Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi! My name is Swathy and I’m an international student here at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ. I’ve just completed my final-year pursuing a degree in law with psychology. My hobbies include writing (explains the degree choice) and training in Indian classical dance. Originally from India, I’m based in the United Arab Emirates.

What is your experience being an international student in ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ?
Being an international student has helped me add to the rich cultural mix here at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ! Not only have I learnt so much about different cultures and lifestyles, but I’ve also been able to contribute to that learning. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with people from various parts of the world with different backgrounds and learn a lot about people. The ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ is a melting pot and everyone here benefits from the influx of different, and important, perspectives.

What opportunities have you made use of during your time at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ?
I’ve had so many opportunities come my way over the past three years, it’s been amazing! During my first year I was part of Showstoppers, the musical theatre society here at university. This was my first true experience being part of a group here at university and I enjoyed every bit of it, from auditioning and meeting so many first-year students with a passion for singing, dancing and theatre, to performing at the freshers’ show (which, by the way, ran for four nights!). I also joined the India Society, made a couple of life-long friends, and performed an Indian dance routine at the World Travel Market 2017 in London. My second year at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ was even more fun; I’d been super ambitious and took on key roles in three societies (I know, what was I thinking). The year ended up being one of the biggest learning curves for me so far; I’d managed to juggle so much simultaneously and thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it! During my final year, I decided to get involved with academic representation, as I’d gained a lot of first-hand experience of the systems in place, and I undertook the role of Joint Honours Officer this year. Alongside this, I also took part in various events organised by the Law Society and Inns of Court. Towards the end of the academic year, I applied for an Excel Internship with the University’s International Office, and I’m currently Global Engagement Intern here.

Tell us more about your internship with the UoS International Office!
As Global Engagement Intern, I get to work with the Partnerships and Student Recruitment teams at the International Office and so far, it has been very interesting. I’ve been able to witness first-hand, and contribute to, the efforts that go into making ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ a university with truly global reach. The collaborative efforts undertaken for academic research and exchanging ideas is immense, and it certainly reflects in the quality of the systems in place.
My role was initially based around the Worldwide Universities Network and the AGM that took place in Dublin this year in May. I was required to take part as a delegate in the Student Forum, and discuss key issues such as student mental health, consent education and sustainability. My internship was based around collating information regarding the work done at UoS around these topics and exchanging best practices with student delegates from various universities across the globe. Back here in ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ now I’ll be helping with disseminating these ideas, and it feels great – to be able to contribute to the progress of a community that has contributed immensely to mine.

What are your plans for the future?
I am an aspiring commercial solicitor. I enjoy finding solutions and hope to be able to contribute to a flourishing society. Ultimately however, I am very keen on getting into the education sector, perhaps in the capacity of being able to aid international collaboration to improve quality and systems of education, just as the International Office here at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ does!

My time at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ has been life-changing. From my academic program, to my new life in the UK, I’ve become a smarter, more cultured person who is confident to take on new challenges and experiences.

After studying aerospace engineering at the Naval Academy, I wanted to expand my engineering knowledge and use it to solve the sustainability challenges we will face over the next several decades. I searched for programs that weaved together my technical background, passion for sustainability, and future naval career. ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s MSc in Sustainable Energy Technologies could not have been a better match.

After settling into the degree program and meeting its faculty, I looked forward to the other fun features of student life. But how does a Navy guy fit into a more relaxed university atmosphere? Joining numerous societies on campus allowed me to pursue my hobbies with new people—and ultimately new friends—who shared my interests. After the first week of lectures, I was already indoor skiing with the ski and snowboarding club, photographing horses in the New Forest with the photography society, and playing a water polo game in Bath with the water polo club. ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s various societies not only allowed me to practice shooting film cameras or listen to Big Shaq before a big water polo match, but they provided a strong sense of community with my fellow students that has lasted the entire year. Joining a few societies is easy to do, as ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ offers scores of diverse options, and is a must for any new student wishing to settle in quickly.

