Top tips for international students coming to study at BNU
Top tips for international students coming to study at BNU
My name is Tegjwok, and I am an international student at BNU studying Aviation Management with Commercial Pilot Training in Aeroplanes. I have gone through the process of arranging travel to the UK and settling into the new environment, so I know that going to a new country to study can be quite daunting! So, having just completed my first year, I would like to share my top tips for international students before and after coming to the UK, as well as things I wish I knew before coming to study at BNU.
Before coming to the UK
1 – Apply for your visa as soon as possible
If you have to apply for a visa, start applying as soon as possible, as the process can take a lot longer than you think! The last thing you want is to miss your intake because you were not able to get a visa in time. Also, make sure to check the conditions of it once you have received your visa, as there can be different conditions for different people. For example, you might have your work hours restricted to 20 hours during term time. Suffice to say, make sure you adhere to those conditions, as you do not want to land in hot water with the UKVI!
2 – Keep your visa and documents in order
I cannot stress enough how crucial this is! Keep a physical and digital copy of all your documents, such as your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), Certificates and Health Insurance. Additionally, get your enrolment forms done early as this will save you a lot of stress when you arrive at BNU, and you can then fully focus on moving in.
3 – Research the area
This one is important! You might think that it can’t be that hard to settle into a new town, especially since we have Google Maps, right? This was a mistake that I fell into myself. Not researching key information like the route from the university to my accommodation came back to haunt me on my first day in town, as I went over a bridge when I was supposed to go under it (pedestrians are discouraged from walking over)! I found this out the hard way as there were pebbles placed on the roadside, making it difficult to walk on. Add to this that it started raining (and I did not have a raincoat), and this made my first day a bit hectic.
4 – Prepare for the weather!
As I had learned, British weather is not for beginners. In September, which is when most international students arrive, it can get surprisingly cold! If you are coming from a warm climate, be prepared by packing enough duvet covers and blankets, as you will need them. I made the mistake of not packing enough bedding, as on the first night I moved into my accommodation, I was left shivering and looking for warmth in my thin blankets!
Also, don’t be shy to bring a raincoat, as it can start raining very unexpectedly (as I learned on my first day).
After coming to the UK
1 – Talk to everyone
In the first few weeks of university, everyone is new and most people do not know each other. Therefore, don’t be shy to spark conversations with random people, as they are probably just as nervous as you are! BNU is very diverse culturally, so you very well might meet people of the same culture as you.
2 – Get involved in the events at the university
The first few weeks of university are crucial, as it is at this time that you may form lifelong friendships. BNU organises numerous events for Freshers in the first few weeks of starting university, so I highly recommend attending as many of them as possible. I have met many people during these Freshers events that I still talk to today!
Additionally, I highly recommend attending the Freshers' Fairs that happen during the first few weeks, as they can introduce you to the wide range of clubs and societies that BNU has to offer. Whether that be sports, music, or cultural societies, there is something for everyone! And the best part is – all of these are free!
3 – Talk with your lecturers
Your lecturers are going to be the ones sticking with you for a lot of your course, so it is beneficial to build a relationship with them from the start and leave a good first impression. Lectures at BNU are very personalised, and I found that a lot of the time my lecturers were happy to spend time talking after sessions.
4 – Register with a GP
This is important, as you need to be able to readily access healthcare services and emergency care when you need them. It is smart to prepare for the worst in the future (touch wood!) even if you are not feeling unwell in the present, especially since you will be far away from home.
