This is by no means a requirement, but we know many of you want to start brushing up on your skills before you arrive. How you can best prepare will vary from one course to another but if you’re joining a programme that requires a prior knowledge of maths, it’s important to feel confident in your mathematical abilities. We’re going to be there to support you throughout your studies, but between now and then, you can spend time reviewing key topics like calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics. Don’t worry if it’s been a while since you last studied these areas—there are plenty of online resources and textbooks to help you refresh your knowledge. A strong foundation in maths will make it easier for you to engage with some of the more advanced concepts you’ll encounter in your programme.
Looking for tailored advice on which topics to review for your specific programme? Reach out to your programme director. You’ll find a full list of contacts at the bottom of this webpage.
We understand that sometimes choice can be overwhelming, especially with the number of elective modules on offer. Taking some time to familiarise yourself with your course structure can really help ease that transition. We advise you to look over the modules available to you and think about which ones align best with your interests, strengths and career goals. Remember that when you come to Queen Mary, you’ll have an Academic Adviser to help you navigate all these decisions.
Postgraduate studies require a high level of independent learning and research, and we want to help you feel prepared for that. Creating a study routine that works for you, with regular revision and practice, will be essential. It’s also a good idea to think about the mathematical software and programming languages you might use, like Python or R. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to do things but we’re here to support you in finding the balance that works best for you.
Starting in a new place, especially in a new city, can feel isolating at times, but you’re not alone. QMUL has a vibrant and welcoming community, and we encourage you to get involved. Joining student societies is a great way to meet new people and find your support network. Being part of a community can make your experience richer, both academically and personally, and there are plenty of opportunities to connect with others who share your passions. We recommend that you attend our online offer holder events so you can begin networking with your future classmates.
To make your transition smoother, try to secure your accommodation as early as possible. QMUL offers postgraduate accommodation for different budgets and we’re really lucky that it’s close to the university. Take a look at the options available to postgraduate students. We also recommend planning your budget ahead of time. This way, you can focus more on your studies and less on financial worries.
London is an incredible city! Don’t just take our word for it, London has once again been named no.1 student city in the world in the QS Best Student Cities Ranking. There is so much to do and see here and experiencing the best of London is a big part of life for Queen Mary students. Take some time to learn about London’s public transport system, and think about what you’d like to do when you get here; see some live music? Theatre? A football game? London really has it all. If you’re an international student, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to arrange your visa. Queen Mary’s International Student Support team is here to help with any questions or concerns you might have, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
We’re excited to welcome you to the School of Mathematical Sciences at Queen Mary University of London. We hope you’ve found these tips useful and that come September, you’ll be ready to make the most of your time at Queen Mary.