Top 5 Post-arrival tips
Posted on December 8th, 2007 by StephenWith my first semester here in Leeds now over, I’m counting down the days till I fly over for a trip around Europe. Over 25 day’s I’m traveling to The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, France and Scotland. I should be spending Christmas in Paris, France and New Years in Edinburgh, Scotland. This’ll be my first real trip traveling – so it’s pretty exciting! It’s going to be tricky juggling the travel with study, but I think it’ll be worth it.
In keeping with the theme of my last post, here are my top 5 post-arrival tips. Hope they’re of some help 
- Get in early. Most likely you will have arrived early as an international student, as universities often have an International orientation week before Fresher’s week. Make the most of it and beat the queues by sorting out subjects, bank accounts and registration in that first week. It’s also a great opportunity to explore the more deserted campus, so that you know the layout by the time busy fresher’s week comes around.
- Be social. The first couple of weeks at university are quite unique, and a new place brings new faces for everyone. Small things like leaving your door open (when you’re around!) and chatting with neighbors are great ways of meeting new people. The friends you make during those first few weeks are often the ones you’ll stick with throughout the first year, so you don’t want to miss out no matter how bad the jet lag is.
- Join groups. During Fresher’s week you’ll find out about lots of clubs, societies and groups through the university’s union. Ranging from sports, hobbies and cultural, these groups offer the opportunity to meet domestic and international students at the university, as well as engage in great activities.
- Be prepared for change. The change in country obvious brings out differences to what you’re used to at home. At university it might be the expected study load, structure of lectures or layout of campus. In life, it might be the living conditions away from family, shopping in stores you’ve never heard of before (with strange currency too) or weather that is completely different to back home. Whilst you’ll quickly get used to the differences, over the first few weeks they can be quite a shock – so research what to expect before leaving.
- Explore. With the study load of university, there’s always the temptation of staying close to uni and keeping on top of work. Don’t forget how far you’ve come to be there: make the most of it – get out there and see the world!
December 11th, 2007 at 6:55 am
Hey Stephen, sorry to post a comment again – but I am really liking the blog so that I can get some perspective and information about what its going to be like when I get over there. One thing I have been wondering is (apart from your big trip coming up) have you travelled much in the UK, or had the chance the travel much? Is it easy? Thanks Will
December 11th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
No worries William, it’s good to have some feedback.
I’ve pretty much covered most of North England since arriving, I really only want to make it up to Newcastle before leaving. Then there’s Scotland, still plenty to do up there.
Fortunately I found a group called http://www.dontbeatourist.co.uk early in the semester, who run day trips out to various cities and towns accross england. They mainly service uni’s in West Yorkshire, but I’m sure there’s plenty more options accross the rest of the country.
If you decide to go it alone, it’s really easy and you’ll still have a fantastic time. Student Rail cards go cheap, allowing discounted rail travel all over the UK and deals on busses are often really low. You’ll have no problem finding somewhere to go!
February 12th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Hi,what about your easter travel plan?
April 8th, 2008 at 7:31 am
Hi Stephen.
I only just found your blog, and i really liked your post arrival tips. What made you decide to go to Leeds? How did you find the univerisity etc.?
/Monika
April 11th, 2008 at 4:10 am
Monika,
My university provided me with a list of exchange partners in the UK. I made a list of the subjects that I needed to take in order to complete my degree in time. I then went through the subject catalogs of all the partners, and ranked them on compatibility with my degree, it. the one that offered the most equivalent subjects to the least. This ensured that I’d be able to gain credit for the subjects I took there.
That was the main criteria really. When it got down to just a few choices, the real possibilities for my degree, I researched the universities and cities they were located in. In hindsight, I really should have taken more notice of their academic standing – from resources such as http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/good_university_guide/ Also, I found that the descriptions of subjects in the catalog that I used to select them has been inaccurate, and sometimes completely wrong. This means I could be denied credit and have to take them back home again.
December 30th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
cmnedunogkdczivfwell, hi admin adn people nice forum indeed. how’s life? hope it’s introduce branch
April 20th, 2009 at 5:16 am
Hey Stephen,
I came across your blog while searching for blogs on Study in UK. Some of the information is really useful. Do have a look at this resource <a href=”http://studyuk.learnhub.com” Study UK Community and lemme know your opinion.
