It does not matter how near or far away home is for you, as an international student, adjusting to UK university life could take some time. Although it is a very exciting new journey you are embarking on, there could be some challenges headed your way too, simply because you are in a new country, with a new culture and a new phase in life. Adjusting time varies from person to person, so don’t be worried if you are finding the transition more difficult. Below we have put together some useful tips to help you make the most of your experience and navigate the transition smoothly.
Prepping Before Arrival
It is always good to research your university and the city/town it's located in beforehand. Familiarize yourself with the campus layout and nearby amenities. This will come in handy when you eventually get to the university, as you will have an idea of where you are going and what the area is like. Preparation will also help you understand the local weather which will guide you in packing appropriate clothing.
Accommodation
Your university accommodation is going to be your home away from home, so you will need to have it sorted ahead of time before making your travel arrangements. There are a number of options available to you, ranging from university halls, private rentals, and homestays. At Unihousing, we have a wide range of accommodation options available to you, both for solo living, and shared housing. Check out our website to register your interest.
Orientation Week
Attend the university's orientation events. These events are a great opportunity to meet fellow students and get acquainted with campus facilities and resources. From here you will also find a lot of helpful information about freshers’ week.
Cultural Adjustment
Keeping an open mind as much as possible will be a great help to you. Be open to new experiences and customs, some of which might be very different from what you are used to. The UK has a diverse culture, and embracing it will enrich your university and general experience. Engage with both local and other international students, as this can help you learn about British culture and share your own.
Academic Transition
Spend time learning about the UK education system, as it will likely differ from your home country. During the academic year, you will be required to attend your lectures, planned seminars, and tutorials regularly. Active participation will help you engage with the course material and your peers, whilst also giving you a better understanding of how everything pieces together.
Time Management
This is a positive habit that will help you stay on top of things in many ways during your time at university. Develop effective time management skills to balance academic commitments, social activities, and personal time. You can make use of digital tools or planners to keep track of assignments, exams, and deadlines.
In a new country as an international student, you might feel homesick, overwhelmed or even lonely at times. The best thing to do is to try and stay as positive as you can and fill your time with new experiences, adventures and time spent with new friends. Look out for opportunities to enjoy yourself, and meet new people.
Part Two of this blog is available here
Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!
Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.
Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.
