Blogs

In January 2020 the news started spreading: “the coronavirus is a global health emergency, more and more cases reported every day.” 

This came just a few days before the Chinese Lunar New Year. Consequently, the degree of fear started growing among international students like me, wondering if we would really be safe.

We had heard news like “a new mysterious virus behind the pneumonia in Wuhan” in early January, but still we had never anticipated that within 10 to 15 days this would turn into a global health emergency.

Tiana Zhao, actuarial science and statistics, University of Waterloo, Canada

Being a Chinese international student in a foreign country is always hard during Chinese New Year because we are used to celebrating with our family.

The University of Cambridge, together known as Oxbridge, are two of the most well-known and prestigious universities in the world.

Due to the highly selective admission process and the high number of bright and highly qualified applicants, their admission rates are quite low. For example, in 2018, according to the University of Oxford annual report, of more than 47,000 applicants, less than 9,000 were accepted (19.1 per cent).

I started my university journey in 2011 at the University of Mostaganem in Algeria studying English language, literature and civilisation then moving on to an MA in applied linguistics at the same university, where I graduated in 2016.

After getting my MA, I was lucky enough to receive a scholarship to further my postgraduate studies in the UK. For someone who never had an exchange programme abroad, or study-related trips, it was an exciting opportunity.

As we set foot into our home for the next four months at an American university, we were met with the depressing sight of sickly-green linoleum floor and cage-like bed frames. We had been placed opposite our resident advisor’s room to ensure no after-hours shenanigans. 

I’m Anna, a geography student from Wales. I was the first to encounter the room. I opened the door to find two empty beds and clinical, plastic-covered mattresses. I was left wondering what I had got myself into. This wasn’t what dorms looked like in the movies. Was I in the right place?

For every international student on an F-1 visa, Optional Practical Training (OPT) is the vehicle one uses to work legally in the US. It has just one downside: by the time you get your permit, it may too late for you to do your internship or work experience. 

For most people university is a time of learning, not just about your chosen course but about yourself. It gives you freedom and independence and a chance to start building the future you’ve always dreamed about. Joining a society or a sports team is one of the best ways to make the most of your time at university, and here’s why.

1. You can make friends and meet new people

I want to start with one of the most obvious reasons as to why sports and societies are so great – the social aspect.

Throughout 2019 many student blogs and advice pieces have been published to assist students at any stage in the university journey.

These include articles on putting together applications, blogs from international students from all over the world, and of course a huge number of rankings aimed at helping students choose the best university for them.

 Below are the most popular articles published in 2019, but be sure to check out the many other articles that were published during the year. 

Graduation day is a day of celebration and reflection on your time at university. But what happens after the degree has been conferred, the mortarboards have been thrown and you've packed up and left the place you called home? Most students don’t realise the impact this will have on them. I certainly didn’t.