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Marin, an international student at the University of Bristol
Marin Fadiloglulari studies sociology at the University of Bristol. Growing up in Cyprus, Marin’s choice to study in the UK was a very natural one.
She said: “The Cypriot education system generally prepares people who want to study in English to continue higher education in the UK.” The decision, for Marin at least, did not feel like a radical one. She had already watched her older sister move to the UK for her studies a few years earlier and her family had been very supportive.
“Even though I followed the path that my school and sister set, I really wanted to study in a different country to find my independence, be self-sufficient and discover what I want for my life,” she said.
Adjusting to the UK education system
When it came to starting her education in the UK, Marin said that adjusting to the UK education system was interesting. “In Cyprus, school took place from 8am to 4pm every day so I struggled to grasp the concept of having the odd lecture from 3-4pm some days. I was wholly unfamiliar with what independent learning entailed.”
It didn’t take long for Marin to settle in, however, and despite her initial struggles she grew to enjoy having control of her own time and the work she put into her studies. “Learning independently can be extremely rewarding. I quite like working at my own pace, organising my own studies and having freedom,” she said.
Assimilating to the British education system sometimes left Marin feeling like she was behind, as academics and students used a different language to what she was used to. Despite having studied at an international school and completing IGCSEs and international A-levels, she felt that her experience was still very different to those familiar with the UK.
Despite these initial difficulties, Marin highlights the importance of connecting with teaching staff and other international students for additional support. “There are usually lots of societies and communities that international students can join to find support and get involved in student life,” she said.
From a culture shock to finding home
Beyond her studies, life in the UK has felt like a big change for Marin but one she is happy she made for herself. She said: “I thought I had done my research into British culture through all the books I had read and the movies I had watched but that didn’t mean I wasn’t in for a surprise.” Certain words and phrases as well as some elements of culture and social norms were unfamiliar to her at first.
“It was an interesting part of the experience, learning the quirks of the culture that I wasn’t prepared for, but it became one of my favourite things about living here.”
Marin is happy she chose the University of Bristol and the city of Bristol for her studies. While she hasn’t explored much more of the UK yet, she has found a home in the city.
She enthusiastically paints a picture of a beautiful – if sometimes damp and chilly – British city: “Bristol has a great character that distinctly stands out. The art and music scenes are impressive and Gloucester Road, a long road of independent cafes and shops, is my favourite place to visit in the city.
"The weather really is as strange as they say.” She adds, “Small umbrellas never survive, jackets without a hood are pointless and winter boots will most likely become your best friends.”
Advice for students looking to study in the UK
When asked what advice she would give to prospective students hoping to study abroad in the UK, Marin made sure to emphasise the importance of asking for help. “Don’t isolate yourself,” she said. “If you’re shy, make the effort to talk to your lecturers and tutors when you have questions. They’re there to help you and they want to help you.”
She also goes on to say, “Your university should have a wellbeing service and you’ll be assigned a personal tutor who you can speak to if you have any problems. Some universities also offer peer mentoring schemes. Make the most out of all the services available to you.”
Finally, she talks about the importance of making friends: “It’s really important to remember that everyone’s most likely in the same boat as you. Get out of your comfort zone, meet as many people as possible and do those weird icebreaker activities. Your new best friends might be waiting for you in your first lecture.”
This article is written in support of #WeAreInternational, a UUKi campaign which aims to celebrate the social, cultural and economic value that international students bring to the UK.
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‘Get out of your comfort zone and meet as many people as possible’
Holly Hemmings
Updated Nov 16, 2023Save
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Marin Fadiloglulari studies sociology at the University of Bristol. Growing up in Cyprus, Marin’s choice to study in the UK was a very natural one.
She said: “The Cypriot education system generally prepares people who want to study in English to continue higher education in the UK.” The decision, for Marin at least, did not feel like a radical one. She had already watched her older sister move to the UK for her studies a few years earlier and her family had been very supportive.
“Even though I followed the path that my school and sister set, I really wanted to study in a different country to find my independence, be self-sufficient and discover what I want for my life,” she said.
Adjusting to the UK education system
When it came to starting her education in the UK, Marin said that adjusting to the UK education system was interesting. “In Cyprus, school took place from 8am to 4pm every day so I struggled to grasp the concept of having the odd lecture from 3-4pm some days. I was wholly unfamiliar with what independent learning entailed.”
It didn’t take long for Marin to settle in, however, and despite her initial struggles she grew to enjoy having control of her own time and the work she put into her studies. “Learning independently can be extremely rewarding. I quite like working at my own pace, organising my own studies and having freedom,” she said.
Assimilating to the British education system sometimes left Marin feeling like she was behind, as academics and students used a different language to what she was used to. Despite having studied at an international school and completing IGCSEs and international A-levels, she felt that her experience was still very different to those familiar with the UK.
Despite these initial difficulties, Marin highlights the importance of connecting with teaching staff and other international students for additional support. “There are usually lots of societies and communities that international students can join to find support and get involved in student life,” she said.
From a culture shock to finding home
Beyond her studies, life in the UK has felt like a big change for Marin but one she is happy she made for herself. She said: “I thought I had done my research into British culture through all the books I had read and the movies I had watched but that didn’t mean I wasn’t in for a surprise.” Certain words and phrases as well as some elements of culture and social norms were unfamiliar to her at first.
“It was an interesting part of the experience, learning the quirks of the culture that I wasn’t prepared for, but it became one of my favourite things about living here.”
Marin is happy she chose the University of Bristol and the city of Bristol for her studies. While she hasn’t explored much more of the UK yet, she has found a home in the city.
She enthusiastically paints a picture of a beautiful – if sometimes damp and chilly – British city: “Bristol has a great character that distinctly stands out. The art and music scenes are impressive and Gloucester Road, a long road of independent cafes and shops, is my favourite place to visit in the city.
"The weather really is as strange as they say.” She adds, “Small umbrellas never survive, jackets without a hood are pointless and winter boots will most likely become your best friends.”
Advice for students looking to study in the UK
When asked what advice she would give to prospective students hoping to study abroad in the UK, Marin made sure to emphasise the importance of asking for help. “Don’t isolate yourself,” she said. “If you’re shy, make the effort to talk to your lecturers and tutors when you have questions. They’re there to help you and they want to help you.”
She also goes on to say, “Your university should have a wellbeing service and you’ll be assigned a personal tutor who you can speak to if you have any problems. Some universities also offer peer mentoring schemes. Make the most out of all the services available to you.”
Finally, she talks about the importance of making friends: “It’s really important to remember that everyone’s most likely in the same boat as you. Get out of your comfort zone, meet as many people as possible and do those weird icebreaker activities. Your new best friends might be waiting for you in your first lecture.”
This article is written in support of #WeAreInternational, a UUKi campaign which aims to celebrate the social, cultural and economic value that international students bring to the UK.
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