By Carolina, MSc Business with Digital Management
Leaving my home in Colombia and moving across the world by myself has been one of the most challenging experiences I’ve ever had by far. Last year I decided to study my postgraduate degree at UWE Bristol, and when deciding where to study, I knew I wanted to find a place where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and included.
I didn’t just look at the University’s academic status, but also at the different social activities going on and the support available international students. For me, this was so important as I believe work life balance is key, and I knew I needed activities where I could enjoy time out and take a break from my studies.
How I have felt supported at UWE Bristol
Since I arrived at UWE Bristol, I felt very welcomed by all the staff. I remember the first day I arrived in the UK, the staff were so nice and helpful. They arranged my transport from the airport to my accommodation, which helped me to not feel overwhelmed on my first day in a new country.
Since I arrived at UWE Bristol, I felt very welcomed by all the staff.
The Global Café and Conversation Club in the Global Lounge were the activities that I joined during my first few weeks at UWE Bristol. Here I found out valuable information about the university services, and I met other new students from all over the world as well.
The Fresher’s Fair was two days full of activities, music, and food. Here I had the chance to find out more about the different sport societies at on offer here. My first time ever playing polo was with the UWE Bristol Polo Team and it was such an amazing experience. It was fascinating to learn how to ride the horse properly along with the hand mallet practice to develop a good technique. The whole tour around the Beaufort Polo Club was an experience I’ll never forget either.
The library was basically my second home for the last few months and apart from being there working on my assignments, I also joined different workshops that helped me improve my critical writing skills. The librarians running these workshops are very friendly and gave me good tips which I was able to put into practice in my assignments.
Also, I found the support I received from the Careers Service staff really useful. They gave me advice about jobs and my CV, which was useful for me to prepare and start applying to different roles in the UK.
Student Life activities
Some of the Student Life activities I’ve joined during this year include the boat cruises, bowling nights, craft clubs, roller disco, among others. The first activity I joined was the boat cruise. We had the chance to see the whole Harbourside, including attractions such as the iconic SS Great Britain, and the colourful houses in Hotwells.
My favourite activities were the ones where I had the opportunity to be creative. These include painting my own plant pot, and more recently sowing some peppermint seeds, which I can now watch grow. Also, making my own dream catcher, which is now up in my room.
I have to say that I’m extremely grateful for those social activities that helped me make new friends and fit into life at UWE Bristol. I also discovered hidden skills and explored my creativity. It also helped me to feel less homesick and gave me a sense of community that is sometimes hard to find when you first move to a new country.
Being in a multicultural environment has made my experience so much better as I’ve met people from all over the world and we’ve shared our cultures. One lovely memory was when I tried homemade food made by two of my classmates from Myanmar. They cooked dumplings and a dish called Mala Xiang Guo, which is very traditional in Asia.
Being in a multicultural environment has made my experience so much better as I’ve met people from all over the world and we’ve shared our cultures.
Studying at UWE Bristol has immersed me into a friendly and inclusive community where I’ve made so many amazing memories that I’m sure will last a lifetime.
Discover more about international study at UWE Bristol.