The Fulbright program further enhanced my educational experience. As a Fulbright Scholar, I was able to tap into some serious British intellectual capital. A significant portion of my personal growth has simply been the result of interactions with my fellow Fulbright Scholars. ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ is a quick train journey away from central London, home to many scholars in my Fulbright cohort, and I’ve shared a strong sense of community with them and the other scholars in the South. I’ve hosted them for Easter weekend and summer barbecues, and they’ve reciprocated with couches to sleep on after various events in the city (dinners, lectures, West End shows, and a ballet recital to name a few). I’ve also travelled with Fulbrighters to other cities such as Oxford, Manchester, and Belfast.

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s location also lends itself well to exploring the rest of the United Kingdom. It’s close to iconic items on any tourist’s checklist (Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, Jester’s Nightclub) and other local gems such as Winchester, Bournemouth, and the Isle of Wight.

The ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ partners with the Fulbright Commission to offer a fully funded scholarship award each year for a US citizen to study a Masters programme. To find more, visit our International Funding Partnerships page.

Our Egyptian student host was PhD student Peter, who talked about getting on and getting out (and about) during your studies:

Make the most of the University’s resources

Studying for a degree is hard.  Studying for a degree in a new country with bad weather and questionable food is even harder.  But the University has lots of resources to support you and make your study time as productive (and enjoyable) as possible.  So whether you’re pulling an all-nighter in the 24 hour library, improving your writing with online courses or taking a study break in ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s very own petting zoo, the University has everything you need to succeed.

To help our students relax during exam time, ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ University’s Student Union SUSU holds a petting zoo each year.

 

Read more, memorize less

It is not only life in the UK that is different, education in the UK is different too and you will have to adapt quickly to new ways of teaching and learning.  Rather than memorizing information, you will be expected to spend your time in the library or online, doing your own research and setting your own questions.  It can take some getting used to, but the skills you learn (critical thinking, problem solving, research) will be invaluable for your future career.

Calligraphy classes hosted by the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s .

 

Choose your accommodation wisely

You’ve chosen where you’re going to study, now you have to choose where you’re going to live.  If you’re new to the UK, university accommodation is a great choice as it’s clean, quiet and safe.  There are halls all over the city so you can choose one that best suits you and your schedule (and your budget), and finding a room is straightforward and convenient.  If you are feeling more adventurous, or would like your own space, private accommodation could also be a great (and often cheaper) option.  It can be a little more difficult to find somewhere but the University offers a number of services to help you find your perfect home away from home.

Get moving (on two wheels!)

Tip number one…get a bike!  ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ is extremely cycle-friendly and spending just a few pounds on a second hand bike could save you hundreds on commuting.  There are loads of secure bike sheds on campus and in University accommodation too so you never need to worry about security.

The city of ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ has excellent infrastructure for cyclists – seen here is a cycling path within the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ.

 

Get out of the library

Your degree is important, but it’s also important to make time for fun.  The University and the city offer literally hundreds of things to do; there are 300 University societies (including Egyptian Society!) 90 sports teams, an award-winning internship programme, a premier league football team, hundreds of years of history and an international airport, meaning the sky really is the limit!

A tasting experience of iconic Egyptian food made by the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s MENA Society!

 

University is about meeting new people, and what better way to do that than over our love for food? This Souk El Akl was organized by the MENA Society and , bringing a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine to ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ!

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                             Church barbeque at Hoglands Park

Our Ghanaian student host was LLB student Doreen, who described her first year in ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ and gave her advice on how to survive the cold, the British sense of humour and the challenges of being an international student in the UK:

British people are great but beware the sarcasm!

From the minute you arrive, British people are super helpful and will go out of their way to accommodate you and make you feel at home, whether it’s answering your questions or helping you with directions when you get lost.  Just be careful of the British sense of humour – the sarcasm can take some getting used to but you will understand it eventually (and maybe even find it funny!)

