Support for international students

Universities in the UK understand that moving to a different country on your own to study can be an exciting but challenging experience. Most will try to make settling into the University life as smooth as possible by providing information prior to arrival, on arrival, and also offering support throughout the course.

For example, the University where I study, Manchester School of Art, has an “International Student Ambassador” project, in which current students help new students get a real feel and understanding of University life through a Facebook blog. This Facebook group involves students sharing their own experiences of life in Manchester, giving useful tips and informally answering questions new students have, it is also a great place to meet other students you would be studying with.

Before the studies start (usually in the end of September), international students are invited to a welcome week, where they get information and advice on studying, living, their visas etc. I personally found it incredibly helpful. I made lots of friends at the social events, got to know the campus and University’s numerous societies, went on a tour of Manchester, got advice about banking, shopping, best coffees in town etc.

International students are offered an airport welcome; to make sure their arrival is easy and safe.

In addition there is support available throughout the course for all sorts of difficulties international students might encounter. This includes free English language support: various courses on writing, email feedback for essays and personal consultations. Site of Manchester Metropolitan University.

Such services as counselling, dyslexia support, financial advice, career advice, GP are available to all students. There is also a Student Support Officer in each faculty to discuss any problems with the course.

It is common for most universities to provide specific information to international students online, you can see examples of my University here:

https://www.facebook.com/MMUInternational/
http://www2.mmu.ac.uk/international/

Read the article in Russian: Поддержка иностранных студентов.