Advice

The first person in their family to go to university is often known as a first-generation student. University is not always an easy journey for these students and often they may require extra attention.

Based on my experiences of being the first in my family to attend university, with social and financial challenges along the way, I would like to share some advice for other students who might find themselves in a similar position. 

Figuring out how to transfer or exchange money between currencies as an international student is no easy feat.

While you may think that traditional banks are the best and safest way to transfer money between currencies, they can have hidden fees and complex processes.

Luckily, there are an increasing number of alternative options for sending and receiving money while studying abroad, including money transfer specialists and non-bank providers.

Being a refugee student at a British university has been both interesting and rewarding, but I know that many students who are seeking sanctuary in the UK might feel hesitant about applying or unsure of where to find the right support.

To put it simply, this academic year has been a difficult one. Dealing with the ever-changing pandemic, adjusting to online lectures, trying to engage with virtual career fairs, Zoom-based networking events as well as virtual job interviews.

But to top it all off, one of the most difficult parts of this year for me and my fellow students has been the unforgiving flow of job rejections.

I, for one, have found myself hopping from enthusiasm to despair at the prospect of job-hunting.

When searching for a job, students can find themselves swamped with information and advice about how to make themselves attractive to employers, leaving them feeling overwhelmed. Some employers might state that they value good communication over organisation skills; others might prioritise time management over good teamwork.

Truly it really will depend on the industry you wish to work in, the role you are applying for and the specific qualities sought by an employer.

University is a learning curve in more ways than one. While it’s natural to focus on the academic side of things when applying for university, once they arrive on campus many students find themselves wishing they’d spent some more time on practical skills.

A recent survey from Ivory Research found that 64 per cent of students in the UK had never done laundry, 53 per cent had never gone food shopping and just under half had never practised cooking before going to university.

During your time at university, you’ll hear many employers, academics, alumni and careers staff say you need to develop “transferable skills” to secure internships and jobs. But what does this mean?

With a range of world-leading universities to choose from, lots of courses taught in English and a comparatively low cost of studying, it’s easy to see why so many international students want to study abroad in the Netherlands.

If you’re planning on studying abroad in the Netherlands, one of the most important things to consider is how you will fund your studies. Luckily, the Netherlands has a range of scholarship opportunities that could help you fund part or all of your studies.

I’ve worked with many international students over the years, helping them to develop career plans, research career sectors and take control of their career future. An international education can open many opportunities, but you need to make the most of the experience to really benefit. 

Ensuring that you start to think about your career from the very beginning of the time you’re at university will ensure that you maximise all the opportunities available to you.

Middlesex University. We offer qualifications underpinned by the British education system, which are validated and quality assured to the same standards as those offered in the UK. 

Our application process is smooth and straightforward, and our admissions process aims to admit students who demonstrate potential to complete their chosen programme of study successfully.