Prospects Postgrad UK 2007/2008 - (Page 31) SPONSORED BY www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK ADVICE AND INFORMATION 31 The range of clubs and societies at universities is endless, from Martial Arts to the Fair Trade Society, and joining a different club is a great way to meet people from the all over the world, including those from right here in the UK, which is a good way of getting to know more about British life. ‘There are many clubs and societies here at MMU. We have a calendar of events and email students to let them know what is happening. Departments organise their own activities too, but we encourage people to join clubs and to take part in university life as much as they can,’ says Nicola. Jia agrees that the best way to adapt to life in the UK, and to enjoy it, is to get involved in activities you wouldn’t normally take part in. MAKING FRIENDS ‘I found that immersing myself in British life was the Loneliness can be a problem when you move to a new best way to adapt and make friends.’ country but there are plenty of ways to make friends at With so much information and support on offer, moving university and find an activity that you enjoy. Jia joined the to the UK need not be as scary as you first thought. But, as International Society in Manchester, which helped her stop Jia points out, make sure you get as much information as feeling homesick. you can before you set off. ‘I met lots of friends when I joined the International ‘Get lots of information from the university you want to Society,’ says Jia. ‘As well as parties and activities, they study at. Find out where you can go and who can help you. organised celebrations for Chinese New Year, which is But don’t worry; somebody will be there to help you. You when I felt most homesick, but it really cheered me up. A need to join in though, and mix with people from all over few friends got together and we cooked Chinese food. It was good fun.’ the world, not just students from your own country.’ DURING YOUR COURSE The support you receive does not stop once you have settled in; as well as having a personal tutor or supervisor allocated to you on your course, you will be able to use the international office throughout your studies. Nicola is a dedicated welfare officer at MMU and most universities will have advisers you can speak to if you are having any problems. ‘My job is to give students welfare advice, which includes advice on immigration, housing, academic problems and finance. I would be the person students would be referred to at MMU if they had any problems,’ says Nicola. ‘One of our lecturers took us to the most famous fish and chip shop in York. This is something we would never eat in China but I decided to try it and I did enjoy it. There was about 20 of us standing outside this shop eating our chips, talking and having fun.’ Jia Wang http://www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK
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