Being an international student is one of the most frightening and exciting experiences. I
remember staying in my room and putting down all the things I want to do in my first year,
planning every aspect and making sure I know what I am getting myself into. I had it all:
qualifications required, a budget, accommodation in halls, friends already in Leeds to guide
me. However, as organized as I thought I was, my arrival here turned out to be disastrous
(but definitely unique and something to learn from). As I go through my journey I will
highlight what I wish I knew before leaving home as well as give you advice on how I take
control when I’m out of my comfort zone.
1) Make sure you have extra “essentials” in your cabin size case!
I had a connected flight to my final destination and because of my excitement to travel
abroad I didn’t have a single thought that I will encounter any problems on the way.
(Although I heard stories of people losing their luggage due to strikes in the airport or having
to spend the night in other cities because their initial flight was delayed). And both of these
happened to me! I was stuck in Amsterdam with my father, having no idea where our
luggage was, given flights the next day and having to sleep in the same clothes!
My entire life was packed in 2 cases and I had arrived in a new city with nothing but my
documents. I had to attend Fresher’s Week activities and somehow still be positive. That
being said, always pack extras when you travel: a pair of socks/underwear, toiletries, a
sweater/jacket, pajamas and jeans (or whatever you know you can’t survive even a day
without and that will fit in your small case). But don’t let a situation like this bring you down-
after 4 days I was reunited with my luggage and had new outfits bought too!
2) Use your story to make friends!
Making friends can be a challenge for both international and local students. Coming from a
different culture you aren’t sure how people will react to your ideas, humour or if they fully understand
what you are saying if English is not your first language. You might be frightened
to start a deeper conversation so you stick to introductory formalities and universal student
questions; “How’s the weather”, “What course are you doing” , “Where do you come from”.
I’m not saying they don’t work, but at the end of the day, you won’t remember names or
much of the conversations you had. So why not go beyond the general small talk and tell
people about funny experiences that make you a sociable and fascinating person to hang out
with? I used my luggage situation and gave people a story to associate me with. It is easier to
remember a silly situation than a complicated east-European surname like mine
(DUMITRASCU- s is pronounced ‘sh’).
3) Routine and to do lists.
Even if can’t be respected all the time, routine and planning are crucial. There are so many
things to do you don’t even know what is important and what is not, what things you need
to buy or where to go. Prioritize in other to manage your time properly and regain control. I
use “Google Keep” (but you can use “Notes” on an Iphone or other notes app you find easy
to use) to schedule my next day from morning till bedtime. I follow my daily tasks and go to
sleep without hundreds of daunting thoughts that I forgot to do something. The pleasure of
deleting the note at night comes as a bonus.
Making grocery lists is also key for survival at uni and budgeting. Before going to the local
supermarket, make sure you know what you need. Never go on an empty stomach because
you will end up buying loads of biscuits, chips or spreads you don’t even eat. I also search
lists on Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration as you will find the exact products you need to
make your life easier and your meals tastier on a budget! Just search “College Grocery Lists”
and you will find one that suits your needs.
Psychologists say that it takes 21 days to form habits or to get used to a new environment.
I’m still scared and confused, but is just my first week here… and it has definitely been a
rough one. Give yourself time and you will get the hang of it!
Words by Maria Dumitrascu