Insights and Advice on the International Student Journey
Student Race Advocate, Elphas Ambunya Amakalu, discusses their learning journey from Kenya to Chester and provides tips to international students who are planning on following a similar path.
Firstly, I would like to say a huge welcome to the University of Chester! As an undergraduate and now postgraduate student from Kenya, I can speak from experience about the exhilarating journey you will take to pursue your degree. I understand the mix of emotions surrounding this process, from the joys of having your UK student visa being stamped, to the nerve wracking excitement of stepping into a whole new academic and social environment. I thought that I would share some insight on the things you will find useful and exciting about the university experience, whether you are just starting the process or if you have already applied.
The moment you get your UK visa, there’s a floodgate of emotion which I found was mostly anticipation of not knowing what lay ahead. As the popular saying goes, fortune favours the bold. You will find that your first piece of fortune was getting the chance to travel to the UK, your second piece was getting the opportunity to study in the beautiful city of Chester, and your last but not least piece of fortune was to get a place at a university which currently boasts of over 92% employment of its alumni. But let’s not jump ahead, first things first, here are the top three things that helped me when I was embarking on the journey you are thinking about starting or have just started.
- Packing essentials
Being an international student, I know it might be tempting to pack a little bit of home which ends up being a lot. Know that it is essential to make sure you check the baggage allowance, which will normally be specified on your ticket. Make a list of things to bring based on your allowance. Yes, a simple list will not only ensure you don’t exceed your weight limit but will also ensure all that necessary items are not forgotten. I know it might be tempting to carry your entire wardrobe, some home cooked meals, framed pictures of all your friends and even a jar of air from your home (I know, I tried). Creating a list will help you bring the essentials you need and will also save you any extra fees at the airport. Make sure that you also use the guidance that the Student Experience team send to you via email as well.
- Budgeting brilliance
Money has always been the big elephant in the room. Budgeting as a new international student can be a daunting task. But this should not be the case. First and foremost, Chester’s University Dining Rooms offers nutritious food at pocket friendly prices. But there’s more, the community hub also has a community kitchen where you can book to use to prepare food using your own ingredients which you can bring from home. More information about the facilities for students at the main Exton Park site can be found here.
You have read the books and seen the news and yes, it is all true. The UK weather is the most unpredictable thing you might experience in your entire life. Being prepared for cold weather is essential and that means you need clothes that have been designed for the sometimes harsh conditions. Fortunately, Chester is home to so many charity shops. From cheap clothes to cheap household items, Chester has everything you may need.
When it comes to personal finances, the University of Chester provides support to help all its students to deal with any financial uncertainty that may arise. You can speak to a Money Adviser from Student Services to ask for help with managing your financial situation.
- Embracing campus life
I will repeat again that fortune favours the bold. This famous Roman quote has been the guiding principle of my life ever since I stepped foot into the Roman city of Chester, and I would encourage you to use it as well.
Embrace campus life by boldly engaging in all the opportunities that are provided by the University of Chester. From societies to campus events, sports, and the vibrant night life, I encourage you to use your boldness to get involved.
Remember that the University of Chester is not only a nurturing institution, but the staff are here to help you flourish both academically and socially, so don’t be afraid to be bold.
Make sure to check out the University’s International student information pages for more details on how you can be supported to achieve more than you thought possible at the University of Chester.