International Students: Top tips to help you feel at home

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Moving abroad is so exciting but, at first, it can feel a bit terrifying at the same time! Turning up in a totally new country with a totally new culture is daunting by anyone’s standards, but trust us, once you’ve had time to get settled in it may well be one of the best experiences of your life.

Get photos and posters up on your walls

Making your room cosy and having pictures of friendly faces up on the walls will instantly help you feel more at home. Plus creating a cosy environment which really feels like your own is key to making a home away from home.

Join in

Sign up to clubs and societies. As well as plenty of internationally orientated societies there’s plenty of opportunities to get stuck into uni life, meet loads of new people from all over the world and even try something completely new to you. Signing up to one of our Give-It-a-Go’s is also a great way of experiencing your new home country and making new friends, there’ll be the chance to visit the famous city of Brighton, go and see a musical in London’s West End and much more.

Comfort food

There’s nothing like a few home comforts. Finding an international grocery store which stocks your favourite food from home is surprisingly comforting if you’re feeling a bit homesick.

In Cambridge, Mill Road has plenty to offer, including Turkish, Korean, Asian and International supermarkets.

In Chelmsford, MM Global Supermarket on New Street, Oriental Emporium on Tindal Street and Taste of Asia on Moulsham Street all stock a variety of Asian products.

Peterborough offers Islamic International Stores on Gladstone Street and International Food Centre on Lincoln Road.

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Advice

If you need help with anything from housing and academic problems to personal issues, or even if you’re struggling with homesickness, the ARU Students’ Union Advice Team is here to help. Make an appointment online or drop in and see us at Peter Taylor House in Cambridge or the first floor of Tindal building in Chelmsford.

Experience your new city!

Getting out and about and getting to know your new home city will go a long way to making you feel more at home. Try punting in Cambridge or ice-skating in Chelmsford (there’s even an ice-hockey team!). Based in Peterborough? Try taking a tour around the cathedral. Check out which shops your city has to offer and be sure to visit museums and historic sites. All this exploring will help you get to know your new home in no time!