Elisa Donà

What is your name and what course do you study, what year are you in?

I am Elisa Donà, and I am a third year LLB Law student.

What were you doing before you came to study at City? 

I come from Venice, Italy and prior coming to City I was studying in a technical high school focusing on languages and tourism.

Why did you decide to apply to study at City? 

I felt that City was the perfect match for me in terms of modules, extracurricular activities and career prospects. I have been lucky to receive plenty of support from the Recruitment Staff which made me feel valued as a student.

Moreover, the possibility to be close to the City of London made the university a suggestive choice. This is why I decided to study at City.

What has been your favourite module on the course, and what have you enjoyed most about your time at City? 

My two favourite modules so far have been International Criminal Law and Intellectual Property Law.

These are two totally separate modules, however, the materials in these courses have been engaging and stimulating, as well as the possibility to receive extensive support given from the Lecturers.

Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, I was not able to be around City during half of my first year and the entirety of my second year.

But, as I have recently started to attend in-person lectures, I enjoy being able to wander around the University and meet up with my friends for a coffee at Courtyard Café’ or at the City Law School new building.

What is your favourite thing about studying at City? 

The university itself feels like a home where you can create your own place to study and express yourself. I enjoy having modern study spaces located within the inner City of London.

Moreover, I am able to express myself freely and ask for further guidance in my preferred field of study thanks to the support and availability of the Lecturers.

What kind of things are you involved in outside of your course? 

I have been involved in various activities throughout the University. I have been a volunteer through CityBuddy and I became a Senior Volunteer this year.

I was also able to take part in the Micro-Placement Programme in my first year, as well as volunteering through the Pro Bono course for Citizen Advice Richmond. Through the Pro Bono Society, I have been accepted to take part in the ‘Review your Rights’ Human Rights Project.

Human Rights are a current passion of mine and thus I was accepted into the ‘Human Rights Virtual Summer School’, taking place in July.

In terms of extracurricular courses, I studied Arabic in my second year and I have been accepted to study Spanish through the LGP courses this January 2022.

I am also currently working as a Nanny for three children in South London, as well as working as a Paralegal for almost a year in a local high street law firm.

During my winter break I took up snowboarding in Italy and I will be back for my next reading week to improve my skills.

What do you plan to do after you graduate? 

I would like to become a Solicitor and I am currently applying for the LPC and a wide range of Masters in the EU.

What would be your top tip for our applicants? 

I believe that applicants should not be afraid of showing their true colours and oneness! Every person is unique and universities value that.

I also believe that showing interest in the course and thus researching it deeply, for example, by highlighting a current case you found interesting or past experience in Law, gives a better chance to draft a top application.