10 People You’ll Always Run Into At Queen Mary University

Queen Mary University is a prestigious University located in London’s vibrant East End which pioneers and is committed to, high-quality teaching and research. However, regardless of the University’s reputation and its stand out features that distinguish it from any other University in the world, such as the graveyard in the centre of campus, there are common types of University people and students you will always run into at Queen Mary, that also exist in every other University in any country across the Globe. So yes, sit back and prepare yourself for blatant generalisation as I list the ten types of people you will always run into at Queen Mary University (but also any other university in England and nationwide). Disclosure: I am about to be tongue in cheek on purpose so to any students that I offend, this article is meant to be somewhat humorous. Take it with a pinch of salt.

1. The Gap-Year Student.

You will recognise these students from a mile away, stereotypically speaking and grossly over-exaggerating, these types of students are the ones that wear faded hipstery jeans or baggy trousers such as pantaloons and who walk a pace slower than every body else (probably because they are weighed down by the numerous braided bracelets on each wrist). Their backpack can be found casually slung over one beautifully tanned shoulder and every conversation during Fresher’s week and basically throughout the year will involve them recounting their experiences and adventures abroad such as interrailing around Europe or volunteering. As well as telling you that travelling was the best thing they have EVER done and that you need to do it yourself.

2. The International Student.

These students come to learn a degree in a different country to their native country. For me, international students have been some of the most interesting students at Queen Mary, they are easily distinguishable during Fresher’s for the lost and somewhat bewildered look on their faces as they adjust to their new surroundings. They are valuable people to befriend at University as you can learn so much from them and they can learn so much from you in return, through them you can gain an insight and be enriched by a new culture and perspective on studying and also towards life more generally.

3. The rich kid.

University is expensive, it is a lifelong investment that you will forever be indebted to in terms of actual money but also an amazing degree that will hopefully land you a career for life. Most students have to be frugal with their money, relying on loans and bursaries to get them through each academic year. However, there are always those students with exceptional University lifestyles who don’t have to scrimp and scrape their way through three plus years. They are always out partying, drive expensive cars, don’t have to live off of budget foods and most probably eat out every night. They are also the students that miss out on the full Queen Mary University experience and the fun of having to make do with what you’ve got, even if that’s a tin of beans and a nearly mouldy loaf of bread.

4. The OCD student. Also known as the Workaholic.

I must confess I can be very anal when it comes to deadlines with coursework and essays. I am also what you might call a serial worrier. Students like me create a timetable at the start of every academic term with every essay due date and we are the students in lectures who colour code our notes and have a different pen or pad that we use for each module. We always get our work submitted on time, sometimes days in advance as the thought of submitting our work late, or on the day it is due, is enough to give us heart palpitations and keep us up at night. We also start our reading wayyyy in advance…

5. The Lastminute.com Student.

These are the students you’ll always run into at Queen Mary who you envy. They turn up late to lectures and seminars late and with their t-shirt on back to front as you know very well that they have just crawled out of bed five minutes earlier. They are also the students that find out an essay is due a few days before and somehow manage to submit it with a few seconds to spare. But nonetheless, despite all of this, they remain calm and collected and do not try to be more organised.

6. The low-key bod. Can sometimes come across unintentionally pretentious.
Everybody projects an image of themselves that they want, or that they think, people want to see and that will be accepted. You will always run into that student at Queen Mary who on the surface acts as if they don’t really care. They attend every lecture and seminar and yet they seem vacant, as if they would much rather be somewhere else. Yet they have their odd moments where they will come out with deeply philosophical comments or answer nearly impossible questions with a breeze – the very same questions that you find yourself breaking out in a cold sweat over. They also pass each academic year with the highest grades so you know deep down they work very hard in their own privacy.

7. The athlete or sports enthusiast.

We’ve all seen him around Queen Mary University campus, don’t act like you haven’t. Let me refresh your memory: his biceps are practically bulging out of his skin-tight t-shirt, you see him running around campus at silly o’clock in the morning, a protein shake or energy drink is never far from his hand. Basically, he is the kind of guy who makes you feel guilty as you scoff your fifth takeaway of the week in-between essays. He also happens to be so dashingly handsome and is usually accompanied by a babble of girls hanging off of his every word. It is also likely that his academic studies are often neglected in favour of him running the Uni footie or rugby team…

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8. The serial volunteer.

Volunteering is amazing, not only do you benefit so many people and causes through your selflessness, but it is also a worthwhile way to spend your time and make yourself feel good, and like you are actually making a difference. There is always that one person whose name is at the top of every volunteer event possible, whether it is helping out at a local school or helping to paint a local community fence- they can always be relied on to lend an extra pair of enthusiastic hands. Good for them.

9. The Borrower.

You will definitely encounter this student at Queen Mary University. They are the one who turn up practically in the state they were born in: naked. They are always nagging you for a pen and a spare scrap of paper during lectures and seminars, or for any leftover food or cleaning products in your flat. You often find yourself wondering how they would fend for themselves and find yourself helping them out each time despite your better instincts to force them to be independent.

10. The Mummy’s Boy.

A little similar to the above student you’ll inevitably encounter at Queen Mary, this student is completely helpless without their mother, or parents in general. They have been spoon fed all of their lives and don’t know how to stand on their own two feet. During Fresher’s Week they will no doubt be on the phone to their mum every five minutes asking them how to turn the cooker on, how to do their washing, basically how to cope!

So there you have it, a list of ten people you’ll always run into at Queen Mary University. I have only touched on a few of the interesting specimens you’ll encounter, I could have spoke about so many more such as the fake friend, the serial dater, the intensely career driven student- how many others can you think of? Answer in the comment section below.

Have you run into any of these people at Queen Mary University? Let us know in the comment section below!

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