                         Studying for exams while enjoying the sun

All the flavours of home

It is important to try British food while you are here, but if you fancy a break from fish and chips, you can get all the essential ingredients from home right here in ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ.  Check out the Global Halal Shop in St Marys Street and the International Food Store in Portswood.

                               Plantain with garden egg stew

Work, work, work

We all know that a degree is not enough when you are looking to get a good graduate job.  Luckily, the University offers a million different opportunities for you to get professional skills and work experience alongside your studies.  From sandwich year programmes and subject specific careers fairs to the University’s award winning Excel Internship Programme, there is something for everyone, whatever you plan to do after graduation.

Prepare to be challenged

Even the smartest students will feel challenged by the UK education system, which is a world away from what you are used to back home or at school.  Here, you will need to think for yourself and will be exposed to perspectives and theories from all over the world.  Come with an open mind, be adaptable and willing to try new things and hear new ideas.

Where to live?

If this is your first time in the UK, then the University accommodation is a great choice as it’s clean, safe and well-located, with something to suit all budgets and preferences.  The only thing you can’t choose is your flatmates but the University will try hard to match you with people from your course and the experience of living with other people will teach you a lot about cooperation, teamwork and diplomacy!

Don’t forget your sweater!

Let’s face it, Britain is not known for its hot weather; in fact, it’s usually downright cold, which can be quite a shock when you first arrive.   But fear not – the University accommodation service is well prepared for dealing with shivering international students and you can borrow a heater or two free of charge to ensure your room is nice and toasty all winter long.

Life is an adventure…

Choosing to study in the UK is both challenging and exciting but really the only way to make the most of it is to dive in head first!  Do everything, see everything and don’t sit still for a minute!

If you would like register for our next Insider’s Guide webinar, please

Their Politeness- The British are probably the most polite people I have ever met- the sorrys, the thank-yous, you name it! And I get them so well. If someone were to step on my shoes, I would be the one doing the apologizing.  This is something my friends back in India never understood and ticked me off for being too subservient but it feels such a relief knowing there are people like me on the other side of the world!

Their Love for Queuing- Not that I absolutely love queuing but I do think being disciplined and organised can save people a lot of hassles while getting on in buses, in supermarkets or even on road traffic unlike in India where chaos is a typical scenario on most Indian roads! I wish we did more of this back at home.

Weather as a Conversation Starter- Ok, I never used to do this before but this has sort of become an acquired trait even just being in the UK for 9 months. I do start most of my conversations now with the weather. Whether (no pun intended) it’s a good thing or bad, I don’t know but my folks back at home will have to deal with it, once I return.

Our shared love for tea and Indian food- No explanation needed there.

Their Reserved Nature- I’m not sure if the majority of people in England are this way but this is based on what I have observed and is probably the reason why I relate to them the most. Indians are known for their love of getting together and having long conversations with their family or friends. I, on the other hand, was considered quite the anti- social person in India. Here, however, I seem to fit in more as people here are friendly yet are not intrusive and respect each other’s space. Ahhh my kinda people…sorry India!

Their Sense of Humour- This is how I see it –

Indian sense of humour: jokes with cultural references (even though born and raised in the country, I do not sometimes get the cultural references partially because there are so many different cultural and linguistic implications)

British sense of humour: witty, dry, puns/ sarcasm, self- deprecating (maybe because I’m a masochist myself)

Sadly, I can’t say I’m as witty as the Brits are but I am definitely more drawn to the British sense of humour than any other kind.

All in all, these are just a few reasons I could think of, of why I relate more to the British than Indians. Don’t get me wrong, I love my country and I’m proud to be an Indian and there’s nothing like Indian food BUT given a choice of God giving me a choice of which accent I would like to have in the afterlife, it would definitely be, a British one.

Thanks for reading!

Digital ambassador

Faith Syiem

Last week’s webinar was hosted by Kenyan LLM student Kendi, who talked about everything from homesickness and haircuts to part time jobs and, of course, the great British weather.

