Sunday, December 2, 2012

Exam Time!


Every topics of discussion is now towards one single ending, and that is EXAM. Final exam is approaching as the autumn 2012 is about to end. Students are preparing for all awaited Exams.

Each and every student is scared of the exams and everyone is discussing for prospective questions or question patterns. Though lecturers arranged all important revision sessions, which is extremely helpful but the amount of stuffs in each module confusing us like anything!

Aston designs curriculum in such a way that can foster student experience with studies. In-depth knowledge of the subject matter really deserves credit. Every module tried to cover every aspect of subject matter which will prove resourceful for our future.

Finally, I wish everyone have wonderful exams in coming weeks and obviously a Christmas break full of joy, celebrations and happiness. 

Birmingham is sparkling at Christmas


Christmas is knocking at door and Birmingham welcomes Christmas with grand “Chrismas Parade” taken place on Saturday, November the 11th. I’m lucky enough to observe the eye-catching Parade. The most outstanding part or the parade was its spectacular traditional displays. It started with nativity scene float with Mary, Joseph and shepherds followed by the three wise men riding real camels!  They are joined by reindeer, elves and tap dancing turkeys as Father Christmas takes a break from his busy schedule to visit Birmingham and turn on the Christmas lights.


The city is now getting prepared for Christmas. All the roads are approaching towards City Centre. People are getting busy with shopping in weekends. This is causing severe traffic near city centre! Though, all these are part of Christmas and people are enjoying every bit of it.



I had the fortune to visit London last weekend, same goes there as well. The city is flooded with lights. Especially Piccadilly Circus, Victoria is ornamented like a newlywed bride! This Christmas hype makes me feel refreshed while having extreme pressures with exam time studies.


Its time for celebration and Birmingham won't let you disappoint. 

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Stuck with studies in the middle of the term!

What can be so unpleasant is to write something out of study while standing in exactly the middle of first term at Aston! The program is not allowing me a single opportunity to look back where I had a fantastic start of life at Birmingham last month.

The program which I’m in is well designed that entails every student learning the course matters. All the modules are emphasizing more on practical implications or practices rather than stuck in theoretical understanding, which is good for us in a sense that we’re now about to enter in practice of all those theories that we previously learned.

However, I’m not exceedingly happy with the design of every module. Most of the modules are not offering any in-class tutorials or class tests which seems really worrying to me. A student can feel the pressure of study when they’re forced to exams. I personally studying hard but there is no scope of feedback for me during the whole term. The modules are focusing more on the final exams during week 10. So, what we’re looking at is week 10, forgetting the 9 weeks all important period where many of us may fail to cope with the materials! All of a sudden we may come up with nothing at the end of the term. And that’ll definitely be a nightmare. Though, it’s absolutely my personal understanding which might be wrong in a university level.

Towards the end of October, I've celebrated Eid-ul-Adha for the first time without parents! In this festive day, I started with Eid prayers. During the day, met with my friends, offered them delicious traditional foods and hangout till night. It was different yet memorable experience celebrating major festive out-of-home, without near and dear ones.

I’m horribly worried for the next month November where I’ll have all those posters, assignments, studies to complete. However, I’m pretty much sure everyone is enjoying the university life apart from studies. I’m obviously enjoying it.

Monday, October 22, 2012

The heat of pressure in freezing Birmingham!


The cool weather of Birmingham suddenly overshadowed with the immense pressure of studies since the start of the course. Aston welcomes me with load of studies which was expected! Every module is designed in such a way which requires a lot of study for a good result. 

Courses here are well-designed with up-to-date materials. What I liked the most in Aston is the Blackboard module where I can get well informed resources to prepare for the course. Blackboard module uploads all the relevant material on time which seems extremely helpful for me. It is the kind of system which can let everyone know the desired performance in courses. This enables us to be an informed student rather than lost in the middle of the road! The program is designed with a proper approach based on achieving goals at the end of the term.

What’s more I am amazed with is the crucial support from each and every course instructor. Their strong presence never let me feel insecure. The way they teach is even more striking. The delivery of lectures by them is fabulous. Their effort is always focusing on students, made students understand the topic they cover.
Aston Business School
The striking feature of Aston what I discovered is its career oriented events for students. I found “Aston University Careers and Employability Centre” exceptionally active with events and workshops starting from writing CV and cover letters, career interviews, meeting with global alumni. Aston making every effort towards employability as it is not only the study that should matter but the employability.

So far so good, thanks to Aston for starting a wonderful experience of studentship.



Friday, September 28, 2012

Feelings while receiving Scholarship from Aston


I would be glad to share my scholarship experience from Aston.

Soon after I was done with my graduation, I started looking for opportunities for my Masters. I was searching for renowned universities of the World offering my programme of interest.

In no time, I came to know about Aston University from Ms. Jessica Wood, International Officer, Aston University during her visit to Bangladesh. She encouraged me to apply for the “Aston University Bangladesh Scholarship 2012”.

I was extremely afraid of getting the scholarship as she told me that the university has only one scholarship to be offered!

However, I was desperate enough for the scholarship and applied for it by writing a two page long Scholarship Essay. I had frequent communication with Ms. Jessica Wood and she was kind enough with me during the whole admission process. Every time I faced any difficulty, I got her response within a short period of time. Her wholehearted effort made me feel special to Aston. Though, I was feeling extremely scared about having the scholarship!

On August 3, 2012, I got a mail informing that I have been shortlisted by the International Office to receive the Aston University Bangladesh Scholarship for the academic year 2012-13! I was a kind of surprised after having the mail. I told my parents that I have been selected for the scholarship. They were delighted. It was a special moment for me to see my parents exceedingly happy. My parents informed all our near ones about the scholarship. My friends and relatives back home congratulated me. It feels something extraordinary which I can never forget.

Thanks to Aston and International Office to offer me this Scholarship. This scholarship meant a lot to me. This achievement will encourage me to move further to achieve my goals.

About me

I am Syed Asif Hossain, a new student to pursue Master of Science in Accounting and Finance at Aston University. I am graduated from one of the Best universities of Bangladesh, “North South University” with the prominent distinction “Magna cum Laude”.
 
I am here at Aston to pursue Master’s in Accounting & Finance degree since I have a strong passion for the subject, a desire to deepen my knowledge and position myself for a better career.


 
I am lucky enough to do my graduation in The First ever Private University in Bangladesh that offers a well- rounded undergrad programs especially Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) which is currently one of the best that this country has to offer. My four year graduation provided me a very strong background in Accounting and Finance that I believe will help me pursue my career in research.
 
Along with my studies, I also held a part-time position as Undergraduate Teaching Assistant at North South University. I enjoyed this job greatly.
 
Beside this, I am awarded with Financial Aid of North South University based on merit for completing studies.
 
I’m inspired to pursue my career in “Teaching” which will let me devote myself the most in the subject and will also give me the opportunity to share my knowledge, views and experience with my colleagues and thousands of students.
 
I believe the best opportunity to pursue my Accounting and Finance career would be to continue my education as a graduate student at Aston University.