Life isn't just about perfectly planned moments. Sometimes, the magic happens when you throw caution to the wind and embrace the unexpected.
Life isn't just about perfectly planned moments. Sometimes, the magic happens when you throw caution to the wind and embrace the unexpected.
Starting postgraduate studies can be an exciting whirlwind. Even more so when you're an international student transitioning to a completely new environment for the very first time. I get it – I was in your shoes not too long ago! I was accepted into the University of Birmingham’s Business School as a business and marketing major right after completing my undergraduate degree with little work experience and no real idea of what to expect in a culturally new dimension. Constantly asking myself if I will fit in.
If there is one thing you are reminded over and over again during your Welcome, it is to get your BRP on time (LOL) and that YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Right from the moment you walk onto the campus for the first time to trialling your favourite student society. There are tons of amazing people who are genuinely interested in making friends or simply say ‘hi’.
Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone!
Say yes to spontaneous invites, and connect with the amazing people around you. The Guild of Students is a great place to start! So, what’s the Guild? It's your Students’ Union! Think of it as the heart of student life. 
The Guild advocates for students' needs, runs groups and societies, organises awesome events, and is generally a place to hang out, meet people and of course amazing food! Welcome is a jam-packed time at the start of the term dedicated to helping you settle in. Expect fairs, socials, info sessions, and lots of opportunities to find your people.
Join a society or societies as soon as you can!
During Welcome student societies host tons of icebreaker events where you can get to know your society, get free food, and eventually make a lot of new friends. You don’t have to worry about finding a society that suits your interest, if you love Taylor Swift - there is a society for that! Are you a fan of anime? There is a society for that. Do you watch sitcoms way too much?
Now you can do it with a bunch of other people who love F.R.I.E.N.D.S and The Office. If you are someone who loves photography like me?
There is PhotoSoc! There are over 300 societies you can pick from, find one or more related to your program or your interests. You'll meet people with similar academic experiences, and interests here!
Don't underestimate your course chats
During Welcome, your college and department will host ice breakers and course onboarding events where you can familiarise yourself with the academic language, get insights into submission dates, your workload, and holidays. These events happen across different days during Welcome. Make sure you attend at least one of the events! Here you will meet your classmates, and tutors. If there's a group chat, forum, or a discord channel jump in and say hi!
While it can feel a bit lonely and overwhelming at first, remember you're not alone. Making friends can be draining if you are not used to a social setting, but remember everyone you meet is feeling the same, they are open to making new friends and saying hello to each other.
Afterall, it’s a beautiful experience. With that, congratulations and good luck!
Anudheep Sriraj