International Student Experience at UoM: Kashish Aswani
Student experience 20th May 2020
Kashish Aswani is a second year BSc Environmental Science student and has worked as a Student Ambassador for the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences throughout academic year 2019/20. In her role as Ambassador, Kashish has been helping staff with the delivery of Earth Science Matters events, UCAS Visit Days and webinars. Kashish told us about her experience in the UK as an international student for some insight and reflections…
My name is Kashish Aswani, a second-year Environmental Science student from Dubai, UAE, and I’m writing to share my experience as an international student at The University of Manchester.
Thinking back now, moving overseas for my education two years ago seemed to be quite overwhelming as there was so much to know, learn and experience outside my home environment. Coming from a hot desert climate to extremely unpredictable cold weather was a big change in itself! I was a bit nervous when I first came to the UK, especially because it was the first time away from my family and home. Interacting with people and making friends took a bit longer than I had expected as I was very shy and an introvert (not anymore!). Towards the end of the semester, though, things turned out to be fun and exciting as I had met lots of students from different backgrounds and realized everyone was pretty much in the same situation! When I first arrived in Manchester, I was astonished by the diversity amongst the student population here.
Manchester city truly has an incredible history and a great variety of culture, food, music and architecture. I was absolutely astonished by The University of Manchester’s John Rylands Library and its Victorian-era architecture. It is absolutely stunning and known to be one of the most iconic cultural institutions of Manchester. Manchester also has a range of dining experiences to offer, from French delicacies to gourmet Mediterranean, authentic Indian to urban Japanese dishes. I am personally really fond of Indian and Arabic cuisine. For some authentic Indian spicy kitchen food, I’d recommend Mughli Charcoal Pit on curry mile, Arnero on Sackville St. and Indian Tiffin Room on First St. For Arabian restaurants, I would recommend Beirut restaurant at Rusholme and it was personally my all-time favourite! There’s so much to do and see in Manchester and it’s easily one of the friendliest cities in the UK.
The University has a myriad of opportunities for students ranging from societies, international events, the Manchester Museum, quizzes, cultural gatherings, and activities that will just make everyone feel at home. The Student’s Union and the International Office have something for everyone. I found the Emirati Student Society and their events for the UAE national day, their game nights and Halloween movie night held by the committee never failed to give me an enriched experience of being at home away from home. Every student in this city will feel welcomed by the kind and friendly faces of students, staff and the local population.
I would definitely recommend that international students explore the city and look beyond the University campus, as the city is quite accessible and everything is close to the campus. There are lots of spaces to hang around with friends and the cultural life in Manchester is just something else.
Immersing myself in the student opportunities offered by my Department and the University has truly helped me to shape the person I want to become. In terms of my course, I was particularly drawn towards a first-year course unit called Introduction to Environmental Processes (North Wales Field Course). This field course was designed to equip us with the essential skills required to become an environmental scientist. Using a variety of instruments, we measured and recorded field data to identify important environmental issues. Apart from the essential skills, it was a fun and demanding experience where we made lots of memories as first-year students! After this field trip, I became closer to my peers and made some really great friends. The University Language Centre also provides courses and the University’s Main Library has resources available for every possible course.
My final advice to any students coming to Manchester is to make the most out of all the opportunities that will be provided by both the city and the University, and you will be surprised to discover your own capabilities! Joining UoM is probably one of the best decisions I have made, and I am looking forward to my final year of study and working as a full-time environmental scientist.
campuscity lifecultureEmirati SocietyEnvironmental Scienceinternational studylibrariesMuseums
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