First week in college… the autumn term begins! The first few days can be quite crazy for some overseas students trying to find their way around the various buildings and annexes that make up a college campus. Not to mention the local area, people and places. You soon discover where you definitely do not want to leave your bike, no matter how big a safety lock you have!
Did you know that a total of more than 425,000 international (non-UK) students came to study in the UK in 2012-13? That’s around 15 per cent of full-time, first degree students and 13 per cent of all first degree students. So quite a few students in the UK for the first time! Many avoid the obvious hassles by simply booking in advance at a University / College “Halls of Residence” for their first year while others may decide to go down the group accommodation route. And there are always a few who fetch up on the first day of term looking for a couch or floor to sleep on!
Fresher’s Week , getting around and extra cash…
Fresher’s Week is one mega whirlwind of college events by day and partying at night! Getting around during the day time may be relatively easy in smaller cities like Brighton, Bristol or Canterbury but getting to grips with the London Underground or London Night Buses can be an illuminating, if not a fairly expensive experience. Remember, you will need to purchase an Oyster card – as from 6th July this year, London buses no longer accept cash payments.
Living in an increasingly cashless world is not altogether an unfamiliar story for tech savvy students. For some it’s more likely to be a case of a lack of cash just to get through term time. Many turn to bar work and waitressing, and even part time work during half term and summer holidays for extra spending money. Sites for student job searches are useful places to search, as well as keeping an eye on a college’s own student union site.
Ideal for your next dissertation…
Inbetween part time working and weekend / late night partying, there is always the time and space needed to actually do some studying! Vital research will always include the endless books and papers to read, essays to write, and college lectures to attend. However, there is much to “discover” out in the field too. Keeping up with relevant talks, exhibitions and events being held at museums, cultural centres, libraries and other organisations locally or regionally is also a crucial part of any student’s ongoing cultural and education programme.
In the main university towns, there is always likely to be a discussion or lecture being held, which is relevant to a particular area of study. A quick search on the Lecture List website may offer a topic that’s ideal for your next dissertation or tutorial. Even during the mayhem of Fresher’s week!