No amount of blogs can perfectly encapsulate the amazing experience that is the life of an international PG student. It is truly a unique journey that you can only understand if you live it. However, luckily for you, I’m going to try and summarise the best bits for you in just one page.
When I moved to Birmingham, I was sceptical. Making the decision to do my Masters was a big one, and I was so nervous, I had a million things running through my mind… Would I be able to make friends? Would I even like the city? Would I understand my professors? Would I adjust to the weather? Would I like the food here? But all my doubts vanished as soon as I landed. I had a lot of bags with me, full of home-cooked snacks packed by mom, farewell gifts from loved ones, and a heart heavy because I was leaving home and moving so far away that I couldn’t be reached with just an Uber ride. But as I left the airport and smelt the air, I know it sounds dramatic, it felt just like it does in the movies. I felt lighter, the air smelt sweeter, and yes, I was nervous, but my excitement outweighed my nerves. I was ready to start this new chapter in my life, I knew I’d picked the right uni, and I was excited to begin my academic journey here.
When I first walked into campus, it was such a liberating feeling to soak in all of the vibrancy and glory of the campus, everything felt fresh and full of promise. As a postgraduate student, we don’t have a lot of time on campus, so you have to make sure that you show up each day and make the best of your time here. I promise it will all pass by faster than you realise. I’m already writing my dissertation, but it feels like I just got here yesterday. I try my best to attend all events at uni, whether it’s fun events, social events, or career networking events, but it’s hard, because trust me, there are just so many, it’s hard to keep up! I am usually pretty introverted, and I was struggling to make friends, but going to social events really helped me. I’ve met such amazing people, and that has made my uni life experience so much better.
Even a thing as simple as getting lost on the way to class boosts your confidence because the campus is just that massive! We’ve all been a little lost on campus, but finding your own way to class feels seemingly silly to celebrate or even mention, but it definitely feels like an accomplishment. All in all, being an international student is an incredible experience and you learn and grow so much. Remember to embrace every moment and step out of your comfort zone, the journey shapes your academic journey, but you as well.