Posted Tuesday 6 August 2024
It's been a year of firsts for Kingston University student Rim Boulila. After snapping up a place through Clearing, the 18 year old found herself becoming one of the first students to complete the launch year of its new BSc (Hons) in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence when it got under way last September.
At the same time, she joined the first cohort of students to complete Kingston University's brand new Future Skills modules – now being rolled out to all undergraduates across every subject areas as a core part of their learning to prepare them for career success. Added to all that, she's just wrapped up year one of her studies with another first – coming top of her class.
There's been no looking back for Rim since she picked up the phone to Kingston University's Clearing hotline on A-level results day last year, spurred on by a friend's recommendation. An avid fan of video gaming, she had always had her heart set on studying computer science, hoping to one day go on to develop her own software.
A year on, she still remembers her initial feelings of trepidation about making the call. They quickly disappeared, however, and she soon found her mind being put at rest. "The hotline operator I got through to at Kingston University was so supportive and really helped me work through all my options," she said. "I was already interested in studying computing and, when I discovered on the call that there was a new course that also incorporated AI, I knew it was going to be the one for me."
Her early nerves about starting university also quickly dissipated. Rim soon found herself settling into campus life thanks to the support of the University's teaching team and her fellow students. "My lecturers have really encouraged me every step of the way as I've completed my course work," Rim said. "The University's student ambassadors have also played a big part in helping me make sure I make the most of all the opportunities available. I've been amazed at what a friendly place university can be."
Born and raised in Tunisia, Rim originally moved to the UK to complete her A-levels. As well as soaking up a range of new experiences on campus since starting her studies, she's also enjoying living in Kingston upon Thames – making the most of its leafy, riverside location while still being just a short train ride from the heart of the capital and all the excitement it has to offer.
Being one of the first students to take part in the University's Future Skills programme, which all undergraduates will be completing as a core part of their degrees alongside subject-specific learning, has been an added bonus. "This extra emphasis on employability has been a big boost to my confidence and has given me a chance to really start focusing on areas that will be crucial in my career, including problem solving and adaptability," she said.
Computing expert Professor Graeme Jones, who has been one of Rim's lecturers during the past year, described her as a shining example of how dedication and determination could ensure students got the most out of their courses. "Since joining our new computer science and artificial intelligence programme, Rim has proven a highly capable student, very diligent in her studies and an inspiring mentor to her peers," he added.
As well as making huge strides academically, Rim has also thrown herself into life outside the lecture theatre. She's become a student ambassador herself, helping out at the University's open days and with its Saturday Club outreach programme to give school pupils a first taste of what higher education is all about. From next year, she will also act as an academic mentor on her course, supporting students completing workshop sessions.
Her ambitions don't stop there either. Longer term, she's now got her sights on a Master's degree, before setting up her own business developing gaming software.
14 August 2024
14 August 2024
12 August 2024