University is scary or at least that is what we all believe at first when starting such a big change in your life. Growing up, new friends, possibly moving and doing things alone for the first time ever. It can be a frightening thing, but it doesn’t have to be.
As an international student, going to university meant leaving all I knew behind, my friends, family and culture. I was scared that I was going to struggle to make friends and that I was going to have a hard time adjusting. Pretty soon after getting to Northampton I found that my fears had been wrong. I was pleasantly surprised by everything the university does to make sure that everyone can find their place, and so they do not feel alone.
Starting from when you apply to accommodation, the university gives you different options to make sure that you’re compatible with the people you’ll be living with. From LGBTQ+ friendly to alcohol-free or quiet accommodations, the university gives you the choice of deciding what kind of people you’ll be sharing your space with.
Thanks to these options, I found friends that I can say I’ll have for the rest of my life.
If you’re not staying in accommodation or if you simply want to meet more people, the university hosts a myriad of events during welcome week. Life-size cluedo, movie nights, quizzes, shopping trips, and a festival are just some of the events I got to be a part of in my first two weeks in university.
And the events don’t stop there either, the University regularly hosts events and activities for students where you can meet new people or hang out with your friends. One of my favourite memories is the Halloween party hosted at the Waterside Bar with Traya Buns. It was a really cool free event where I got to bond with people and feel part of the UON community.
A really unique thing that the university also offers a variety of societies, you can join as many as you want without paying a single dime. The societies at university regularly host events and activities and are always welcoming new members. If you are someone who is into sports, the university also has several teams you can be a part of, offering free opportunities for anyone who wants to try.
UON is there to help you find your people.
You’ll even make friends in lectures, the university fosters an environment where talking to other students and discussing your ideas is an important part of all your classes. You’ll work in teams, debate information and work together to make great things possible.
The university became my home away from home. And I am grateful for everything it did to make me feel welcome and included. I know I made the right choice and I can’t wait to see what else I can be a part of.
UON are commited to making sure your university experience positive, visit us at an Open Day and find out more about UON.
