Starting your journey as an international student? Ready to take your next big leap forward? Studying abroad is a rewarding experience. It is even more gratifying when that institution is The University of Manchester. However, in the shroud of excitement, sometimes students might ignore or overlook some important details.  

I am Anwoy Mostafiz, a proud member of the 2023-24 MSc Business Analysis and Strategic Management cohort and I am here to share a few things I wish I knew before I embarked on my postgrad journey. 

The Grading System Here is Different! 

Secured 60 or 70 out of 100? If you are coming from an Asian university or a North American curriculum, these marks are abysmal and you have failed the course. In the UK education system, however, 60 or above is Merit and 70 or above is First Class. So, when the marks start coming in for the first semester, it is best to set expectations accordingly.  

Assignments and Essays 

Regardless of which program you are in, there will be essays to write and assignments to submit. In fact, in most of my modules, the final exams were designed as essays too. On top of that, these were mostly online. If you are not accustomed to writing essays or assignments, I strongly recommend honing your writing skills beforehand—you’ll thank me later! 

There is So Much Help Around! 

Getting nervous? Don’t worry. The university is there to help you. All you need to do is ask. I did not know so many workshops and seminars take place all around the campus which guide students in essay writing, exam preparation or even to provide mental support. The best way to keep yourself updated on the things happening around is following the social media handles of the University and respective schools. I have gotten my hands on so many freebies and participated in several productive events since then. 

Make the Most of Welcome Week 

The first week of the program is indeed one of the most exciting periods during the entire course. Induction classes take place and you finally meet your professors and peers with activities happening all around you. This is the ideal time to network with your future classmates and I cannot emphasize this enough. It is very likely that your modules will have some sort of groupwork element and it is always better to have a good understanding with the people you will be working with beforehand. Also, as all the programs celebrate diversity, you are sure to meet people from many different parts of the world. Knowing them, interacting with them not only opens doors to an incredibly enriching cultural experience, but you also get to make new friends as well! I missed the first three days of welcome week as I arrived late in the UK and after that I had to play catch up as most of my classmates had already become so acquainted with each other. 

Joining the MSc Business Analysis and Strategic Management program has been one of the best decisions I have made. This journey so far has been rich with memories, new friendships, experiences and opportunities. Keep the things mentioned above in mind while starting your own story, and you’ll be good to go and make the most of your time at The University of Manchester. Good luck! 

Written by Anwoy, current MSc Business Analysis and Strategic Management student at AMBS

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