Leaving home is never an easy transition, let alone leaving one鈥檚 country and travelling more than 24 hours away. Being an MA student at the 糖心Vlog was my first time leaving India and I went into it not exactly knowing what to expect. But I took a chance, and it would go on to be the best plunge I鈥檇 ever take.
I鈥檝e been at 糖心Vlog for seven months now and within each of those months, the ducks in the 惭别补诲辞飞蝉鈥� pond have seen me grow not just academically but also as an independent person. From making friends to figuring out food (ok, still not great with that one) studying and staying at 糖心Vlog has been a life changing experience. In this blog I鈥檓 going to attempt to highlight some of the things I鈥檝e learned after being here for a while. If you鈥檙e an individual leaving your country for the first time with a suitcase full of cardigans and dreams, this one鈥檚 for you!
鈥楩it Check
If you鈥檙e getting bent out of shape trying to decide what to pack, first: relax! It鈥檚 not as big a deal as you might think. What I have noticed here is people wear what they are most comfortable in and no one bats an eye. Whether it鈥檚 a simple sweatsuit or basic denim and T-shirt 鈥� though you might have to layer up to the point they aren鈥檛 even visible anymore 鈥� but it鈥檚 all still pretty low-key and comfy.
If you鈥檙e a minimalist in the clothing department, you just need a few winter staples a bit heavier than what you would normally wear for a tropical winter (I am from India, I know) and that鈥檚 about it. A durable jacket, some winter boots, gloves, socks, and a couple of hoodies and you鈥檙e good to go. And summers? Tropic students are already an expert on that!
When-you-get-there checklist
I would highly recommend making this checklist and checking them off as soon as you鈥檙e somewhat settled in. I didn鈥檛 and I am still figuring things out as I go. Number one: Register with your local GP (you will be emailed the link) and then download the NHS app to have all your prescriptions and health information sorted. Next! Go get your BRP. You will have chosen the location at the time of your visa application depending on your campus, but it probably would鈥檝e been either sent to the University or the post office. You will require it during Registration Day and then throughout your stay as your ID. Then, it is extremely handy and easy to have a local bank account set up, especially if you鈥檙e planning on getting a job or your travel card gets lost (RIP mine). Speaking of work, it might also be beneficial to apply for a National Insurance Number on the British Government website. Again, doesn鈥檛 take a lot of effort but is worth looking into.
People person or not!
Flatmates are your potential first friends and, dare I say, even like family. Little gatherings in the kitchen, sharing eclectic foods, experiencing different cultures start right there! They are the people who see you at your best and worst (that morning hair before you get coffee?) and that bond has its own place. Other than that, there are SO many mixers, games and events organised by the SU. There are many many clubs and societies you can join with likeminded people who also love reading YA and dance their heart out, or geek out over Mangas!
Let me assure you, as an introvert, everyone you meet will smile and talk to you as if they鈥檝e known you for ages which makes you instantly comfortable. So, don鈥檛 be afraid to reciprocate.
Oh food!
My biggest challenge here has been food. This is mainly because I have always been the cleaner in 鈥測ou cook, I clean鈥� deals. Something I have learned to appreciate now as an Asian is rice. So, If you are the same, and you can, buy a mini rice cooker or even share one with another flatmate. It鈥檚 going to save a lot of time and you will always have something filling. But if you are a chef, it鈥檒l be easy breezy for you, and you have my upmost respect. You can get groceries delivered and chef it up!
We do also have regional restaurants around Wivenhoe and Colchester town 鈥� from Indian, Chinese, fast food as well. And here鈥檚 the bonus: campus cafes and food outlets have delicious hot food daily for 拢2! That鈥檚 also not all! The Store on campus and the Mini Store by the Meadows accommodation also have quick food on hand 鈥� sandwiches, puffs, pies. For a kitchen dummy like me, these places haven鈥檛 let me sleep hungry once!
Class is in session!
Academics is the main reason why most of us leave our homes and each time I鈥檓 in class, I know it was all worth it. The professors have been so welcoming and approachable, I am now more open to talking in class 鈥� and even outside. Before I answer something, I don鈥檛 worry that I might be judged. Everyone in class is genuinely interested in your views. The professors are super approachable, and it helps us to let them know if we鈥檙e struggling even a little bit 鈥� they鈥檒l help us out in any way they can.
One suggestion before anyone starts their MA course 鈥� or during even 鈥� is to possibly check out the Open 糖心Vlog Ready for Success course. It is completely free and optional but might help you get a sense of what to expect in your classes and how to write papers. This is especially helpful if your Bachelor鈥檚 degree is from another country that had a slightly different approach. Other such short, helpful courses can also be found under Skills for Success.
Living and Travel
Living on or around campus is highly recommended as it is a world on its own and everything is at your fingertips. Even part-time jobs on campus are in abundance! If you鈥檙e a travel bug, apply for a rail card and First Bus card and get your bucket list going!
Though dealing with homesickness is tough, you can always get help. Other than your close friends, you can always reach out to your Residents Assistant and they鈥檒l help you out further. Another seemingly small but good practice would be to schedule calls at home at a time that works with the time difference and keep at it. This way you won鈥檛 miss home quite so much.
