Acing your studies as an international student in the UK: tips from my lecturers

The UK education system is very different from what most international students arriving in the country have previously been exposed to.

It can be daunting at first, but luckily, the UK education system also has a wide range of support for international students to settle and quickly get on with academics and life.

So, to assist international students starting courses in the UK, I asked my three lecturers to share their top tips that they believe can help international students make the most of their time in the UK. This is what they had to say, in their own words:

1. Debra Manley, Programme Leader, MA Public Relations and Digital Communications, University of Salford

"Number one is getting relevant work experience before you come. So if you come in to do a public relations course, try and get some public relations work experience. This could be doing something like helping your local sports team with their social media or helping a charity with their social media. Some of those things will help when you start the course. Also, do your research about what's on the course and try to find out as much as possible about it. 

When you get here, take every opportunity that you possibly can. So if there's work experience opportunities offered by your course, whether it's my course or another person's course, or voluntary work, take them. It's worth taking them because it's a really good way of gaining valuable work experience and networking- meeting people because in a lot of careers, it's who you meet that can really help with getting jobs at the end of it. And experience on your CV is as important as your studies.

Also, getting involved in the Students' Union wherever you go to study, whether it's Salford or elsewhere, is important. There are a lot of opportunities available through the Students' Union. There are societies. So you might find people that you can go socialize with, organise events with. I think one of the biggest challenges about leaving home is actually setting up a whole new social network. So it's not just about your studies and doing your assignments, it's actually meeting people and having people to talk to and go out with. I think throwing yourself into social events from the beginning helps with settling in, helps with feeling at home.

The other important thing is joining professional organisations. Quite often, professional organisations have a student membership which is a lot cheaper than if you're working in the industry. So being a student member means you can get access to their resources and also, you might be able to go to some social events. With some professions, it's worth having a look at those. I would also say, register for job alerts. So look at what profession you're going into and register for job alerts. 

Because then if you're getting job alerts throughout your studies, you go ‘what do I need to learn?’ I need to learn how to do this, and I need to get experience in this because when it comes to applying for a job later, you need to have those skills. You also need to look at where you want to be, what skills you need to develop and work on. So, the time that you're on your course, look at ways to develop those skills. Lastly, set up your LinkedIn. People look at your social media and your LinkedIn. If you've ever done anything dodgy on social media, delete it!"

 

2. Michelle Eagleton, Lecturer in Journalism and Public Relations, University of Salford 

"Do not be afraid of admitting you might be finding the transition hard and the education system different. We are here to help you and the sooner you let us know what you might be struggling with we can hopefully offer solutions, advice or even extra support. It is difficult and sometimes scary moving to a new country to study, so do not think you appear weak or unintelligent by asking for help. In fact, as a lecturer to international students, I am totally in awe of your ability to take the brave and exciting step of studying overseas. It is far better to ask us to explain things you don't understand earlier on in the course rather than suffer in silence and have it affect you and your learning experience later on."

3. Sara Eyre MCIPR, Programme Leader BA Journalism: Multimedia and BA Journalism with Public Relations, University of Salford 

"International students are a vital and valuable part of university life in the UK. It can be difficult to move to a new country for university- things might be very different from what you're used to. My advice would be to take advantage of all the support and guidance that universities might offer. At Salford University, there are courses in how to improve your academic writing and workshops that you can attend. If there is any aspect of your studies that you might be unsure about- ask a member of the academic or library staff. 

It might also be a good idea to join clubs and societies- from sports and theatre clubs to DJ and mature students societies- there's plenty on offer. Find ways to make friends- with students from your own country and the country you're visiting. And see if your university organises special events for international students- many of them do! Be a tourist! Go sightseeing or visit nearby cities and tourist spots.

Finally, always speak to your tutors if you're feeling unsure about any aspect of the course. They will usually be happy to help or point you in the right direction if they don't know the answer.  And enjoy the whole experience!"

So, there you have it! Remember, you're not alone! Seek help when you feel overwhelmed and enjoy the journey. All the best!

By: Sibongiseni Zondi (Chevening Social Media Ambassador)

NB: Sibongiseni Zondi writes this blog in his personal capacity. The views expressed here do not represent the views of the Chevening Scholarship Secretariat, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Chevening partners.

Zondi is a 2022/23 Chevening Scholarship recipient from the Kingdom of Eswatini pursuing a Master's Degree in Public Relations and Digital Communications at the University of Salford, in Manchester, United Kingdom. 

Chevening is the UK Government’s international scholarships and fellowships programme. Chevening Scholarships are awarded by the UK Government to develop international leaders.