Practical tips for international students

When I found myself preparing to come to Norwich to start University, I had a lot of things running through my mind. I had both written and mental checklists for packed items, Visa documents, backups to those documents, and of course the pesky power adapters to hold me over on my travel. These are all vital things and important to keep in mind before leaving.

In this blog entry, I want to also highlight some key takeaways after being here for a few years and sprinkling in some of those practical must-haves along the way.

Lean on the support system

Before your travels to Norwich, you will probably have been in contact with a few members of the international staff and have heard about some of the opening week events, to meet some of your peers as well as other members of staff. These folks are here to answer your questions and are eager to help you!

No matter how prepared you are, there is bound to be something that throws you off when you get here. For me, it was getting a new bank account. I scoured the internet for hours researching who and how and what I needed. I finally emailed the international team who put me in contact with the University’s accounting department. They provided me with a signed letter to take into the bank which proved I was a student currently studying at Norwich University of the Arts – with that I was all set.

The support system is there to help you, make sure to reach out if you’re unsure of anything.

Stay in contact with other international students

Coming in from a different country can feel a bit overwhelming. There are a ton of new life experiences thrown at you at once, all while you are beginning a new year at university. It’s hard not to feel isolated in that feeling. Getting together with your international peers is a great way to chat about these shared experiences as well as sharing tips with each other about settling in.

Make sure to sign up for welcome week activities that are put on by the University as well. It’s a great opportunity to meet other international and home students and get your foot into the broader community here at Norwich. These are people you will be in contact with your entire time at uni! Keeping in touch throughout is a great way to meet people on other courses and perhaps even find collaboration partners for future projects.

Say yes to opportunities

Admittedly, this is not something you can pack in to your suitcase, but it might just be one of the most practical tips I’ve picked up in my time here. Opportunities are plenty at Norwich University of the Arts. There is a constant creative buzz humming throughout the halls.

These opportunities can take the shape of peers asking you to contribute to projects, or a lecturer asking you about outreach, or even a work opportunity coming your way. Keeping an open mind and saying yes to these opportunities can firmly plant you into the community here.

Once you’ve made the brave step of moving to a new country, saying yes to learn a new skill, or leading a group project will be a piece of cake. Saying yes now will also open new opportunities in the future, as well as expand your network here at the university.

Explore the city and neighbouring area

Norwich is an extremely walkable city. Take your first week here to dip into some interesting shops and try some new cafes (many of which have student discounts).

Pack some comfortable walking shoes for these day adventures, or for taking the long way to uni via the river. Once you are settled here, look up some of the bus routes going out to the sea as well. They are very convenient and are a perfect day trip for you and a few classmates to sit on the beach for a few hours to escape the city.

Don’t forget a light jacket you can pop on and off though, you might experience 2-3 seasons on your trips here all in one day!

Bring a piece of you to Norwich

What makes you a part of the community here in Norwich will be what makes you unique. Bring something from home that you can share with people here. It doesn’t have to be a physical object, mind you. Maybe a recipe from home that you love to cook that you can invite some new friends over to share with.

Starting university in a new country means that you will have a lot of new experiences and learn a ton about the culture here. It’s a great way to meet new people by reciprocating this idea and share a little of yourself with the culture around you as well. Maybe even start a society at the uni with a hobby or sport that you really want to continue and share with people while you’re here.

Preparing for university doesn’t always slot perfectly into your suitcase. Some things are practiced during your entire stay here in Norwich. There are people along the way to help you succeed in those new opportunities that you seek out as you become a part of this community.