By a current NTU student
The new one at NTU
… and everything starts all over again. New academic year and a lot of new students. NTU is one of the biggest University in UK and every year welcomes thousands of new students. Starting in a new place is very exciting but also can be a bit stressful, especially when you are an international student and apart from being in the new city, you are in a new country with a different language. But don’t worry, I have some tips for you that might help with starting at NTU and to enjoy this new adventure.
So… where do we start?
1. New accommodation
The important thing is to make this place feel like a home. If you are far away from your family and friends don’t kid yourself, you will miss them. Your place is your new home, a place when you can come with friends to watch something or to rest after hours of classes, or simply be alone after a bad day (that can happen and is normal). So, spend a moment to make this new place your place. Sometimes small details change a lot.
2. Making friends
Yeah, everyone talks about it. There is a lot of pressure to be sociable, cool and have a lot of friends. Some people are just naturally good at it and others not. If you are an introvert or just shy don’t make yourself talk to everyone just because it is expected. If someone looks a bit lonely or lost in your seminar group or accommodation, introduce yourself – they might be really glad you broke the ice first! Everyone else is in the same boat, and are all new and all want to get to know new people too. There is a lot of occasions for making friends too, classes, gym, language courses, students parties etc.! Even if you only need one person during the first week or two, don’t worry as there are plenty of opportunities to meet more people throughout the rest of the academic year!
3. Language barrier
Well, you have your English diploma (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge?) so you have to do great right? Unfortunately this isn’t always the case, but don’t worry coming to UK for the first time without knowing the British accent can be sometimes a bit difficult, but you’re not not alone in it (even people are ashamed to admit it). You will get used to this accent very fast and you are really lucky because in Notts it is pretty easy to understand people (compare to e.g. Liverpool) Even something like not understanding the bus driver, ask him to repeat. He won’t get mad at all!
4. Administrative stuff
Your adult life starts here… Depending on your situation you will need to deal with some administrative stuff such as getting enrolled at the Uni, getting registered with the GP, paying your bills etc. Luckily in the UK many of this is stuff you can do online. If you are not sure about something just ask somebody. The University staff are really friendly and ready to help with any problems as for sure someone before was in the same situation. There is the Information and Advice service within the NTSU and the Student Support Services at NTU so there’s plenty of support to access whilst at university!
Ok, so a quick summary:
– try to make yourself feel at home in your new place
– find even just one person who you can talk with
– don’t be afraid to ask someone to repeat something if you don’t understand or to ask for help and advice
– And again, there are thousands of people in the same position as you are, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Ready? Let’s start this journey!
For help and advice whilst studying at NTU, take a look at the following for sources of support.
Personal Pastoral Support at NTU (general worries and anxiety, homesickness, loneliness, a relationship breakup, or a bereavement)
Support from NTU
Silvercloud: SilverCloud is our online system designed to help with a range of mental health issues.
Depression advice
Counselling
Wellness in Mind: Advice and support for anyone in Nottingham experiencing issues with their mental wellbeing
Struggling at Uni? Go to Student Minds
10 Keys to happiness
Healthy NTU 