Student Profiles – Nina, Linguistics
Nina is a second-year Linguistics student from Devon. At A Level, she studied English Language, French, and Geography.
Why did you choose Trinity Hall?
When I asked a relative (who studied at Pembroke) which college he would choose to apply to if given the chance to come back to Cambridge, he replied ‘Trinity Hall, it’s small, rich, and pretty.’
How did you prepare for the application process and interviews?
I had a practice interview with my English Language A-level teacher, because she was familiar with the degree. Other than that, I also enrolled myself in the UK Linguistics Olympiad to practice certain pattern-identifying skills essential to a linguist.
Why did you choose your course?
Linguistics was the only thing that really stood out to me as something that I could study and enjoy, as the enjoyment of a course is essential to me. Other subjects never really fit well with this line of thinking.
How does your course compare to your expectations?
It’s certainly more difficult than I expected, and a lot broader than I could have imagined, but I love learning about the areas of linguistics that I’m especially interested in.
What is your favourite part of your course?
I adore Li.15 and Li.16 (first and second language acquisition, and the psychology of language processing and learning). I always feel the most motivated to work hard with my assigned and independent work with these papers.
How are you taught?
I had 4 supervisions every week in the first year, and around one every two-to-three weeks this year. Lectures are four times a week, and practicals around twice a term for the papers I’m taking.
How do you manage your workload?
I plan weeks in advance so I can keep my work as a consistent flow, as opposed to a tsunami every other week. I can tell you the specific dates that I will start to work on assignments, and when I will be finishing them, from Week 1 to Week 8 of term.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I love to exercise, by walking and going to the gym, or to cook myself delicious food. In the evenings, I watch movies, game, or spend time with friends. When given the opportunity, I will spend hours studying languages as well (typical linguist!).