Regards,
Saumil
April 20th, 2009 at 5:17 am
Hey Stephen,
I came across your blog while searching for blogs on Study in UK. Some of the information is really useful. Do have a look at this resource Study UK Community and lemme know your opinion.
Regards,
Saumil
April 20th, 2009 at 5:19 am
Sorry the above link got broken. I don’t know whats the problem. Try this <a href=”http://studyuk.learnhub.com” Study UK Community or http://studyuk.learnhub.com.
June 11th, 2009 at 1:14 am
Great experience tips.
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April 10th, 2010 at 8:29 am
It is very well information. All people want always to know all about things that you have been described here. My university provided me with a list of exchange partners in the UK. I made a list of the subjects that I needed to take in order to complete my degree in time.It is very valuable that This is very nice post! I will bookmark this blog
May 14th, 2010 at 5:45 am
Great piece of writing, l actually stumble on your site while doing research on google. I will bookmark it for easry access.
May 26th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
Very good article I like the way things are described with attention to detail.
Fortunately I came through hayes consultants and their pre and post arrival support has been excellent, with Brunel University a top ranked I am glad to refer hayes consultants to u all. hsac.uk.com is their website..logon if u do want good help.
June 17th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Wow I had my share of good experience with my first days in UK. A bit nervous but I’m glad I was able to find a good place to stay in and my friends did help me.
August 14th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
that’s incredible.
September 30th, 2010 at 2:45 am
A horror of asking for upwards can be unequalled, and that i ‘m packed with amazement each and every a . m . lake see that I’ve got done it.CLytton Strachey (1880C1932), Engl
October 25th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
WARNING: Please note that there is a firm in the United Kingdom which provides private tuition for university students, the majority of whom are from overseas. This firm, called the Institute of Independent Colleges and University Teachers (I.C.U.T.), based in Coventry, United Kingdom, is headed by a man called Dr. Vincent McKee. McKee is a FRAUDSTER and a SCAM ARTIST. Do NOT approach ICUT for your educational needs. Many students who have approached McKee’s firm have had money taken out of their bank accounts WITHOUT THEIR CONSENT. Please do NOT pass on your bank account details to ICUT. McKee’s dishonest ways go back a long way. Between 1985 to 1989, McKee used to work as a teacher of political science at David Game Tutorial College in South Kensington, London. During this time, he would ask students to lend him money, and yes, you’ve guessed it — he would never pay them back. He used to target overseas students, especially. McKee was/is a racist as well. He used to call Asian students “Pakis” and black students “ni***rs.” Finally, in 1989, he physically abused a Nigerian student, who complained to Mr. Game (the owner of the college), and McKee was summarily sacked. And then, in 1993, McKee found a job as a politics lecturer at the South Bank University in London, but he was again sacked the following year (1994) when he made racist and homophobic comments to students in his class. In 2005, he set up his own company, I.C.U.T., but from the very beginning, students who approached his company realised that they had made a bad decision when money was being siphoned off their bank accounts. Hotmail was alerted and they suspended McKee’s Hotmail account because they correctly identified him as a scam artist. Please, folks, DO NOT seek help from this dishonest, racist thug. Check out
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?storyCode=204942§ioncode=26
November 3rd, 2010 at 10:58 am
That is a really helpful post. Also we in our language school, where we also prepare students from abroad to study at universities in the UK, do help and support our students to feel good in the UK and to get allong with all necessary procedures.
We would be glad to welcome you here, if you do have any needs.
November 5th, 2010 at 7:03 am
Nice tips! I personally feel that students should be aware of the policies regarding their admission and other concerns.
November 12th, 2010 at 7:17 am
hello
i am amine again
as i said before i am from algeria and to get the UK visa is to hard (study visa or visitor visa or whatever)
i am interested at study visa and i have got some information about it
but the only problem is money
my questions are
1 – How can I get financiald aid?
2 – I want a scholarship, where can I get one?
November 12th, 2010 at 7:18 am
by the way
this is my msn if any one want to help me please
persia5@live.com
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Now the novel was translated in English it’s calles “Rainbow Troopers”. You might like it.
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