We spoke to Saniya, an Economics and Management BSc graduate from Royal Holloway, University of London. She transferred to RHUL from Kazakh-British Technical University.
Q. Why did you enrol on your course and how did you choose your university?
My decision to apply to Royal Holloway, University of London was somewhat inevitable. Back in Kazakhstan, I was a University of London International Program student in Kazakh-British Technical University. I was studying the course based on the University of London curriculum and I was already quite familiar with that university.
Q. Why did you choose the UK as a study destination?
It is close to home. That’s the main point for me. Another important reason was that I knew there would be a big Russian–speaking community in England. And that is exactly what I found at Royal Holloway. I met a lot of students from Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan.
Q. How did you feel in your first month?
I guess, I’m a lucky girl because the first month I came here, my family was with me, so I had people to help me to settle. Moreover, the support services at Royal Holloway organized a lot of events including a barbecue night, library and IT sessions.
Q. Where did you live and how did you find suitable accommodation?
I was late with the accommodation application, so I had to find a place to stay on my own as the university residences were already occupied. I found a house near the campus and I lived there with my little brother and sister, who also studied in England. To find it I contacted local real estate agencies and chose it with my mother within two weeks.
Q. How did you integrate into the social scene at your university?
In the first two weeks at the university there was a society fair. And I literally signed-up for all of them: dancing society, debating society, diplomatic society, investment society, and of course, Kazakh society. I met a lot of people there, both students and guest speakers from a variety of industries and backgrounds.
Q. Did you experience any culture shocks when you arrived in the UK?
No. Honestly, I knew what to expect. I was in England a few times with my family before. Moreover, I studied in USA before coming to UK, so I was already used to being abroad.
Q. How did you fund your studies?
Again, I was lucky. I got a scholarship from Royal Holloway. I couldn’t expect I would get one. First of all, I applied in May, and that is pretty late, but still, I was granted a scholarship. And it was the International Students Department that advised me about that possibility. The scholarship covered part of my education fees.
Q. What were the biggest challenges that you faced in your first year?
As I mentioned, I transferred from Kazakhstan right to the second year, and it’s natural that I didn`t know anyone from my group. By the time I came to Royal Holloway, all my classmates were already very close as they studied the first year together. In terms of studies, I didn’t face any difficulties.
Q. How did the English teaching style differ from that in your home country?
At Kazakh-British Technical University the teaching style was much similar to the actual British way of teaching. However, here in England you are supposed to do a lot of self-study. Moreover, our management studies were mainly based on case-study method. That differs from what I was used to before.
Q. What were the best things about studying in the UK?
I would say, British education is practice-oriented and does really prepare you for the actual career. That’s what I value the most. Another advantage of studying in England is the international experience itself.
Q. What advice would you give to other new international students?
I would recommend joining societies, meet as many people as you can, try to talk to people everywhere, even on the bus stop since you never know where you can meet great friends. Finally, I would say to just enjoy the experience, you have this opportunity only once in your life!
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