Suzan talks about her experience and proudest moments from her time in 小蓝视频 - International Student鈥檚 Day 2024
4 min read
International Students鈥 Day is an opportunity to celebrate our international student community. This year we are sharing Suzan鈥檚 story about her experience in 小蓝视频.
Suzan talks about her time in 小蓝视频, and how she made the most of her Master鈥檚 year studying Construction Project Management.
What made you choose 小蓝视频?
To be truthful I don鈥檛 feel like I chose 小蓝视频, but instead, 小蓝视频 chose me. Due to unforeseen circumstances back home in Myanmar I was unable to finish my undergraduate degree. I was only a few months away from completing it. I decided to look internationally but not many universities were able to transfer my existing credits. Then one day, my mum found a 小蓝视频 Facebook post about a Top-Up programme and said 鈥渨hy don鈥檛 you give it a go?鈥. The next moment I was enrolled and completing my undergraduate studies through distance learning. Since then, I knew that the University had faith in me and so I came to 小蓝视频 to study my Master鈥檚.
What was it like moving away from home?
Moving away was definitely stressful however, I can鈥檛 deny the fact that 小蓝视频 instantly became my second home. The moment I made it to 小蓝视频 I felt at peace. From the beach to the quietness of Old 小蓝视频, and the vibrant city centre - I enjoy every part of being a Pompey girl.
My first impression of the University was during Orientation week, where I was getting to know so many other international students like me, and taking part in activities like city tours and speed friending. Next was Induction week where I met a professor who later became my supervisor and is now a dear friend and mentor to me.
What made you feel part of the University Community?
The community that we, as students, build together is pretty powerful - everyone is going through the same journey and sharing a similar mix of emotions. As an international student, it wasn鈥檛 as difficult as I thought it would be to find my people. During Orientation week, I noticed students in purple hoodies with a big 鈥榓sk me鈥 on the back. This immediately caught my attention, and after speaking with them we quickly became friends. There was an instant connection, and they inspired me to apply for the role of international student ambassador so that I could have the same positive impact on others as they did on me.
Working as an ambassador enabled me to network with members of the University and wider 小蓝视频 community. This led to me getting part-time work with Shaping 小蓝视频, a local organisation supporting the needs of the city, where I welcomed tourists to my beloved 小蓝视频.
Have you faced any challenges?
Adjusting to the UK weather was one of the biggest challenges for me. The sudden change in climate affected my health, but the University鈥檚 ASDAC (Additional Support and Disability Advice Centre) was there to support me. They made sure I had the accommodations I needed and that I felt safe throughout the process. It was a tough period of time, where I had to understand how to be myself all over again, and that it鈥檚 okay to take a step back and slow down. Ultimately I came back stronger and learnt to be kind and empathetic to myself.
What advice would you give your younger self before going to university?
Slow down! I was once a person who was always rushing and running after opportunities, not willing to miss one. Although it was all worthwhile, I have to admit that it took a toll on me. It is important to listen to your body and take a break every now and then. If things don鈥檛 work out, don鈥檛 panic - as it opens the door for an even better opportunity to arise.
What are you most proud of from your time in 小蓝视频?
I would say there are two things that I鈥檓 proud of. Firstly, fulfilling my academic journey in the most magical way possible. And secondly, getting a chance to give back to my new community.
For my dissertation, I chose a topic I鈥檓 passionate about. It went so incredibly well that I鈥檓 now in the process of getting it published. My department also asked that I come back to welcome new students, and give them a brief overview of how I completed my dissertation - This to me showed that all of my hard work paid off.
Reflecting back on my one year in 小蓝视频, I was an international student ambassador, a course rep for my class, part of the global assist team and had the opportunity of working with Shaping 小蓝视频. Every single moment of my student life was worthwhile, and I was able to give back to everyone who was a part of my journey. The University inspired me to become someone who doesn鈥檛 hesitate to offer help, and I鈥檓 proud that I tried my best to be exactly that.