In case you missed it, here are Kendi’s top tips for surviving your first year in ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ and making the most of your university experience:

Don’t forget your wellies

The British weather is wonderfully unreliable but as long as you come prepared, it can be a really refreshing break from the heat of home.  Pack warm clothes and DEFINITELY don’t forget your wellingtons and umbrella!

Come hungry!

Classic roast dinners, English breakfasts and lots of cups of tea are the perfect comfort food when you are studying.   But don’t expect to lose weight – British food is delicious but filing and you may need a lie down when you finish.  And if you ever need a break, you can always buy your own ingredients at our university market every Monday, which sells everything from bananas to bread rolls.

Weekends are made for fun (and travel)

Your weekdays may be filled with study, but your weekends should be for exploring!  ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ has a whole host of historic and natural sights to see as well as a premier league football team and some of the best shopping in the region.  Don’t stop there though – ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ is only an hour away from London and Heathrow, so the world really is your oyster!

Create a home away from home

Living in a new country can be tough and even the best of us can feel homesick from time to time.  Luckily, we have everything you need to make yourself a home away from home right here in ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ.  You’ll find African hairdressers, shops and restaurants as well as a warm welcome from our small but vibrant East African community, which will hopefully make the distance feel just a little less far.

Join a society (or 12)

One of the best things about studying in the UK (aside from actually studying) is the huge range of societies you can get involved in.  There are more than 300 at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, covering every single hobby and sport you can think of and even more that you can’t.  Oh, and make sure you join the – with its Thrills and Chills nights and legendary BBQs, you will feel right at home!

And finally, enjoy it!

The UK is one of the best places in the world to live and study and you will make friends and memories here that will stay with you forever.    So what are you waiting for?!

If you would like register for our next Insider’s Guide webinar, please

These weeks must have been hard weeks for most of students because of final exams and assignments. It’s not uncommon to find students with depressed conditions. While those responsibilities’ deadlines are approaching and required to be done, problems that are unrelated to our academic life and not able to be controlled can be hard to cope but it is affecting our progress in studying.

My experience in dealing with stress, depression, and anxiety was related to non-academic problems but affecting my academic. It was also escalated by the feeling of being lonely. It cannot be helped that you will be desperately feeling lonely because of being a PhD student. Despite of how social you are, sometimes the research itself drags you into it. Indeed you do a big chunk of a research topic collaboratively with your supervisors, other PhD students, and might be also with postdoctoral research fellows. However, the details can only be handled by yourself.

It’s not only a case or two I had dealing with difficult situations. From illness and physical injury although we had trained for health and safety, the funding problem, the loss of a person that motivated you to pursue higher degree, to facing many unexpected situations, I had overcome the situations by doing the following things. I hope it can help you, but several things are related to PhD students.

