Tips to help with moving abroad for university

I'm Rida, an international student at the University of Bradford, and I come from Zafarwal in Pakistan. This is my experience of moving abroad for university: it includes some tips to help with your university preparation. Starting your journey to university is a major step. You'll probably feel excited, hopeful, and maybe even a little apprehensive. Studying abroad adds another level of challenge and excitement.

Packing for university

I made a list of everything I needed at university. I packed medicine and clothes for the cold weather in the UK, including raincoats. I am fond of spicy food, so I packed spices from home as well. I chose each item very carefully.

You might face some hurdles during the packing process. Just like any flight, you'll probably have a luggage weight limit on your flight over to the UK for university. This can be tricky to manage as a girl, as we sometimes need extra care products, clothes, and everything. When I packed my luggage for travel, my father and I had to take it out and repack it two or three times. I could only transport a maximum of 25kg of luggage, and the weight of my possessions exceeded this limit.

Preparing for university life abroad

I conducted research, sought advice from my friends who were already living there, and regularly visited the University of Bradford website and social media pages, all of which greatly contributed to my understanding of university life in the UK. However, on my flight day, I had an unexpected problem: tooth pain. I prioritise my health and well-being above all else, so rushed straight to the dentist. My entire family was concerned about my solo travel, but their unwavering support ultimately strengthened me. My flight to the UK was at 12 noon on a Friday, yet at 10am I was still at the dentist. After check-ups, we left for the airport and luckily, I was on time.

Arriving in the UK

Upon arriving in Manchester, I was struck by how different the environment and people were from where I grew up. I brought with me not only my possessions but also my strength, interest, and excitement for the adventures that lay ahead in the UK. During my Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) interview, the interviewer asked me a question about the city of Bradford. So, before I arrived here, I had thoroughly studied the area.

Getting ready for university abroad is more than just a trip; it is full of challenges and opportunities. Thanks to support from friends and family, as well as firm resolve, I entered this new phase of my life with confidence. Now, I am here to study and discover the UK.

One final tip

Here's one last suggestion for your packing process. Keep all your essential documents, including your passport, ticket, CAS letter, and currency, in a secure place in your bag for easy retrieval.

After I'd arrived in Bradford and got settled in, I got involved with my academic group and started to learn about my surroundings. Studying abroad is not just about school; it is also a way to improve yourself professionally and socially, make friends for life, and try to see things from different perspectives. If you want to enjoy studying abroad, you should carefully plan ahead. But don't be afraid to take risks and set yourself up for the future.

Get in touch with the University's support service for international students if you need any help or advice from the University for moving to the UK.