Close
The ultimate guide to joining clubs and societies at UCL!
By Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, on 14 September 2023
UCL is home to over 400 clubs and societies, which means that as a UCL student, you will have access to a broad spectrum of activities to enhance your time at university! Joining clubs and societies will give you an opportunity to meet like-minded people, enjoy and be part of events put together by societies and it gives you a platform to participate in any way you would like!
Since 400 clubs is a fairly large number, this blog will focus on the steps required to find a club that is tailored to your interests!
Step 1 : SU Website
Take a quick peek at the student union website and glance over the clubs and societies that are listed. You can customize your search so that you can find a club that pertains to your interests, or you can leisurely scroll through the list to explore all that UCL has to offer!
With every club listed, there is also a description available as to what the club is focused on, what opportunities they have and how you can find out more. Often, these descriptions usually contain a link to a WhatsApp group chat or their Instagram page wherein you will be constantly updated with the social activities taking place!
Step 2: Welcome Fair
Attend the welcome fair! This is a wonderful opportunity for you to see the clubs and societies up close. With over 200 stalls, you’ll have the opportunity to ask members about their experience with their respective societies and what these clubs have to offer! The welcome fair is also one of the best times to grab all the freebies and tote bags available, so don’t miss out!
Step 3: Taster sessions!
Taster sessions are free sessions held by clubs so that you can get a deeper understanding as to how the club is run and how you can get involved. Attending the taster sessions will allow you to meet like-minded people from different majors across UCL and see how you can contribute to the club! Information on where the taster session will be taking place will be provided by each club, all you have to do is show up!
Step 4: Membership
So, if you like a club and you’ve attended the taster session and decided that you would want to partake in the club throughout the year, the next step for you is to buy a membership. Most UCL clubs do have a membership fee that you would need to pay to be part of the club. You can find out more about the pricing structure on the student union website and you can also make your purchase there!
Step 5: Making your own club?
With all these clubs and activities, if you feel like there is something missing and you would like to introduce your own idea to form a club, that’s completely possible! You just have to go through the student union website where you can find steps to get started on building your own society!
Remember, it’s never too late to get started with a club! They run social sessions throughout the year so you can attend any of their socials and start from there! Societies are perfect stress busters as well as the perfect way to hone your skills and qualities!
Find out about some of the Societies affiliated with MPBE and UCL Engineering!
This blog was written by Anagha, Biomedical Engineering
How to overcome homesickness and adjust to a new country
By Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, on 30 August 2023
Me with the iconic JB during freshers week!
Moving to a different country can be a daunting experience, and it’s not uncommon to feel homesick while studying abroad. Feelings of being anxious, loneliness and isolation are totally normal in these situations. Been there, done that, and was it fun? Absolutely not. So here are some tips to combat this monstrosity!
1. Establish a Support Network
Not gonna lie, easier said than done. UCL is a massive campus, and you might be thinking, how on earth do I meet new friends? Fortunately, UCL offers more than 300 societies that you can join. Additionally, there are events and activities, especially during the first few weeks like freshers week, where you can meet like-minded people. While it might be intimidating initially, remember that everyone participating in these activities is in the same boat as you. Here’s an underrated tip: don’t feel pressured to form your core group of friends right away. Stay open-minded, explore more clubs and societies, and have fun!😉Here is a photo with me at an Engineers Without Borders Society social!
2. Explore London
There is so much to do in this city waiting for you to discover. From musicals and markets to parks and museums, there is always something. Discover hidden gems in the city: cafes, bookshops, river canals, and more! There’s a wide range of delicious food to try (see my previous blog) from different cultures is nothing short of astounding.
3. Ask to receive packages from home
Reach out to the people you miss the most and ask for their support. Personally, I craved the snacks from back home the most. Regular updates from loved ones can remind you that you aren’t forgotten and make you less lonely😊 Here is a photo of a care package my lovely fam sent me during my first year!
Studying abroad and adjusting to a foreign country might seem overwhelming, but it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If I can do it, you can too! UCL Cares is a fantastic resource that offers superb support when needed. I hope these tips provide some comfort, even if it’s just a teeny tiny bit haha😉Lastly, remember: you got this!!
This blog was written by Rachel, Biomedical Engineering
5 things that are super important to bring to university (that you may not have thought of!)
By Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, on 29 August 2023
Hi, I’m Emily, I’m a second-year Medical Physics student at UCL and here are 5 things I would definitely recommend bringing with you or purchasing before you start university in September!
- Any novelty clothing items/fancy dress you own! If you join clubs or societies that partake in sports night, many will have a theme each Wednesday and no one wants to buy an extra pair of fairy wings when they already have a pair at home! Things like Halloween costumes (as 31st October comes around very quick in term 1), questionable Hawaiian shirts borrowed from your dad and neon leg warmers could all come in handy, so bring them! A popular first sports night theme is ‘Back to school’ so a school shirt/tie could also be useful, but do not worry if you forget, Primark is only 15 min away from campus!
- A medicine box. Everyone gets ill at some point during the year, and if you think you’ve dodged freshers flu in the first week or so, you will almost certainly get it from a lecture hall the week after (I still have no idea what my maths lecturer said in the introduction week, for I could not hear him over the cacophony of coughs and sneezes)! Make sure you have all the essentials such as paracetamol, cough sweets, Lemsip etc, and remember that supermarket own brand medicines are the exact same chemically but often under half the price (great for the student budget when you’re on Strepsil box number 5 like I was!). Bonus tip – store this box in your bedside table so you can reach it without moving, lifesaver.
- All the loyalty cards! We’re talking Tesco club card, Nectar card, Boots advantage card, the lot! Often there are special prices specifically for cardholders, and as they cost nothing to sign up for it is more than worthwhile. The Boots advantage card was a personal favourite of mine last year, as if you go in-store with your student ID they can link it and you get 10% off every time you shop – this is sometimes upped to 20% on certain weekends, and is great for stocking up on toiletries and meal deals! Also, if your flatmates can’t be bothered to sign up for any of these, send them a screenshot of your barcode and they can earn you points too! And what do points make… in Tesco’s case, I used mine for Pizza Express vouchers!
- Chargers for all your devices (and spare ones). Laptops and phones are used so much at Uni and the last thing you want is to be stuck in a lecture with no means of taking notes as your laptop is dead. Purchasing an extra-long cable could also be helpful for more awkward seats in the student centre and where the plug socket is just out of reach! You will also be the most popular person at pres when you have multiple phone chargers to hand out so no one’s phone dies at the club!
- A positive attitude! Yes, it’s cringey, but nothing is more important than being willing to get stuck in, meet new people and try activities you perhaps never even considered before. You want to make the absolute most out of your 3/4 years at UCL, and with endless clubs and societies to try out or even join as a member, you might as well start from the beginning! In my first week, I went to a cheerleading try out and a year on I can’t wait to go back to Uni and see my team again, it has truly been one of the best experiences, and that all came from being brave in freshers week and going alone to one of their socials (I promise it’s less scary than it sounds, especially after a cocktail or two haha!).
There are definitely a lot of other things to remember such as extension cables, Tupperware, and sparkly gems to jazz up your outfit for a night out, but none of these had much to say about them! Definitely check out packing lists online as I found that super helpful, but at the end of the day you are in Central London, and anything you forget will be easily purchased just a stone’s throw away!
This blog was written by Emily, Medical Physics
Photo by Anete Lūsiņa on Unsplash
Reflections on my first year as a Medical Physics student
By Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, on 16 August 2023
It has certainly been an eventful academic year – one which has flown by far too quickly! Yet in the hustle and bustle of student life, perhaps now is as good a time as ever to take a step back and reflect on the year that has very much characterised the stepping-stone into adulthood.
As with anything, the transition from school to university is a uniquely personal experience. But what seems to ring true for us all is the fact that there will always be some things that feel smooth-sailing, and other things that feel like an entirely new world. Oftentimes we get hung up on the unfamiliar; navigating new lives and new homes and new people without any real indication of where to go. Yet at the very crux of the student experience lies the awkwardly-endearing friendships we form along the way; friendships which make that transition just that much easier.
Studying Medical Physics at UCL has been an incredibly fun rollercoaster of emotions. From ice cream breaks during lab sessions (in the middle of winter…) to the existential crises during exam season, my first year of this course has certainly been one to remember. Yet what has become abundantly clear over the past twelve months is that I feel content knowing that choosing to study Medical Physics here at UCL was indeed the right choice.
