Megan Lowri Parry

Megan Lowri Parry explains her strategies for getting the most out of studying English Literature at Chester.

Is there anything you wish you’d known when you began your English Literature degree at Chester?
How easy and beneficial it is to book regular tutorials with my lecturers. I was initially nervous to do so, even when struggling with my work. However, we were frequently encouraged to book tutorials and only then I realised how much of a help they were.

How have you kept focused on your studies over the past years?
If I am feeling particularly stressed by my workload, I give myself a guilt-free break. The amount of workload and the level required of it in university is a big jump, so it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed at times. By giving myself a break every so often, I find that I am able to approach my studies with a clearer head.

What for you is the most important aspect of studying English?
Staying engaged with reading! I recommend starting early with reading lists. I’ve found it can sometimes be beneficial to prioritise and really get to grips with specific books rather than desperately try to catch up reading every book. This not only decreases the amount of pressure, but by focusing on books that I am engaged with I find that I am more enthusiastic to apply my readings of the texts to my essays.

Have you found a good way to balance your studies with your social life?
Being conscious of how much time I spend separately on my studies and my social life increases my awareness of which I need to work on. Whilst I don’t want to leave my studies until last minute in the name of keeping up a good social life, I equally do not want to forfeit any enjoyment outside of my workload – so developing my awareness of how and where I spend my time has been crucial.

What’s been the best thing so far about being a student at Chester?
I commute to and from university, so for me personally having access to everything the University offers whilst still being able to return home is extremely beneficial. As I have grown up in and around Chester, it has been great to be able to continue my studies in a city I am familiar and comfortable with.