In this episode of Going to IEU, third-year student Ida Nydelius gives us some insight into her university experience, reflecting on what life looks like now that we seem to be returning to a sense of normality post-pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on the education system and the university experiences that students have. One of the ways in which the pandemic affected the way we learn was through the movement towards a more hybrid model of learning. Liquid Learning was pioneered by IE University and worked (and continues to work) excellently for students like Ida Nydelius, a third-year currently studying the Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law & Economics.
Ida chats to Nick Besson, our host, about the way the pandemic shaped her university experience, and what she has taken out of her time at IE University so far.
The impact of the pandemic on university experiences
As a third-year student, Ida is in the unique position of having experienced IE University through three different “seasons,” so to say. Her first year was spent pretty normally. Days spent on IE University’s Segovia campus learning with friends, going for coffee breaks, heading to the plaza in the evening for a drink… Once the pandemic hit, the university life that she was used to abruptly changed.
When the pandemic was at its height, university teaching was moved online, and Liquid Learning came into full effect. Ida notes that coming back to university in person was a blessing, even with all of the social restrictions in place. Getting to see peers and professors again in the flesh after five months felt long overdue, even in the face of significantly fewer events and nightlife activities.
Post-pandemic, Ida is now studying on the Madrid campus. She’s noticed that people now seem more interested in joining clubs (she is the president of the Arts Club and helped create the Nordic Club) and appreciative of the time they now have on campus. IE University’s innovative Liquid Learning methodology is still in place.
A focus on extracurriculars
Clubs are a big part of IE University life, and it’s no different for Ida. She joined the Arts Club in the beautiful Casa de Moneda in her first year while studying in Segovia and became president in her second. Now, in her third year, she’s helping to establish the club in the new IE Tower in Madrid.
She has also spent time creating the Nordic Club, which focuses on promoting Nordic regions and culture, while building an alumni network for anyone involved. She is helping to plan initiatives including a Christmas dinner and celebrations of different Nordic national holidays.
She and Nick both attest that there is a strong community feel at IE University, and joining an extracurricular only helps to enforce that.
Segovia vs. Madrid
At IE University, there is no such thing as a standard day. Campus life differs from Segovia to Madrid, and Ida discusses some of the differences.
Segovia has a different feel to Madrid. The Casa de Moneda was a big part of Ida’s Segovia life, a quick 10-minute walk through a leafy park from campus. There, she participated in the Arts Club. One of her stand-out memories from the club was seeing an art exhibition where around 50 artists participated.
In Madrid, the new IE Tower is still somewhat of a work in progress, with current staff and students molding it into what it will become. There are also more events going on in Madrid, so Ida’s life is busier in that regard.
Overall, the core of IE University is similar on both campuses. The focus on community and engagement runs deep, and both Nick and Ida are making the most out of their time with us. Whether that be in your studies or your personal ventures, IE University is supportive, encouraging you to discover what you love.
You can hear our full interview in this episode of the Going to IEU podcast.
