I’m feeling up to it, which is pretty rare, I also use this time to go over lecture notes or catch up on readings.
Once I arrive on campus, my first stop is usually the MDX House. It’s one of my favourite places on campus because it has a great social atmosphere. This building is full of activity with a variety of food places like Greggs, Subway, and Tortilla. It’s a great social spot as it has a lounging area, pool tables, and plenty of seating. Grabbing a hot chocolate at Greggs is a must before heading to my lectures.
If I have a lot of time before lectures or just need a change in atmosphere, I sometimes take a walk to Sunny Hill Park, which is right behind the campus. It’s a beautiful green space. The best part of the park is the amazing view you get from the top of the hill. On clear days you get a vast view of the city, including the Wembley Stadium. It’s a beautiful place to sit and breathe.
During breaks, there are plenty of food options both on campus and off campus, and I often head to one of the chicken and chip shops down the road for a chicken wrap, or to Subway to get nachos. When I have secured the food, I like to hang out with my friends outside the college building, where there are pods with sheltered seating. It’s great to relax and socialise with friends whilst enjoying my well-deserved meal.
When I need to focus on assignments, the library is the best place to go. It’s big, quiet, and well-equipped with computers, books, and study areas. There's plenty of seating, so finding a spot to work isn’t a problem. The library staff are really helpful when it comes to finding resources or even getting help with how to reference in your assignments. I usually study alone, but on days when group work is required such as for presentations, the study rooms are perfect for brainstorming and working with others.
Studying Criminology (Policing and Investigations) means my lectures and workshops are always engaging. Some days involve intense discussions on case studies, while other days include practical exercises. The lecturers are fun, friendly, and supportive, making students feel at ease. We cover a lot of things, my favourite being the variety of theories connected to criminal behaviour.
Outside of academics, I try to make time for extracurricular activities. The university offers a range of societies and clubs, and although I haven’t yet found the perfect one for me, it’s good to know that there are so many options. There’s always something happening on the main campus, whether it’s an event, guest talks, or social gatherings, which can be a great way to meet new people and build connections.
There are employer networking events almost every week, which gives us a chance to gain information and connect with different industries. It gives us insight into the different industries and jobs we could do after we complete our degrees.
After I finish all my lectures, I begin my journey back home. This gives me a chance to unwind, reflect on the day, and catch up with my messages and social media. By the time I get home, I usually go straight on Netflix or Fortnite (occasionally Roblox). Even though my course is very academic and requires studying I haven’t lost my motivation or touch for creative arts. I think this is partially because the university and staff try to make our university experience as friendly and supportive as possible.
Drawing has always been a passion of mine, and I make sure to dedicate time to it when I don’t have university commitments. It gives me a way to express myself and unwind from the demands of my course, as well as to connect with people online. I believe that the university does a great job at balancing students’ workload, allowing me to enjoy both the structures of my course and the freedom to socialise and express myself.