Egle Pociute

Egle Pociute is from Klaipeda, Lithuania. She is currently studying Business Economics with Marketing and hopes to graduate in 2013.

Why did you choose to study at Dundee?

I was always interested in how the world of business works. Although it was really hard to understand and decide what specifically attracts me to this area, University of Dundee provided a description and an opportunity to try different areas of business: financial economics, accountancy, etc. in my first year. I found that I was interested in marketing the most and then combined it with economics. In addition, the University had a very good reputation for its excellence in teaching, so the only sensible thing was to come and study here.

What is the best thing about your course and why?

The lecturers are very passionate about everything they do as well as very professional. They are very inspiring, and that helps me to engage with economic studies 110%.

What has been your best learning experience to date and why?

The up-to-date economics lectures provided me with an insight about what is happening in the world at the moment and how the concepts of economics can help me to plan my actions in the future and become a wise consumer.

What has been your best university experience to date and why?

The student life - it is really cool to meet people all around the world, get to know different cultures, and have fun.

What sports activities or clubs/societies are you involved with?

I am generally interested in the Psychology society as this is a very interesting subject to learn not only academically, but for personal reasons as well. I'm the vice president of READ Dundee society which communicates with READ International [note from editor: READ International delivers collaborative, student led initiatives to improve access to education across the world and increase youth participation in the global community]. My 'sport activity' is salsa classes in the Union and I totally love them.

Have you taken part in any student exchanges/work placements?

I am a member of the Pearson Education Student Advisory Board which is marketing internship in academic publishing. I also am a Youth Engagement Project Leader in Dundee which is a part of READ International activities. I had an opportunity to be involved with My Pinkie Promise - the local marketing and event management consultancy.

What was your experience of settling into life in Dundee when you first arrived?

At first it seemed that it was a city designed only for the University: the majority of people I met were students. We all experienced that great shock when you come to a different city/ country to live on your own and realise that you are the responsible one and mum and dad won't come to fill in your bank statements. The locals were pretty helpful.

Do you have any advice for potential new students?

Have an open mind, don't be afraid to experience new things. University has so much to offer: it's not only about academic achievements, but friends for life, and a lot of fun as well.

How did you find settling into life in the UK?

Although the UK doesn't seem to be so far away from the continent, it is very different. At first it was hard to understand some cultural differences, the way the world works here: banking systems, bureaucracy, letting agiencies, the UK laws seem to be very complicated. It was strange to start living in small flats with no central heating, single glazed windows and two taps of water. But my overall experience was good: lots of shopping centres, opportunities to study and work, not that expensive accomodation and good communication with major cities.