Greetings all, I am Nasha, a first year student studying Law with Business LLB on the Cornwall campus. I am also an international student who is originally from Kenya and Pakistan. Even though it’s something that’s not always talked about openly, you might face some struggles or worries in your first term of university. However, I want to share with you some of the unforgettable experiences I’ve had during my first term and how I’ve overcome the struggles I faced. If you’re already a university student, I’m sure some of you might relate tome. We might have similar ideas or experiences; read on to find out!
Settling into uni accommodation
Arriving at university can be quite exciting as it’s a new environment, but it can sometimes also be a challenge if you’re far from home, especially if you’re an international student like me.
Regardless of whether you’re close to home or in a totally new country, it’s a great time of personal growth and becoming more independent as you grow and flourish as an adult, and your first term is just the beginning.
I would always recommend staying in university halls for your first year. I stayed in Glasney Parc, and when I first arrived my flatmates welcomed me really well. Glasney also has a reception open 24/7 to solve all your worries. Your room might appear empty and un-homely at first, but once you have filled it with all of your possessions, it will become a little home and a comfortable place for you to settle into. When I arrived at Glasney Lodge, the accommodation team handed me my keys to my new home and even assisted me with my luggage so don’t worry, you won’t get lost trying to find your flat after a long day of travelling. The Glasney accommodation block is fairly big and I am in catered halls, which meant that I have been able to meet new people every day when going for dinners or breakfasts.
Welcome week and getting to meet new people
The day after I arrived at university there was a welcome fair, and although I didn’t know anybody yet, I decided why not, I will just go alone to the fair. It was a sunny day, and as some students queued for pizza slices the rest hovered around society tables. I was greeted by society representatives with warm and friendly smiles and that’s when I realised it was okay to go alone because there will always be chances to meet people you will get along with. As campus tours took place, everyone was introducing themselves to new people. I came across two friends who happened to be from my home country! It all started with “where’s the info point?”: believe me or not, that’s the question the conversation began with. Sometimes you need to approach people with a question and that’s how you make new friends across the campus. During the welcome fair, lots of activities were provided and to give you a taster of clubs you might want to join. I would say Freshers’ Week (Welcome Week) is a great chance to meet new people and take part in activities with them that week so that you can get to know each other better. From my experience, even if you know nobody who may be going to a welcome fair or society meetup, just go and I assure you will not be walking alone back.
Getting around campus and the local area
Even though it was a new environment, I found it quite easy to navigate campus. There are usually signs directing you to the necessary buildings for any classes. When you are new, I recommend attending your lectures and seminars alongside someone who is in the same class if possible to avoid getting lost. If you’re studying at the Penryn Campus, the bus station is very close to the University and puts you right in front of it, meaning it only takes 20 minutes to get from campus to Falmouth and 40 minutes to Truro.
From Glasney, which is right next to the University’s campus, it’s around a 15-minute walk to the local Penryn town, which I find quite relaxing – it’s nice to walk in the fresh air and clear my mind with a coffee from one of the local shops like the Stargazy café. Within the local area, The Kings Arm’s is also a great place to enjoy a pint with friends if you don’t feel like going all the way to Falmouth for the night.
I do think Penryn is a very safe town while still being close to other bigger towns. It’s a charming town with a big student population, offering a mix of shops, outdoor activities, and a sense of community, all within a short distance from the vibrant student life in Falmouth. Whether you’re looking for somewhere peaceful to study, places to socialise, or access to nature, Penryn has it all. During the Christmas season the lights look stunning, so do have a walk at night to see the beauty of them.
Coping with homesickness
As the first term of university is the first time many of us will have spent a long time away from home, it is only human nature that we will miss being around our family, warm home cooked meals and our home’s comfort. However, to overcome the feeling of homesickness, during my reading week I went to my uncle’s house in the UK, and if you’re an international student with family over here, it’s great to keep in touch and meet them whenever you are feeling homesick. It may be tougher, but also do keep in touch with friends back home and family. Also, by joining clubs which interest you or volunteering at local charities, you can help take your mind off the feeling of homesickness.
Cultural differences as an international student
As other international students will know, the UK university environment may be slightly different to our ways of living culturally back home. Well, that’s nothing to be scared of, which I was before coming to university. Then I realised and the University community has many societies that can help you meet people who you share cultural traditions with.
For example, I am enrolled in the Asian society, who celebrate festivals which we would do back home such as Diwali. Once a month the society also holds a chai night for everyone to have cultural food which they might have been missing and it’s a great opportunity to meet new friends.
Trips also may take place once you meet a new friendship group within a society such as the picture below which shows us on a trip where we had fun splashing around in the cold water of St Ives. This was my favourite trip so far!
I hope by you all reading this blog it may have put a positive influence on any negative thoughts you had about settling in. If I had read this before joining university, I think I would have had less doubts about making friends and settling into uni accommodation. I also realised that embracing cultural differences is also a key part of the university experience, and joining cultural societies like the Asian Society allows you to celebrate traditions, meet people with similar backgrounds, and form meaningful friendships. If you’re already a student, I hope you had a wonderful first term at university, no matter what year you are in. Keep your head up and enjoy the university experience, since that is what we are here for.
Thank you for reading, keep a look out for more blogs which could help you!
