Welcome to Birmingham! Let me tell you, moving here from Chennai, India as an international student was an adventure!
Getting a SIM Card
Welcome to Birmingham! Let me tell you, moving here from Chennai, India as an international student was an adventure! First, there was the forgotten international roaming plan, then the delayed flight at the connecting airport, and let's not forget the radio silence that left my family and friends fuming (sorry!). Just another day in the life of an international student, right?
Stepping off the plane and into that crisp British air at 11 pm on a chilly September night was both exciting and terrifying. My first priority while waiting in immigration? Getting that new SIM card working! Being miles away from loved ones can be tough, but fear not! It's easier than navigating the Bullring on a busy Saturday.
It's important to take inventory of your life and relationships – with friends, family, partners, mentors, or colleagues – every now and then. Staying connected to these people who make a difference in your life and checking in occasionally will remind you why you embarked on this journey, even if it feels like you're alone at times. The little moments spent on video calls, birthday greetings, or simply checking in make a big difference. They make everything feel more manageable.
Video calls are our saving grace
Speaking of video calls, I still remember the time a friend called me at 2 am my time to ask what I’ve been doing and how my day’s been? (Yeah, sorry I was skydiving). Schedule regular catch-ups with your loved ones back home. Bonus points for strategically placing a pasty (or maybe a croissant) in the frame – a little taste of Birmingham! Time differences can be tricky, but you'll get the hang of it. Remember, what might seem like a "quick chat" at 3 am their time could turn into a hilarious story later (and they might just return the favour!).
Stay connected through text!
Use texting or social media to do so - it’s perfect for sending memes, funny voice notes about your flatmate's questionable cooking, and group chats that'll keep the conversation flowing.
Pro Tip: Give your group chat a funny name! It'll bring a smile to your face every time you see a notification, and it could be a fun conversation starter with your Birmingham friends.
Plan virtual watch parties!
Pick a movie, TV show, or even a sporting event that everyone back home enjoys. (Like me, you might be a Formula 1 fanatic who loves catching races with friends every fortnight!) Set a time that works for most people (be mindful of time zone differences!), and use streaming platforms to watch it together virtually. Chat and reminisce during breaks, creating a sense of shared experience despite the distance.
Pro tip: Every time you hear or talk about F.R.I.E.N.D.S, you will recall what your friend said when Monica accidentally put all the Thanksgiving dessert dishes in the dishwasher!
Birmingham is brimming with international students just like you! Join the International Students' Society, attend a social event (free coffee and snacks, anyone?), or explore the hundreds of student groups at the Guild. Making new friends who understand the joys (and occasional frustrations) of being an international student is a surefire way to combat homesickness.
Embrace the adventure, make new friends, and remember – a little homesickness is just a sign you have a big heart (and maybe miss your grandma's cooking a teeny tiny bit). See you around campus.
Anudheep Sriraj