1. Keep communicating with your family.
   I always tell my parents how I have been here weekly through video call. Sometimes I call them, well, my mum, immediately when I really am in urgent or pretty happy situations. Of course we would like to share our achievements first to them rather than to others. I cannot have a video call on daily basis like my several friends do because my parents have works to do and so do I. So weekend is the perfect time to do a long video call. If I do not have a weekend getaway, we can talk for hours. And because the time difference makes it matched with the dinner at my parents’ home and lunch time here, we can eat together at that time although we are in separate continents. Your family is the one to know first your happiness and sadness, and they always comfort you.
2. Your supervisors are also your main advisers.
   Don’t hesitate to tell them your problems because you are also responsible for the progress of your research. They can give you the advice of what to do, especially the one related to academic, system, and rules. I am grateful for having supervisors who are understanding and very helpful when I am facing problems. Sometimes they advise me to take a break to help me refreshing my mind and energy. They also know where I should meet certain people when the problem is specific. To me, they are also like my parents here.
3. Make friends and always keep in touch to them that can be trusted.
   Even you are an introvert like me, I believe you need friends too. Don’t always be in a circle of people of your country, but try too to be engaged with people from other countries. In my first year here, I rarely engaged with friends from other countries or them from outside my research group. But then Residences Support Team encouraged me to come to weekly tea and cake time in my student hall and I met some new friends. Unexpectedly, when I was in a hopeless situation that could not be shared or ask a help from friends of my country and research group, these new friends helped me. They become my best friends until now and helped me not only once. Two of them had graduated and had PhDs, so sometimes they share their experience in dealing with PhD related problems when we are hanging out together.
4. Don’t hesitate to contact your Director of Graduate School when problems are related to academic.
   In some certain academic cases, you need to meet him/her discussing the best way to solve the problem. Don’t hesitate to meet them before your case becomes very difficult to solve and there is a risk you are failed for your study because of a thing you don’t deserve.
5. Don’t be ashamed to admit that you are dealing with mental health problems.
   In many cultures, having a mental health problem can be judged as a sin or a crime. But it is about your wellbeing, and it can affect your study. We cannot avoid events that cannot be controlled, and sometimes we do not know how to tackle them. You can tolerate problems to some extent, but in some cases it explodes. Notice yourself when you do a behaviour or two that are not your habit, such as sleeping too much or having insomnia. I experienced these and I knew I had problem couldn’t be solved by myself, so that I was encouraging myself to discuss it and asked a help.
6. Don’t hesitate to come to Enabling Services.
   They really help you, honestly. You can discuss and get counselling to improve your wellbeing. No one will judge you, they will hear you, and help you to solve your problems. You can them every day. Moreover, if you are living within university student halls, there is Residences Support Team that you can meet at night. It’s not only once I had met this team and also the First Support Team in the day. Sometimes you feel a hesitation to tell your problems with your family or friends because they also have problems, and we don’t want to add problems to them. Enabling Services will not reluctant to hear you.
7. Your GP is helping you for not only physical matters, but also mental situations.
   For one case I was suggested to come to my GP by Enabling Services after I had experienced a panic attack. At some point, your mental problem affects your body. Here the GP helps you to maintain your physical being and direct you to come to the appropriate place such as an advance counselling, a psychiatric practitioner, or a therapy class.
8. Don’t be afraid and ashamed to take therapies.
   Let alone having a mental health problem, taking a mental therapy can be judged more as a sin or a crime. Just ignore that and encourage yourself for the better situation. You do want to be better and pursue your goals than be dragged on unsolved problem, or even you don’t want to be shoved to do a criminal thing. Discussing it with your GP and/or psychiatric practitioner, you can take a therapy that suits you. It can be a routine counselling, taking medication, or attending a therapy class.
9. Help your friends that also deal with difficult situations.
   I got helps from many friends, that’s why I also want to forward their helps to my friends. By helping your friends, you also add your experience in coping with problems. Sometimes their problems are harder than yours so you can learn too.
10. Do activities that can help balancing your wellbeing.
    You can choose what activities that make you calm and relax. I found several activities that help me balancing my wellbeing after a discussion with First Support Team. Attending a yoga class is quite a must to help my body relax. Meeting friends at some point is a must to keep my sanity. I spend a lot of time to work from home now, but of course I cannot stay at my room forever and meet no one to discuss everything we like. I like an adventure. So I spend some of my weekends to visit some places with some friends. And I like photography too, so it is like to kill two birds with one stone. Thank you for the opportunity to join the International Student Digital Ambassador team so that I can learn improving how to take the pictures. So, here are pictures of my several mini adventures around ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ in these recent months.

The mind of man is capable of anything because everything is in it, all the past as well as all the future. -Joseph Conrad

Dementia is a disorder capable of cruelly wresting our memories and our past. And for all of us, it is the past that makes us who we are.

