Mary Rayhel

Mary, from Virginia in the USA, graduated in 2011 with an LLB Scots Law.

Why did you choose to study at Dundee University?

I had been to Dundee before on a school exchange with Monifieth High School and thought it was an excellent place to go to university. On top of that I had known that the Law school offered a wonderful learning environment; it certainly lived up to my expectations!

What are your immediate plans after graduation?

Work for a year, build up some savings and gain some work and voluntary experience before doing a complete 180 away from Law and hopefully start a Child Health Nursing course in September 2012.

What are your longer term career plans (if any)?

I would love to be able to work at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children and in the longer term hopefully be able to work on research in pediatric oncology.

What information do you think applicants need to know before starting this course?

Studying law is definitely hard work and you have to be prepared to put in a lot of time and effort. There is plenty of reading involved but the staff are absolutely FANTASTIC so I would probably tell applicants that despite the hard work the lecturers are there for YOU and really really want to bring out the best in you!

What was the most enjoyable thing about your degree and why?

For me it was actually my dissertation in 4th year. It was alot of hard work and was quite stressful, but I found it to be so rewarding and really gave me a sense of pride knowing that I had done my own bit of research!

What was your best university experience and why?

Being on the campaign team to get Brian Cox elected as University Rector. My boyfriend woke up one morning and decided to nominate him and it was honestly some of the best fun I've had. We were only a three person campaign team so it was really brilliant to see him win in the end!

What sports activities or clubs/societies (if any) were you involved with?

I was involved in the Lacrosse team and the European Law Students' Association.

Do you have any advice for potential new students?

Take every opportunity to join new societies. You will meet loads of interesting people! Just enjoy yourself and work on finding that right balance between studying hard and having fun!

How did you find settling into life in the UK?

My experience was quite unique as I already had a group of friends that I had met in high school who were at Dundee and my boyfriend was at the university as well. There were a few cultural differences and the food wasn't what I was used to but overall I found it quite easy once classes got started. People are generally really friendly!