Festive cheer: Dhanushkaa (front row, second from left) celebrating Deepavali with her friends.
STARTING afresh in another city – let alone another country – can be overwhelming for students.
What I found helpful was arriving early and spending the initial weeks exploring.
In the first days after I arrived in the United Kingdom last September, I wandered through the city of Hull with my newfound university friends.
I also recommend that international students participate in welcome events before lectures begin.
They are a great way to settle in, build friendships, and become part of a supportive student community.
Attending Freshers’ Week events helped me meet other students and discover the activities my university had to offer.
One of my favourite events was my university’s Freshers’ Fair, where societies hosted booths and games. It was there that I discovered the opportunities available to students on campus.
As lectures began, I finally felt comfortable living in the UK, as places that once felt foreign started to feel like home.
Becoming a course representative was a valuable turning point; it not only strengthened my leadership and communication skills but also gave me a voice in improving students’ overall learning experience by working with programme directors to resolve issues.
This role also opened doors to exciting opportunities. I served on the organising committee for my university’s Business School Christmas Social, collaborated with other course representatives, and even chaired a student-staff forum meeting.
These experiences taught me important lessons in time management and communication that I know will serve me well in my future career.
For students planning to study abroad, do not be afraid of change. While uncertainty is natural, embracing it sooner rather than later creates space for personal growth.
With this mindset, I gained the confidence to seize opportunities at university and maintain a growth-oriented outlook.
University life offers more than just academics. From societies to volunteering roles that suit different interests, getting involved allows international students to gain enriching experiences that can also enhance career prospects after graduation.
Researching in advance is crucial too. Students should stay updated on matters such as university applications, student visas and accommodation requirements.
Many wait until application deadlines approach, which can lead to rushed decisions and costly mistakes.
I recommend starting early and conducting thorough research into universities of interest to ensure a smoother application process.
Most importantly, never lose sight of why you chose to study abroad. Having a clear purpose makes it easier to navigate university life and stay motivated to participate in activities aligned with your ambitions.
For me, remembering my goal of becoming a chartered accountant kept me focused – especially during exams and busy periods –reminding me of what I was working towards.
Ultimately, students should remember to have fun! Studying overseas is an adventure, giving many Malaysian students the chance to experience a different culture and life away from home.
Some of my best memories came from travelling around the UK with friends and visiting places I would never have seen otherwise.
During celebrations like Deepavali, my Malaysian friends and I would host gatherings to honour each other’s traditions, helping us feel more at home despite the distance.
In the end, studying abroad became more than an academic journey – it transformed me, broadened my perspective and gave me a second home.
Dhanushkaa, 22, a student in the United Kingdom, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
