My First Days in the UK: Adjusting to Uni

Meet Loleini, one of our bloggers for the 2017-2018 academic year! Loleini is studying at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). 

Arrival in the UK

 I’m here at last! I arrived in London several weeks ago to start my law degree at Queen Mary University of London. I stayed with family for a week before moving into accommodation at Queen Mary. I spent that first week shopping for household supplies, visiting family, and seeing a few places around the UK.

University Orientation

 My London orientation was very different from what I had experienced in Canada. There were a number of “fresher events” run by the students’ union and held around the city in partnership with other London universities. If you’re looking for a big night out in London with the safety of being around other students, those are the events to be at. The University of London alone is made up of 18 different institutions. This city is crawling with students!

I had both an international orientation and an induction specifically from the law department. The law induction was helpful, but intense. We had a tour of campus, were given preliminary lectures on English law, and had sessions on how to qualify as a lawyer in the UK. In addition to all this information, we heard pitches from several student law societies and were encouraged to get as involved as possible. The amount of information and advice provided to us in those first days was extremely overwhelming. However, it was comforting to speak with other law students and hear that everyone was feeling the same way. It’s great to remember that you’re not alone. The professors in the department kindly reminded us not to panic, as well.

 And of Course…

The part that I was most nervous about was the easiest of it all. I know everyone worries about making new friends, and I knew it was ridiculous to worry about it, but I still did. I worried that I wouldn’t get along with my roommates and that I would be too old and boring for the other law students in the course, as I’m a mature student on the senior status program.

Predictably, the new friends I’ve met have been some of the best parts of the experience so far.

 My roommates are fantastic (ridiculously captured below at the student bar together).

And I’ve met great people in my course. Thankfully, I discovered that I am neither old nor boring here. (Older and not boring friends pictured out in London together below).

 Quick Recommendations for Future Students

• Avoid the stress and pay your tuition/any fees as soon as you can.
• I bought my household items at Primark, Wilco, and Argos. The latter does deliveries if you’re concerned about bringing all your pots and pans on the tube.
• Eating dinner out in London is more expensive than in Canada, but I’ve found groceries to very affordable (especially Tesco and Aldi). Save money by cooking your meals.
• Try to worry as little as possible about making friends. You’ll be just fine.
• If you get homesick, visit a major attraction in the city to remind you of how cool your new life is. I can see Tower Bridge any night of the week, how amazing is that?

 To sum it all up, my first days in the UK have been fantastic. Although the coursework and extracurriculars are overwhelming, I’ve made new friends and I’m excited about the opportunities available at the university. This little corner of London is starting to feel like home.

 If this sounds exciting and you’re interested in learning more about studying in the UK, please contact one of our advisors.