A 51-year-old woman, Auguste Deter, had memory loss, disorientation, among other symptoms related to pathologies of a psychiatric nature. The first symptom was jealousy toward her husband, followed by alterations in memory and a terrible clinical picture of paranoia. An autopsy of the brain evidenced the existence of generalized atrophy, as well as strange structures in the neurons. Later, in November 1906, the German Doctor Alois Alzheimer presented to the scientific public his theme “A peculiar process of severe disease of the cerebral cortex” in the 37th Meeting of Psychiatrists of the German Southwest, held in Tübingen.

This was the first description of one of the most devastating type of diseases named as the biggest killer of the 21st century. According to current data, dementia affects nearly 44 million people and concerns us all.

Alzheimer’s Research UK: Living with Dementia 2017

Living with Dementia 2017 was held at the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ conducted by the Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) charity of the South Coast Research Network (SCNC). The event consisted of a series of free talks attended by researchers with a significant track record in research of neurodegenerative disorders, university members, and people living with the disease closely. The main objectives were to expand scientific knowledge about interesting aspects of dementia as well as to know the personal experience of patients and their families who somehow have found a way to live their lives with passion and courage.

In particular, the word dementia describes a group of symptoms that occur when brain cells in specific areas stop working properly. This can affect how a person thinks, remembers and communicates. But how can we understand the disease and that human being who is confused, terrified, and aware that his identity is fading? How can we understand the family member who, without having wanted to, has suddenly become the most important pillar of his loved one? How can we contribute to supporting them in the journey along dementia’s path? It is true that part of the answer lies in the scientific advances but it is equally true that we ourselves can contribute to breaking the barriers that exclude us from them. Because the reality is that anyone of us could fall prey.

While families, caregivers, and researchers work in silence to improve the quality of life for those who suffer, there are communities willing to support research and educate society. As does the organization of Alzheimer’s research UK. Because prevent and defeat dementia depends on understanding, knowledge, and solidarity. And commitment with society is the driving force behind leading research to develop effective treatment and diagnostic approaches in a large collaborative network across the country. we all together can do something. The actions we take will bring us closer to finding a cure and, most importantly, give everyone the support they need.

Here I leave the link of this great organization so you can read a little more and find out how you can help and have all the information you need.

My words will not be able to describe the emotional impact that this caused on us. And I will not make an attempt to describe that day. Even so, what I would like to do is take the opportunity to thank the people who make possible the existence of charitable organizations. People who donate, campaign and allow the growth of these. To the researchers who put all their capacity and their commitment to this cause. To the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ for being part of this network and always showing great commitment to society. To you, who embrace imperfections and differences. Especially you, who strive to live with passion.

My respect and admiration for all the people who have found a way to face the world and express their reality. In this regard, I would like to mention William Utermohlen, who with great courage began to portray himself in an attempt to understand his illness. An action that was clinically attractive. Like Utermohle, there are people out there who  find comfort in art and help others to understand the inner feelings of the condition of their illness.

William Utermohlen

William Utermohlen, was a painter diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease who exposes in his art the progression of the disease from a heartbreaking perspective: blurring his identity.

To begin with, I know there would be a thousand useful topics that I could touch on this post in relation to University and life as an international student in ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ. However, this time, I want to highlight some amazing things in this city which I personally enjoy and which I believe are worth further comment and which should set out to discover.

And I am particularly excited because I have met people who have spent years living in the city and have not done, any of the following activities! A couple of them have enjoyed these for the first time as much as I did and that is something that I would like you to experience at the first opportunity as we did.

1. Magic at Mayflower Theatre

Photograph was taken from http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/15173240.LAST_NIGHT__39_S_REVIEW__The_Red_Shoes__Mayflower_Theatre/

If you are a student who loves and enjoys dance, theater, music and art in general, I have great news for you.

Would you be surprised to know that you do not require a trip to London to enjoy these small but pleasant pleasures? From Greatest Ballets like Cinderella presented by the prestigious Birmingham Royal Ballet or the modern and fascinating adaptation of The Red Shoes, ballet under the production of Matthew Bourne to the incredible works of Puccini like La Boheme and Madam Butterfly. As you have read, the Mayflower theater has too much to offer.

