As an international student, it took me some time to adjust to life in the UK. Looking back on my postgraduate journey, there are a few things I wish I had known earlier. Based on my own experience, I would like to share some advice that may help new students settle in more quickly, make new friends, and make the most of living in such a vibrant and beautiful city.

Improve Your Academic Writing Skills

Even though I had previous experience writing undergraduate dissertations, I still found academic English writing quite challenging when I started my master’s degree. Fortunately, SEED regularly offers online academic writing workshops throughout the year. These sessions cover different parts of academic writing, from introductions and literature reviews to conclusions. The tutor analyzed examples in detail, highlighting strengths and weaknesses while offering practical suggestions for improvement. After attending these workshops over two semesters, I became much more confident and strategic in my own writing. My advice is to keep an eye on SEED’s Instagram account and eNews emails for workshop announcements. Even attending a few sessions can make a significant difference to your academic writing skills.

Pay Attention to Your University Emails

It may sound obvious, but university emails often contain valuable opportunities that are easy to overlook. Towards the end of my first semester, I received an email recruiting volunteers to help immigrants and refugees in Manchester improve their English and become more familiar with local culture and daily life. I decided to apply, and after completing the training programme, I officially began volunteering. This experience allowed me to meet people from all over the world, learn about different cultures, and step outside my comfort zone. It also helped me build confidence and added meaningful experience to my CV. Many opportunities like this are shared through university communications, so make sure you check your inbox regularly.

Stay Active and Try New Sports

Sport is one of the best ways to manage stress, stay healthy, and meet new people. The Students’ Union offers a wide variety of sports and activities, including five-a-side football and archery. If organized sports are not your thing, try making use of your accommodation’s gym facilities or outdoor exercise spaces. Maintaining a regular exercise routine is especially important during the winter months. Personally, I found that staying active made the shorter days feel much more manageable and improved both my mood and sleep quality.

Make Use of the Careers Service

A one-year master’s programme passes surprisingly quickly, so it is never too early to start thinking about your future career. The University’s Careers Service is a resource that every postgraduate student should take advantage of. During my studies, I booked several appointments covering career planning, CV and cover letter reviews, and interview preparation. The guidance I received greatly improved my confidence throughout the job application process. Having access to professional, experienced, and supportive staff free of charge is an incredible advantage. Before spending money on external career coaching services, I would strongly recommend making full use of the support already available through the University.

Final Thoughts

Starting postgraduate study in a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming. While everyone’s experience is different, I found that actively seeking support, staying open to new opportunities, and getting involved in university life helped me adapt much more quickly.

I hope these suggestions help you make the most of your time in Manchester. Good luck, and enjoy the adventure!

Written by Zihan, a current postgraduate student in SEED. 

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