Our graduating International Student Ambassadors share what they learnt while studying at the 小蓝视频
Some of our International Student Ambassadors are graduating this year. As the graduation ceremonies approach, they look back on their time at the University and answer a few questions.
What's one of the highlights of your time at the University?
Suzan: One of the most meaningful highlights of my time at the University has been serving as a voice for the community鈥攁 community that means so much to me. Through roles such as ambassador, student representative, and being a part of the Global Assist team, I鈥檝e had the privilege of supporting and connecting with others in impactful ways. Even now, I occasionally hear from people who say, 鈥淥h, I remember you鈥攜ou helped me with this.鈥 Moments like these have been deeply rewarding and fulfilling, and they鈥檝e instilled in me a lasting commitment to continue adding value to any community I鈥檓 part of.
Mar: Definitely becoming an International Student Ambassador! That experience really helped me find my place and connect with people who made uni feel like home. It gave me a sense of purpose and community. I met some of my closest friends through it, and it just made everything feel less scary and more exciting.
Ini: One of the highlights of my time at the 小蓝视频 was being part of the international student community. It gave me the chance to meet people from all over the world, exchange cultures, and build lifelong friendships.
Anuja: One of the highlights during my time at the university would be The Festival of Crime organised by my department鈥擟riminology and Criminal Justice鈥攖hat was an immense practical learning experience for me being a part of the organising team and paved the way to explore my interests and meet the experts in the field.
What is the most important thing you learnt while at University?
Modupe: Having a community is the best support network. You really need a good support network to get through university, so don鈥檛 be disheartened if the first group of friends you make don鈥檛 feel like your people鈥攜ou will find those who value and appreciate you. It鈥檚 only a matter of time. Keep looking and trying. Be open to trying new things, but make sure they align with your core values. Don鈥檛 feel pressured to be someone you鈥檙e not. Make space for new experiences and allow yourself to discover who you are and what you truly enjoy. Don鈥檛 be afraid of change.
Anuja: The most important thing that I learnt while at the university is time management. While doing my Master鈥檚, I was organising events as course representative in my department, worked as an International Student Ambassador and managed my schedule鈥攎aintained contacts with family and friends, and formed new friendships. It taught me to push myself in all the new ways I could and manage my days while absolutely loving what I did.
Mar: That you don鈥檛 have to do everything on your own. There are always people around who want to help; you just need to ask. I also learned the value of working with others, trusting people, and letting yourself grow through the process. These four years taught me so much more than just academic stuff.
Ini: The most important thing I learnt is that growth often happens outside your comfort zone. Whether it was presenting in front of a class or navigating life in a new country, pushing myself in unfamiliar situations made me more confident.
What will you miss from 小蓝视频 or the University after you graduate?
Suzan: I鈥檒l definitely miss the deadline-fuelled bonding sessions, those 3 a.m. library marathons, and the seaside walks where we bravely battled the wind in shorts. I've memorised the uni bus schedule better than my own birthday. 小蓝视频 wasn鈥檛 just a place鈥攊t was a plot twist factory. Somehow, between deadlines, surprising fondness for soggy chips and dodging seagulls, I found a whole new version of me鈥攚hich is just so amazing.
Anuja: Although not a beach person, I will miss the sea and the long walks with my friends, Portsdown Hill, my friends and classmates that I met during university. I will miss my amazing supervisor, who has helped me explore and navigate my interest in the field. 小蓝视频 and the University shall always be special in turning my dream of studying an MSc in Criminal Psychology into a reality, and offering me memories to cherish for the rest of my life. It has hugely shaped my expertise in the field and is a strong driver behind my current professional practice as a wellbeing worker in the UK.
Mar: The community, for sure. That feeling of always having someone around, whether it鈥檚 for a chat, a coffee, or a cry/laugh kind of day. I鈥檒l miss the friendships, the random night outs, and just the whole vibe of being around people who are growing and figuring life out with you.
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Ini: I鈥檒l definitely miss walking by the seafront on a beautiful day and taking great pictures of the beautiful coastal city. 小蓝视频 became a second home, and I鈥檒l always look back fondly on the memories I made here.
What advice would you give your younger self before starting University?
Suzan: I would tell my younger self to slow down and trust the process. All you need to do is keep giving your best and stay consistent鈥攚hat鈥檚 meant for you will come. Even when things don鈥檛 go your way, breathe, be patient, and clarity will follow鈥攋ust as it did when my 小蓝视频 offer arrived.
Modupe: Be yourself鈥攜our true self鈥攁nd don鈥檛 ever feel that you鈥檙e too much. Don鈥檛 let fear, low self-esteem or other people鈥檚 opinions hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Sometimes achieving what you want means overcoming many obstacles, so don鈥檛 give up easily. Keep trying, again and again. If you believe in yourself, that鈥檚 enough; don鈥檛 wait for others to believe in you first. Just go for it.
Mar: Stop stressing so much! Things will work out. Some days will be tough, sure, but you鈥檒l get through them, and you鈥檒l come out stronger. Just be open to asking for help, and don鈥檛 be afraid to put yourself out there. You鈥檒l be surprised how many good things come your way once you do.
Ini: I鈥檇 tell myself not to be afraid to ask questions and seek support. Asking for help is not a weakness, it helps you grow. I鈥檇 also tell myself to have as much fun as I can.