If on the other hand, these activities do not define you quite well, but you are curious, I would recommend you a thousand times to select some function and seize the opportunity. It is an excellent experience that besides feeding your senses you could discover that it is a relaxing activity in times of academic stress.

2. Sunsets Ocean Village

Strolling around the Ocean Village is perfect whether you are looking for an oasis of tranquillity and fun at the same time. Here you can also take advantage of a small break and have a drink enjoying the views, as there are numerous restaurants and cafes with large glass windows or outdoor place to really enjoy the wonderful sunny afternoons or the beautiful sunsets of ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ.

3. ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Prezzo

Amazing Italian food with great atmosphere and Prezzo service very close to Ocean Village. The perfect place to eat or dine after touring Queen’s Park and the marina. After that, you can go to any pub in Oxford street.

4. Sprinkles Gelato: After Disney, the happiest place on earth

For a little fun after studying, on a quiet weekend or any time when tenderness and sweetness knock at your door, Sprinkles is the place.

5. Bournemouth

And my new favorite place in the world, Bournemouth. A trip from ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, Bounemouth is a place that brings to mind a Californian environment where the sea breeze touches your face and the sand on your feet makes you feel much more alive and happy. For me this place is paradise. I cannot wait to see another sunny day with sea view savoring a delicious ice cream!

During the last couple of weekends, I have been volunteering at the visit days at the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ.

What happens during these days? Well, in these events prospective students who are interested in continuing their education are allowed access to the facilities to see and learn more about what happens there. As you can imagine, this is a great opportunity to come and see the University for themselves and get to know the student life in ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ from the point of view of people who know it better: the staff and students.

Nonetheless, it is very unlikely that an prospective International student has the same opportunity to personally visit the facilities of the University of interest. To overcome this, I suggest you check out the and continue reading this blog, as this week I have given myself the task of (hopefully) addressing some of the questions and concerns which may arise among prospective international students.

I will try to highlight some of the points that, in my experience, are the first to consider when looking for a university. The common questions for many students are related to the advantages offered by both the city and the university.

What can the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ offer?

First, the advantages of teaching and learning methods. The ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ is one of the UK’s leading institutions in maintaining an excellent teaching and learning experience; maintaining a reputation as one of the most prestigious educational systems in the world. In addition, it has been recognized for promoting students ability to understand, evaluate and analyse in a creative and critical way. In this case, students are encouraged to think outside the box and simply enjoy the sense of wonder and discovery within the best intellectual environment. On the other hand, prodigious professors and researchers address some of the major issues facing the world today.

Furthermore, ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ has many international students. And by taking courses in different cultural backgrounds, students prepare not only for successful professions but also for lives that include an intellectual exchange with other educated people. For example, some attitudes such as an open personality and a tolerant character can be learned by studying with people from other countries. So, the University offers its students the unique set of transferable skills to pursue a career as well as promoting intercultural understanding and tolerance.

Life in ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ is not only recognized for presenting one of the best climates in the UK, and for offering an inclusive environment where creativity and innovation are expressed, but also for having the most smiley and friendly people. In addition, the city is very well connected. The city is only 75 miles from London! And of course, it is no problem travelling from here to many places of interest as you can find good rail connections, bus stations, and an airport. It makes it easy to move from A to B.

Naturally, many of the doubts that make us hesitate about going abroad are intensified by imagining the idea away from our friends and loved ones. But let me tell you that ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ and The University is very friendly and in it you will find many students who will be experiencing the same situation. You will soon see how simple it is to create ties with wonderful people.

In conclusion, the city and the university have many facilities such as places to eat, incredible green areas, libraries, gyms, some shops, clubs and societies.

Having said all this, I can only wonder why you are still waiting to join this wonderful city and university!!!