First year as an international student !

Hello, there ! to all my fellow international students. Whether you’ve just arrived in the UK and are a month into your studies or you’re looking to study next year. This should give you a little insight to first in the UK and what you should keep in mind.

Although it was 2 years ago thinking back to my first year at De Montfort University, I’m still a little dizzy from the whirlwind of it all. Starting as an international student, I knew it’d be an adjustment but what I didn’t know was just how amazing my year would turn out to be.

First things first: get settled. Although I’d already spent two years in the UK before uni, I still found the welcome sessions from the international team a lifesaver. They’re informative and cover everything ,like opening a bank account, figuring out healthcare, and even basic tips for surviving British weather (umbrella and wellies always on hand). If you’re new to the UK, definitely attend; they’ll help you feel right at home!

Once you’ve got the basics down, here’s my advice: get involved with anything and everything. For me, that meant becoming a student ambassador, joining the Women in STEM Society, and diving into Formula One Students and the Electronics Club. If you couldn’t already tell, I’m an engineering student through and through! Energy Engineering, to be specific but hey, I like my hobbies with a dash of food, so my friends and I spent a lot of time trying all the restaurants in Leicester city centre.

Between balancing academics and getting involved, I made sure to take full advantage of the academic support DMU offers. The Engineering Learning Centre and library services were my go-tos, and somehow, I managed to keep up a first class amidst it all. And the people I met? Incredible friends from around the world who made my year even better.

So, my first year at DMU? A blur of late-night study sessions, international friendships, and unforgettable memories. Here’s to your adventure and may it be just as epic as mine!

Cece
Energy Engineering Student
De Montfort Univeristy