Mala Iyer
What is it like to be a Psychology student? Three questions for Mala Iyer (bachelor, second year).
What is the most useful thing that you’ve learned from Psychology?
‘I think it’s the cognitive dissonance theory. It made me rethink my life and my choices – whether I actually choose things because I want to or because I convince myself that I want to. For example, in terms of my studies, I sometimes feel guilty for doing fun things instead of studying. So, I justify not studying or being as productive by telling myself that it will relax me and help me study better at a later point. Or if I think about going to the gym, sure it would be beneficial but I can come up with loads of different reasons why I can’t go right now.’
What do you like and dislike about Psychology at UvA?
‘I don’t actually love the intense workload and I’m not really a fan of statistics or research methods. But then I do think it is great that we get insights into different aspects of psychology, not just clinical. Also, I appreciate that students are able to follow the honours programme which provides them with the opportunity to explore different disciplines outside psychology. In terms of administrative matters, I really dislike that some lecturers are using the recorded lectures from last year. They should put in the time for us. Maybe it is the same course as last year but they still didn’t do that in the previous years despite following a similar curriculum. It would be nice if there was the option to watch all lectures live but also being provided with the recordings so that students can study in a way that suits them best. But in terms of the measurements the psychology department has taken, I don’t really have much to criticise as I cannot imagine how challenging the changes to an online format have been.’
What motivates you to study during this pandemic? And what is an obstacle for your motivation?
‘I think what motivates me is staying organized and the stress of maintaining my GPA. Also, my roommate is in it with me – we study together and we are both trying to keep ourselves, but also each other, on schedule. If I have to wake up early for a tutorial, she wakes up with me. In terms of obstacles, the biggest one is not having the same outlets anymore. I used to be able to study and always have something to look forward to. My technique was to reward myself for studying and so I would go out, have a wine night with my friends or just go to the gym. Also, I am so used to studying with my friends that doing it alone is quite hard in terms of motivating myself.’
Mala Iyer
What is it like to be a Psychology student? Three questions for Mala Iyer (bachelor, second year).
What is the most useful thing that you’ve learned from Psychology?
‘I think it’s the cognitive dissonance theory. It made me rethink my life and my choices – whether I actually choose things because I want to or because I convince myself that I want to. For example, in terms of my studies, I sometimes feel guilty for doing fun things instead of studying. So, I justify not studying or being as productive by telling myself that it will relax me and help me study better at a later point. Or if I think about going to the gym, sure it would be beneficial but I can come up with loads of different reasons why I can’t go right now.’
What do you like and dislike about Psychology at UvA?
‘I don’t actually love the intense workload and I’m not really a fan of statistics or research methods. But then I do think it is great that we get insights into different aspects of psychology, not just clinical. Also, I appreciate that students are able to follow the honours programme which provides them with the opportunity to explore different disciplines outside psychology. In terms of administrative matters, I really dislike that some lecturers are using the recorded lectures from last year. They should put in the time for us. Maybe it is the same course as last year but they still didn’t do that in the previous years despite following a similar curriculum. It would be nice if there was the option to watch all lectures live but also being provided with the recordings so that students can study in a way that suits them best. But in terms of the measurements the psychology department has taken, I don’t really have much to criticise as I cannot imagine how challenging the changes to an online format have been.’
What motivates you to study during this pandemic? And what is an obstacle for your motivation?
‘I think what motivates me is staying organized and the stress of maintaining my GPA. Also, my roommate is in it with me – we study together and we are both trying to keep ourselves, but also each other, on schedule. If I have to wake up early for a tutorial, she wakes up with me. In terms of obstacles, the biggest one is not having the same outlets anymore. I used to be able to study and always have something to look forward to. My technique was to reward myself for studying and so I would go out, have a wine night with my friends or just go to the gym. Also, I am so used to studying with my friends that doing it alone is quite hard in terms of motivating myself.’
