The fact that my time as an international student at the University of Liverpool is coming to an end has left me with mixed emotions. Happy as there will be no more 9am lectures or long hours spent in the Sydney Jones library, but sad as I will be leaving my favourite city and the life I have known for the past three years.
When I first came to Liverpool, I had a lot of unanswered questions; what is this going to be like? Have I made the right decision? Am I going to like it here? I now know the answer to all these questions, and I can’t put into words how happy I am to have spent the last three years as a student in Liverpool. It has of course been challenging at times, especially being far away from family and friends, but not once have I regretted my decision.
Being an international student at the University of Liverpool is something I would deeply recommend. The city of Liverpool is extremely diverse, and the locals are exceptionally warm and welcoming. They make you feel at home and are always up for a chat. As an international student you will also be taken good care of by the university, and you are in good company as there are loads of other international students here. On my course I have met people from Norway, China, Poland, Brazil, Mexico and Switzerland, and I have also made a lot of British friends who have introduced and taught me everything about the British culture.
My best tips for an international student
1. Join a society! The university has over 200 different societies, from Art to Astronomy and Poker to Politics. This is a great way to meet people interested in the same things as you outside your course. As an international student it can sometimes be hard to find your place, but a society will make that job a whole lot easier. Find more information on the different societies here: https://www.liverpoolguild.org/groups
2. Talk to people! Talk to everyone you meet – whether that be your fellow students, taxi driver, the lady behind the counter or someone you meet on the streets. This is a great way to learn more about British culture. Be open to everyone you meet, you never know what they might teach you or who could be a friend for life.
3. Enjoy it! Three years at university fly by so quickly, so make sure you appreciate and enjoy every second of it. Go out and explore the city when you can, but also be sure to make those hours spent revising a bit nicer by treating yourself with a coffee or listening to some good music. After all you’re at university to get a degree, so you might as well make the best out of it.
Being a student in Liverpool has been a life-changing experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. If you consider doing what I have done, my best tip would be to go for it! If you don’t do it, you never know what it could have been. I promise you that Liverpool will take good care of you!
Victoria (BA Communication and Media), Norway