When talking about my experience at the University of Manchester, what immediately comes to mind is a culture of respect, support, and a student-centred approach. As an international student who has never studied or lived abroad, I felt both nervous and excited when setting out for the UK. My nervousness stemmed from whether I would be able to adapt well to a different language, a different culture, and different lifestyles, as well as whether I would be able to adjust to living independently. My excitement laid in the prospect of a new environment, new friends, and the potential for new opportunities. Fortunately, I believe I chose the right place. Almost from my very first day here, I quickly adjusted to my surroundings. I met warm and friendly flatmates who showed me the supermarkets around the apartment, so that I purchased many everyday necessities. I also took part in the University of Manchester’s Welcome Week, which quickly helped me integrate into both the university and the city. The week-long orientation activities enabled me to quickly overcome my sense of loneliness and shift my feeling of being out of place, because I realised that everyone is inherently different, that’s perfectly normal, and that the faculty members and students were all so friendly and helpful.

I completed GP registration and received key support for career guidance and other needs during the orientation week. During the first week in UoM, I was impressed by the lecturers. Professors were highly respected and exceptionally professional. To my surprise, a single course had multiple lecturers, even when a particular class was not taught by one lecturer, but all members of the course team would appear in the classroom. I was delighted to find that every lecturer I met was conscientious and dedicated, and they further encouraged everyone to actively share their own reflections. In seminar sessions, particular emphasis is placed on fostering students’ individual development: they engage in discussions with group members, and each student has the opportunity to share their own perspectives.

What I find particularly helpful for my studies as an international student is that most of the instructors have very standard English. They can genuinely empathize with all students, modulate their speaking pace, and ensure that even non-native speakers can follow the conversation easily without encountering additional barriers.

Beyond my studies, I have also experienced the university’s humanistic care. First, students at the University can take free public transportation to travel to and from campus, especially during winter, when it gets dark very early, using public transport to return home is relatively safer than walking.

Cosy Spaces are also easy to find throughout the teaching buildings, providing microwave ovens and designated areas where students can have hot meals and take a short break. In addition, the university cares about its students’ employment prospects, offering on-campus part-time jobs and a dedicated employment platform to help students find internships and full-time positions.

What also left a deep impression on me was the Safe Zone initiative for personal safety and the anti-fraud awareness campaigns conducted by school security personnel, which urged everyone to protect their personal and property safety. I was also informed that if I encountered any problems or needed assistance anywhere, I could freely seek help from the school.

Overall, I was delighted and satisfied during my first two months at the University of Manchester. I hope that in the days ahead I will meet more peers, seize fresh opportunities, and truly cherish this year.

Witten by current student YINGQI REN.

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