That’s not to say that it has been a walk in the park. The course content and academia is inevitably challenging – but it is by no means unattainable. Studying a subject as multi-faceted as this truly is remarkable; combining the wonders of Physics with Medicine, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering, this degree offers the flexibility for each student to select modules across these disciplines, allowing us to tailor our education in the way that fits us best.
Perhaps my favourite part of this year has been embarking on a research journey as part of the MPBE Summer Studentship programme. To have had the opportunity to learn about and contribute towards paediatric brain tumour radiotherapy research at such an early stage of my academic career reflects the abundance of opportunities available to us as students here within the MPBE Department – and may just be why so many students end up going on to do their PhD within the department that has always been so warm and welcoming.
This past year has been one of growth and laughter. And it has also been a year of setbacks and unfamiliarity. The good and the bad accompany one another; they both exist, simultaneously. Yet if quantum entanglement has taught us one thing, it is that it takes knowing one to know the other. We must know the bad before we can know the good, and vice versa. And I am beyond excited to continue this journey here at UCL – knowing that despite the challenges that are yet to come, there is always so much to celebrate throughout it all.
This blog was written by Saarah, Medical Physics
Undergraduate Offer Holder Days
By Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, on 2 May 2023
Choosing the right university can often be harder than choosing your course itself. Which university has the best facilities? The best support? The friendliest environment? The most convenient travel routes? And most importantly – which university is closest to the best food spots?
The UCL Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering (MPBE) Offer-Holder Day is back again this year – and it is here to answer all of your questions! The opportunity to learn more about the courses I was considering was certainly a valuable one – especially given how indecisive I am in general. The event included talks and presentations from faculty members and current students, which provided valuable insight into the curriculum, teaching style, and research opportunities available.
Academia aside, the campus tour – led by current students – was the perfect chance to explore the facilities available and find out the best study spots, libraries and cafes available on campus. I was able to get a sense of the social life at UCL, the support services available to students, and the opportunities for extracurricular activities. Perhaps what stood out the most to me was how welcoming the students leading my tour were – and is ultimately what invited me back to study at UCL full-time.
Finally, attending the Offer-Holder Day gave me the opportunity to meet other prospective students and make new friends. University can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re moving to a new city or country. Meeting other students who were in the same position as me helped me to feel more connected to the university community and gave me a great sense of friendship and support.
If you were considering going to the UCL MPBE Offer-Holder Day, let me make that decision for you – do it! There is so much more to see than what is available on a website or prospectus. The Offer-Holder Day is such a great opportunity to have all of your questions answered by students as well as staff, to get an understanding of the campus vibe, and to make new friends – friends who you may just end up going to lectures with come October.
You can view more pictures from the May 2022 Offer Holder Day here >>>
This blog was written by Saarah, Medical Physics
Presenting my research at SPIE Medical Imaging 2023
By Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, on 29 March 2023
I attended my first conference, SPIE Medical Imaging, that ran between 19th – 23rd February 2023 in San Diego. This conference shared information by leading researchers in image processing, physics, computer-aided diagnosis, perception, image-guided procedures, biomedical applications, ultrasound, informatics, radiology, digital pathology, and much more. I was honoured to have a paper accepted to be published with the opportunity to present it at the conference as an oral 20 minute presentation (The Effect of Luminance on Depth Perception in Augmented Reality Guided Laparoscopic Surgery, Authors: Athena Reissis, Soojeong Yoo, Matthew Clarkson and Stephen Thompson). This was based on the work I carried out for my research project when studying on MSc Medical Robotics and Artificial Intelligence 2021-22 here at UCL. Attendees showed interest in my work through questions asked during and after my presentation and even with follow up questions asked a few weeks after the conference. I thoroughly enjoyed carrying out this research and it was an amazing opportunity to be able to present my first publication and begin my journey in this research world.
SPIE Medical Imaging put on a great conference with a variety of keynote talks such as translating computational innovations into reality, MR fingerprinting, brain tumour segmentation and the use of AI/ML in the field. They had also organised a number of events allowing me to network with a variety of different people, get inspired by others and create connections. These ranged from a women’s lunch, student meetup, exploring career path session and a panel discussions. I was also able to meet members of the board and staff of SPIE creating great relationships for the future. Attending the poster sessions, demonstrations and other presentations gave me the chance to discover what is being newly researched in both my area and new areas, helping me understand the extent at which the field is growing.
This trip also gave me the chance to explore the great city of San Diego. To begin with I made it just in time for the Super Bowl and instantly immersed myself in the American culture. I was also able to visit the old town, go to a college basketball game, visit beautiful beaches, see the hundreds of seals and of course eat amazing food. It was my first time trying a Californian burrito and with San Diego being so close to Mexico, they had the best tacos I’ve ever eaten. Of course I had to end the trip before my flight by getting my favourite, chicken and waffles, and I made sure to bring back enough of my favourite American snacks to last me a while. It is an amazing city and was an amazing conference and I am honoured to have been able to attend, represent UCL and present my work.
Athena is currently a PhD student on the EPSRC i4Health CDT programme and studied on the MSc Medical Robotics and Artificial Intelligence programme in the academic year 2021-22.
My placement with UCL International Development Hub: Young at Heart Ghana
By Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, on 17 February 2023
The experience I had working with Young at Heart Ghana could be summarised in 3 words: amazing, inspiring, and eye-opening. Before the placement, I knew almost nothing about the Ed-tech industry but after having interesting conversations with the team at Young at Heart, I can confidently say with no doubt that I am familiar with the industry especially the accessibility of the use of educational technology in developing countries.
Young at Heart Ghana is an Ed-tech organization which aims to make STEM education more accessible to students in schools through customised digital platforms and software. Throughout the placement, I actively engaged with their operations, research, and engineering departments, all envisioning the same mission: to champion access to Ed-tech spaces. Knowing that you are involved in a community, where more and more young students are getting access to digital content and practical knowledge because of the projects being done at Young at Heart is incredible.
During the placement, I took part in the user-testing for Ananse Hub, a teaching platform. I created STEM teaching material on the Solar System using infographics for the platform. I also developed quizzes related to the content material. Using the discussion platform in the hub, I presented the information and recorded voice notes. The team then provided feedback and outlined the technical difficulties occurring with the platform. The task was very insightful, such that using infographics can help keep the audience’s attention, and further enhanced my presentation and storytelling skills.
Since the internship was combined with in-person and remote fellows, I collaborated with the other remote fellows in developing a survey as a follow-up of the report the in-person fellows did. As a team, we created surveys in relation to justice, well-being and access. In the development of the survey, I reviewed published papers on access to Ed-tech platforms and measured the variables specific to distributive justice. In distributive justice, I analysed different variables such as internet connectivity, data and cloud storage availability in school infrastructures, and schools in different regions in Ghana. I then created a survey for different stakeholders like parents, teachers and technicians, asking them about their student’s access to technology and its reliability of it. Gaining more insights into the intersection between justice and Ed-tech was enriching and broadening. One of the highlights was learning more about the Vegas & Winthrop model, which is an aspiration of education post-COVID. Where the school is in the centre of the community, it powers every single student’s learning and development using every single path possible, from technology to health and social protection agencies.
One of the products Young at Heart Ghana is Ananse the Teacher app. The app combines African folklore and provides a medium where stories and learning intersect. The lesson usually starts with an African folklore story, engaging students with the STE(A)M lesson, followed by practical experiments and hands-on activities. We were tasked to plan and create a lesson for Ananse the Teacher app following the science curriculum for primary schools in Ghana. I designed the lesson on the topic of Materials, where students get to learn and classify everyday materials and objects based on their properties. I started with an African folklore story “Why the Tortoise has a rough shell?”, describing the tortoise’s shell properties and the properties of other objects that appeared in the story, linking it to the lesson. I also categorized materials into different sections: Natural materials, Converted materials, and Synthesis. This ensures that students know the different types of materials and where they fit into the classification. Finally, I created hands-on activities and projects to end the lesson. It not only enhanced my design and creativity skills, but I also learned that it is important to relate it to the student’s culture and background. It makes it more relatable to students’ everyday life, hence leading it to be more interesting and engaging. One of the highlights was engaging in a conversation with the founding director at Young at Heart, Josephine Marie Godwyll. She told us how children in Ghana don’t know the difference between broccoli and cauliflower, but that is because they have never tried it before, as it was never a thing in Ghana. Therefore, it is crucial in familiarizing yourself with the culture of the country when developing teaching materials!
