Wednesday 30-10-2024 - 09:00

🗺️When I first arrived in the UK as an international student, I was so excited and curious.

I’d always dreamed of studying abroad, immersing myself in a new culture and expanding my knowledge of the world. But, the reality of stepping into a new country, far from the comforts of home, quickly hit me.

 

 

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😮A New Culture, a New Space:

The first few weeks in Manchester were overwhelming. Everything was different, the food, the weather, the way people interacted. Simple tasks like figuring out how to navigate public transport or understanding local accents, became challenging. Back home, I had a support system, people I could turn to without a second thought. But here, in this new space, I felt like a fish out of water.

The cultural differences were massive. While people were friendly, the nuances of British humour, the unwritten rules of conversation, and even small social cues often left me puzzled. I struggled with feelings of loneliness and homesickness, unsure if I would ever feel like I really belonged.

 

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😱Fitting In: The Initial Struggles

Fitting in wasn’t easy. In lecture rooms, I was surrounded by students who’d grown up with a different education system, making it hard for me to contribute confidently. I worried about being misunderstood, judged for my accent or even the way I expressed myself. There were times I doubted if I had made the right decision to leave home.

Socially, I was hesitant to put myself out there. I found myself questioning whether others would understand my experiences or if I could keep up with conversations about British pop culture, which was all so unfamiliar. The fear of feeling out of place held me back initially, and I often found myself isolated, missing the comfort of home.

 

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🫶Finding Support at Uni and The Union

Fortunately, I had so much support from Manchester Met. They seemed to understand the struggles that international students face, and I soon realized that I wasn’t alone. The Union became my lifeline during this time.

The Union’s staff and representatives were always available for advice and guidance. They organised events specifically for international students, creating spaces where I could meet others who were going through similar experiences. Those interactions were invaluable.

 

 

I made it a point to engage with the school’s activities. Joining clubs and societies, attending workshops, and participating in cultural events not only helped me meet new people but also made me feel part of the school community.

The Union played a huge role in encouraging this involvement. Whether it was a campus event, or a volunteer opportunity, they made sure students from all backgrounds felt welcomed.

One thing that made a huge difference was the availability of The Union’s Advice Centre. Whenever I felt uncertain about academic issues, financial issues, or even practical things like housing, the Advice Centre was there to provide support.

 

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🤝Encouraging Others to Seek Support

My message to any international student reading this is simple, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s academic advice, emotional support, or simply figuring out how to navigate daily life in a new country, there are resources available to you.

The Union, Advice Center, your Personal Tutor and even your peers are there to help. It’s okay to feel lost or homesick, those feelings are natural, but it’s also important to remember that you don’t have to go through this journey alone.

 

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You’re Not Alone💛

So, to all the international students out there, embrace the experience, get involved, and never hesitate to seek out the support systems in place. You’ve got this!