International students
A realistic Guide to life at UCLan - written by students!
by Lucy Hirst, BA (Hons) Public Relations, 1st year, age 19.
It’s more than just a holiday!
Coming to the UK from a different culture is daunting. English may not be your first language and you’re worried about communication problems, or you may not be looking forward to all the different food! Whatever the reason for worrying, someone else has felt the same way before you. I have interviewed students from across the globe to find out what problems and fears they had and how they overcame them.
The lack of structure in classes seemed to be the biggest problem for the students. Robert, who has come to UCLan from the United States, said;
‘At times the lack of imposed structure that I was accustomed to back home can be difficult to deal with.’
In the UK, university is seen as something that is very independent and the work done is up to you with what seems like little encouragement from your lecturers. If you are having trouble, I’m sure your lecturers will try to help but individuality is widely encouraged to get us ready for our future adult lives.
Obviously the language barrier and communication problems are a big problem for the majority of students who come over to UCLan. With UCLan in particular, being in the North of England it can be even more difficult to understand some of the varying accents.
Meeting your new flatmates and course mates can be a scary thought if you are worried about the language barrier. Jolie, who has travelled here from Hong Kong, was nervous about her English skills.
‘I was worried because I don’t think my English is very good, all the people I met including my lecturers have helped me build my confidence.’
It is not just differences in the university style that can be nerve-racking, but the initial shock of living in a different country. There is different food and different customs you have to get used to. Joyce, who has travelled from the Netherlands, found that the way the British dress was so different to her own country. Even something as small as seeing someone dress a lot differently to how you are used to can be very intimidating when coming from a different country.
Joyce also mentioned ‘I kept getting lost in Preston! I was lucky to have English friends who knew where they were!’
It can be very confusing coming to UCLan and trying to find your way around. For a number of you the cars will be driving on the other side, don’t forget to watch out!
Overall everyone I interviewed has encountered something that scared or worried them but was helped through one way or another. If you are worried about anything during your stay here at UCLan there are many different places for you to go. UCLan has a very unique and helpful place where all your questions can be answered. We call this The ‘I’.