Throughout the placement, we had multiple extracurricular activities from the team at Young at Heart. We learnt about a variety of topics from business to pitch training to career journeys. It was very insightful as listening to others about their career journey is at the same time further educating yourself. They gave advice such as “Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone as you never know if you don’t try.” If you try you may discover new opportunities that may peak your interest! We also had discussions and interactive conversations with the co-founder at Young at Heart, Martin Bruce. Martin gave us two videos to watch. Both videos are pitches at the Royal Academy of Engineering. We then stated the differences both good and bad, the takeaways and the key points. It was very interesting as judging from a different perspective, and we learnt so much more about elevating your pitch and starting with a purpose at the very beginning. Lastly, we had an engaging conversation about our career journeys with other remote fellows and Martin, what we envision doing in the future etc. Biggest takeaway: What you study doesn’t mean what you will do in the future as a career. Your interests may change from time to time and that is okay. University is for you to explore what you like and what you don’t like until you find what is your purpose. These quotes will be on my mind when I am having career troubles in the future.
I got to work and experience with a variety of different sectors: marketing, engineering, business and content creating. This placement not only helped me grow personally but professionally as well. By working with others and trying different sectors, I could see substantial development in my future career and real-world experience.
Working with the brilliant Young at Heart team on advancing access to high-quality education through Ed-tech solutions was very insightful and I would highly recommend this placement project to other students at UCL. Applications open in Dec/ Jan, for more information, please visit the following link: https://liveuclac.sharepoint.com/sites/UCLInternationalDevelopmentHub
This blog was written by Rachel, Biomedical Engineering
My favourite food places around UCL
By Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, on 26 September 2022
From freshly made sourdough pizza to soufflé pancakes to sushi and Korean Food, UCL’s got it all. UCL is located in the heart of London, so there are tons of restaurants nearby, and there is definitely something for everyone.
Here’s the ultimate guide to my favourite restaurants around UCL.
Hare and Tortoise
Hare and Tortoise is a Japanese restaurant where it has a plethora amount of Japanese cuisine to choose from. They also have other dishes such as Pad Thai and Lo Mein. The price is pretty reasonable, and it’s really close to campus!
What to order:
My go-to order is their Yaki Udon and a side of California sushi rolls.
Location: Brunswick Square, London
Seoul Bakery
This cozy small restaurant has everything from tteokbokki to kimchi fried rice, however my favourite is their gimbap. A lot of Korean restaurants here in London don’t have gimbap on their menu sadly, so I was surprised and elated that they have gimbap here.
What to order:
Beef bulgogi gimbap or just gimbap (this is not a recommendation, it is mandatory)
Location: 14 Great Russell St, London
Franco Manca
A fresh sourdough pizza restaurant, and the best thing about Franco Manca is that majority of their pizzas are under 10 pounds! Their menu has a large variety of options and they have lots of vegetarian and vegan choices as well! It is located next to Russell Square Station which can be very convenient for commuters:)
What to order:
Any of their pizzas<3
Location: 4 Bernard Street, Russell Square/ 98 Tottenham Court Road
Fuwa Fuwa
I rarely repeat restaurants as there are so many food places around London to explore, but I have been to Fuwa Fuwa 5 times (yes, it is THAT good). Their pancakes are extra fluffy and light, and their menu has a wide variety of different pancakes to choose from. The minimalistic interior adds a unique touch to the dessert place and the size of the shop is huge. Besides, you order by scanning the QR code which is super convenient and Covid friendly!
What to order:
Any of their pancakes! They are all amazing:)
Location: Brunswick Square, London
Busaba
Craving for some Thai Food? Busaba is the best place for you. The best thing about Busaba is that it offers a 25% student discount (the perks of being a student lol). The restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere, and serves as a great restaurant to catch-up with friends.
What to order:
My personal favourite is their Khao red pork belly rice with a plate of fish cakes alongside it.
Location: 22 Store Street, Bloomsbury
Not sure where to satisfy your cravings? Or have you just finished a long day of lectures and just want some good food to finish off the day? Stop by any of these restaurants and I promise that you won’t be disappointed^_^
This blog was written by Rachel, Biomedical Engineering
How to make the most of your Freshers Week
By Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, on 22 September 2022
As the start of university is approaching, many new students are excited about the new chapter in their life that is about to start. And the beginning of this new chapter starts with the infamous ‘Freshers Week’.
Freshers’ Week is basically the first week of university in which all the first-year students get used to being far away from home and living alone for the first time (most of them at least). This week includes a lot of partying, going out, making a lot of memories with new people, and just having fun. However as crazy as it sounds, going out every day and partying all night can get a bit repetitive. So how can you make the most of Freshers Week?
