What it's really like studying at uni

The transition to life as a university student can be daunting if you don't know what to expect. Oshan shares her experience of what it's really like to be a university student and how you can prepare for the next step in your journey. 👇

Hi, my name is Oshan, and I am an international student from India. I'm currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in BSc (Hons) Computer Science at the University of Bradford. I am also serving as Course Student Representative for this academic year, therefore, bridging the gap between students and faculty.

Getting to grips with your finances
As soon as you arrive at university, it is essential to maintain your finances. Some essential key steps are:

▪️ Open a UK bank account
▪️ Create a budget plan to track your incomings and outgoings

Other things you can do to reduce costs:

▪️ A lot of supermarkets offer membership/loyalty cards - these cards enable you to buy things at a reduced price and earn points too which can later be redeemed for vouchers

▪️ Don’t forget to sign up for student discount platforms (UNiDAYS, Student Beans and TOTUM)

Finding balance
Finding balance in university life can be hard but it is essential to prioritise yourself and your health. To have a break from your studies you can also engage in sports and extracurriculars.

The University of Bradford Union of Students (UBU) have a vast array of societies and extracurriculars on offer. Maybe you have a particular interest or maybe you just want to learn about a new culture, then you can join societies to engage in activities amidst your schedule.

Managing your studies and making time for extracurriculars will help you find balance.

Managing your deadlines
After settling into university life and getting into a routine, the days will pass like a blur, and you will realise that you have multiple deadlines to handle. In my experience, these are some of the best ways to manage your deadlines:

▪️ Get an early start and do some effective planning
▪️ Try not to procrastinate and always start early to avoid last-minute panic and stress
▪️ You can use planning tools like Notion to create goals and manage your tasks effectively
▪️ Don't be afraid to seek academic support in case of any queries or problems

Embracing diversity
Diversity is at the heart of Bradford. You can experience it not only in Bradford city but also across the whole campus, starting from Richmond Building and ending near Phoenix Building.

As you walk through campus, you will meet people from various parts of the world. I love that there are so many different cultural societies that spread cultural inclusivity and diversity and it's also amazing that the UBU and the University hold numerous cultural festivals throughout the year.

You'll also be excited to hear that the University celebrates Culture Fest once a year to celebrate the global cultural diversity of students studying at the University of Bradford.

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A home away from home
In order for it to feel like home, it is important that you step out of your comfort zone and make new connections.

My tip is to never hesitate to make the first move to start a conversation. You can make new friends from your course cohort, student accommodation, the Students' Union, or in common seating areas like the Atrium or library.

You can also do various activities and hang out with your new friends and get to know each other. It’s always about finding the right people who make you feel at home! I am always grateful to the University of Bradford for giving me the best friendships.

Seeking support
University life can be overwhelming and it’s okay to seek support. The University offers every kind of support throughout the whole year. Some of the services are:

▪️ Counselling & Mental Health Service
▪️ Disability Service
▪️ Study Support Services (including Academic Skills Advice Service and the Language Centre)
▪️ Money & Welfare Advice team

These services are highly confidential, student-friendly and supportive. Don’t hesitate to reach out and book your appointment with the desired service.

So, what is it really like?
University life is not always a bed of roses, and you will have your fair share of ups and downs.

The most important part of figuring this out is navigating setbacks and making the most of your university experience. It's not only about getting a degree but is also about exploring, learning, growing and celebrating the amazing friendships you make along the way.

Discover more about student life at Bradford. :smile: