Navigating uni life as an international student

Oshan is in her second year of BSc (Hons) Computer Science. She shares her knowledge on student rights, budgeting, academics, and experiences to help you thrive at Bradford.

Hi! My name is Oshan, and I'm in my second year of BSc (Hons) Computer Science. I'd like to share some tips and advice to help you navigate uni life with confidence.

Know your rights

It's critical to know your rights as an international student. There are plenty of visa sessions you can attend online before you begin your studies or decide on your university. These sessions are great for learning more about the rules and regulations regarding visas and your rights as a student. If you have any further queries or issues, you can always contact your personal tutor or the University's international student support services.

Housing
Anyone living in student accommodation has rights in terms of deposits, privacy and maintenance.You can find more information about the rights of students living in halls on the citizens advice website.

Equality, access and disability

Students are protected under the Equality Act 2010, which prohibits discrimination, harassment and victimisation to protected characteristics in education. If you experience any behaviours like this, you can report it to the University or the Students' Union.

Work rights

Having a part-time job whilst studying can help with your finances and budgeting, but you have to be careful that you are sticking to your visa conditions. International students enrolled in a full-time degree programme may be permitted to work under specific visa conditions. You can visit the employment information for international students webpage to find out more.

Working alongside your studies

Working part-time while studying is beneficial in terms of finances, personal growth, work experience and time management; however, it requires a proper balance between work and studies.

Take advantage of Bradford's Career and Employability Services to get help in building your portfolio. You can book an appointment with a member of the team to help you with writing a standout CV and Cover Letter.

Gaining experience

Growth takes time, so don't rush the experience. There's nothing wrong with starting early and going at your own pace. Look through opportunities from time to time and go for the ones that you think will lead to development and growth.
Some of my tips are:

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Build your portfolio through volunteer roles, part time work, and exchange programs

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Apply for summer experience internships through the Universities Career and Employability webpage.

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Engage in sports and societies to learn new skills

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Network and don't hesitate to reach out to people

Final thoughts
It's okay to feel lost; do not hesitate to reach out to people. There are numerous services around you to help you anytime, about anything.

Got questions about studying in the UK?

You don't have to be born here to be made in Bradford.
Check out our dedicated International Students webpage or make an enquiry, and a member of our enquiries team will get back to you.