Being a third-year student and having already experienced Freshers Week, I would suggest keeping a balance. Since it is the first week of university all the societies will have their welcome fairs and their taster sessions. You can look for the different societies available at the welcome fair or online at UCL Students’ Union. If you want to start immediately getting involved in the department, I suggest the Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering Society. There you will meet a lot of the senior students who can help you and give you tips on how to maximize your university experience. Also look out for the annual boat trip organized by the department in October (you’ll be emailed details). It is a great opportunity to socialise and its free.
Going to parties every night is fun, but also it will drain your energy after 2-3 consecutive days. I would suggest focusing also on travelling and going around London. A good place to look for places to see in London is Time Out London. There are many things to see around the city and best believe that you will enjoy. The city is amazing and there are many places for you and your friends to hang out and just relax while also experiencing the life in the big city. Don’t get me wrong, if you prefer to party and would rather do that over going around the city by all means go ahead, but I really doubt that you would want to miss out on the city. Of course, you can argue that you can visit the city during your studies but knowing that you have no assignments due or no lectures to go over maximizes the experience and lets you enjoy the city.
If you are totally a party person and do not care about anything else, then my suggestion would be to go to different places around London. There are many venues who host events just for Freshers Week and they have various activities to keep everyone busy and make sure that everyone is having fun. Also, since the last 2 years have been affected by COVID-19, there will be a lot of concerts going on during September – October period so have a look because your favorite artist may be performing, and this will be a chance for you to see them live. A good website to look out for different events you can attend is Ticketmaster or Songkick.
So, all in all make sure to include some variation during the week just to have fun. The definition of what fun can be up to you, but definitely do not miss out by staying inside!
This blog was written by Elio, Biomedical Engineering
Reflections on homesickness
By Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, on 12 September 2022
Adapting to a whole new country with different people, traditions and potentially a different language can be pretty daunting; a lot of young people are faced with such a challenge when they go to study abroad. Some of them are hit with a wave of anxious emotions, while others approach it with a much more positive thinking.
When settling into a new country, it’s vital to think positively, things have a way of working themselves out. Experiencing a new culture can be very beneficial and that alone can be used as an encouragement to be more positive about such a change. Change is generally inevitable in life and taking the initiative to move to another country is a substantial change! But this challenge helps us to grow, maybe more than we will ever grow throughout the rest of our lives and that should be something to look forward to. It is important to understand that while being fearful of the unknown, jumping straight in when you start feeling scared is the way to go about it.
At some point or another, most of us have missed home. Entering university is a huge step to adulthood and independence and no matter how much fun it seems, everyone experiences homesickness at some point. Missing home is a very normal human reaction; missing your house, your family, your pets and what not. Learning how to cope with such a feeling when you are unable to go back can provide you with a valuable experience that helps you cope with other transitions later in life. It would be very beneficial if you think of it as an exciting opportunity to develop new interests in another environment other than your home.
Although staying in touch with people from home is very important it might be better to contact them less frequently; constant communication can reinforce a person’s sense of homesickness whereas contacting them less frequently than usual may help reduce those feelings. It might be a good idea to encourage your family members to write or email you on a semi-regular basis, perhaps once a week.
People need people so, try to be friendly and create new friendships along the way. Making new friends does not mean forgetting your old friends. It simply means you are adapting to new environments with people who come from different backgrounds than yours and that is fascinating! On the other hand, we are human and not every day is sunshine and rainbows, so it’s a nice thing to talk to people when you feel you need some help. Even if you are an introverted person, or an anxious person try to get out of your comfort zone to make friends.
It’s important to accept that at some point, you will feel homesick. Pushing emotions for too long can be overwhelming. It is a good idea to plan some time to reflect on those emotions and feelings as well as accepting them. The only way to move forward is to accept your emotions and feelings. Taking charge of your feelings in this way often helps to work through them. The department has a dedicated Student Advisor, if you are feeling overwhelmed.
People tend to grow when they move to another country, new patterns develop gradually with time and life can be unexpected. You may experience emotional distress from time to time, but the sun tastes so much better after a storm; university can help you become more positive as you can clearly see how independent you have become.
There is no recipe to settling into a new country but going with the correct mindset can help you to adapt and make the best out of it.
This blog was written by Elio, Biomedical Engineering