The International Office
International Student Helpers
Below you will find the profiles of some of the smiling faces who will be here to meet you at the airport and during the first few days of orientation. Some of them are international students themselves: they have already taken the journey across the world and have overcome all the challenges that you will face as a new student arriving in the UK. Others of them are UK students who have travelled and may speak different languages. Some are Undergraduate students and others are Post-graduate students. All of them are ready and willing to help you!!
Name: Katrin Volkov
Course: Business Administration
Nationality: Estonian
What’s the best thing about studying at Bath University?
"...the mix of people - everyone will find at least one friend! That might also be because of the wide variety of courses the University provides and high number of international students.Even when far from home, I can still be made to feel as if I was at home and haven't felt homesick not even once during my time here."
Why do you want to be an international student helper?
"I would like everyone to get the best first impression of Bath and do whatever I can to make people feel welcome."
What clubs and societies have you joined?
"I have joined Latin and Ballroom dancing, European and Management societies,(…) I highly recommend joining them to meet new people apart from those from your courses or halls of residence. Societies unite people by interest rather than nationality and that is an important factor to get the feeling of belonging."
What has been the hardest time for you at university and how did you overcome this?
"The hardest time for me was when I had to move to London for six months at the end of my first year for my placement. (…)I got all the help I needed from the University….. Moving out of student halls was quite shocking, especially after receiving our first water bill!(...)The best I can recommend is talk to friends and get their support - many of them will be in the same situation."
What advice would you give to an international student about how to make the most of their time in Bath?
"…you should be as active as possible. Obviously studying is the first and foremost reason of being here, but it is not that difficult to find some spare time to go and make new friends, meet people and go to places in Bath and UK. Balancing studies and social life is the key…"
Name: Yuzhou Zhang (Joanna)
Course: Msc Management with marketing
Nationality: Chinese
What’s the best bit about studying at Bath University?
"….During the semester two, I enjoyed spending hours with classmates doing coursework projects, having discussion together, sharing ideas and opinions with friends all over the world, and hanging out with friends from time to time."
Why do you want to be an international student helper?
"…When I first came to UK, I was a bit frightened by the new environment, which seemed so unfamiliar to me, and the fact that I knew no body here. But thanks to those who worked as international student helpers, I quickly got rid of the worries and adjusted myself to get used to the life in Britain in the shortest time…."
What clubs and societies have you joined?
"…I joined one of the volunteer societies called Pro-experience….It was a yearly conservation trip to southwest Wales, helping local people doing some infrastructural works, and helping National Trust.”
What has been the hardest time for you at university and how did you overcome this?
"The hardest time for me was the very few days in UK, since it was my first time to go abroad, especially on my own. …there were some problems like food, weather, and different ways of study. But I adapted myself quite well, because I tried to make friends as soon as I got involved in the coursework by meeting different students, and attending some activities school organized. Also, I learnt to cook by myself and found I really enjoyed cooking, so that all my worries gone quite quickly."
What advice would you give to an international student about how to make the most of their time in Bath?
"First I would recommend students from outside of UK not be afraid of practicing English, even though it might cause some misunderstandings at first, but as long as language barriers are overcome, either life or study will be much easier, as well as help adapt yourself better. Secondly, joining some societies or doing some part-time jobs would make your spare time more valuable, whether dancing club or religion societies….. Thirdly, make the best of your money by studying hard, going to library, and attending lectures."
Cheers,
Joanna
Name: Shreyas Reddy
Course: Aerospace Engineering with French
Nationality: Indian
What’s the best bit about studying at Bath University?
"…The diversity of people I encounter and events I can participate in, and of course the academics…"
Why do you want to be an international student helper?
"…the University to helped me to settle in when I first arrived in Bath, I wished to do my bit to help new students adapt to life in Bath as well as I was able to."
What clubs and societies have you joined?
"…In addition to being extremely active with AWARE's Global Group (and its film group, the Focus Group), I have joined a number of societies, such as the Film Society, the Football Society, Engineers Without Borders, various cultural groups, and also clubs such as the Floorball club and Gliding Club."
What has been the hardest time for you at university and how did you overcome this?
"There was a brief period of isolation in my first year when my existing friends and I drifted apart….. I was able, however, to overcome this soon as I started getting out of my room more and more, meeting new people and taking part in society activities. ”
What advice would you give to an international student about how to make the most of their time in Bath?
"…not to restrict themselves in terms of their friends and experiences in University. When there are so many options available to meet new people and do new things, one would be better off getting a taste of everything before settling upon one's preferred options, rather than refusing to try anything one wasn't already used to."
Hola!
Name: Andres
Course: Third year of my PhD on Education
Nationality: Mexican
What’s the best bit about studying at Bath University?
"Bath was also a first choice for me because its department of Education is a thriving academic community with a strong national and international reputation for research. I have really enjoyed meeting and working with people with many and very diverse social, cultural and religious backgrounds.
"Bath as a city is a beautiful, small and safe place to live yet still offers a great deal of cultural and recreational activities. This is particularly important when you come with your family. I came to Bath with my wife and our 5 year-old daughter, and we are very glad with the way we have been welcomed."
Why do you want to be an international student helper?
"…because I'm aware of all the difficulties a family may have to face when moving to another country, such as finding a place to live or a school for their children, problems with the language or the so-called cultural shock. I think it is always good to have another family to share experiences and information with.
"If you are planning to study abroad consider Bath as one of your main options, and if you have any questions, please get in contact!"
Name: Rachel
Course: Second year Sociology and Human Resource Management
Nationality: English
What’s the best bit about studying at Bath University?
"...there really is something for everyone, the student’s union offer such a wide range of societies and clubs to join and it’s really easy to try out new things you’ve never done before."
Why do you want to be an international student helper?
"...is because I’d really like to offer my help to new students settling in. I’ve done some travelling myself in southern Africa and know how scary it can be turning up somewhere and not knowing anyone, the place or the culture."
What clubs and societies have you joined?
"In my first year I joined the lacrosse club, a sport I’d never played before and all the students who coached were so helpful and encouraging. It was a great way to meet new people with training, matches, socials and a trip to Dublin in the Easter."
What advice would you give to an international student about how to make the most of their time in Bath?
"The best advice I feel I can offer to new students from abroad is to try new things... just do what feels right to you.
"I look forward to meeting you all and hope I can answer any questions you have that will help you enjoy your first year in Bath just as much as I have."