Derwent_Blog_bySobia

NEWS •

Studying in the UK as an international student

ONE YEAR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HULL:MY JOURNEY TO FIND MY EXTRAORDINARY

Sobia Siddiqui came to the UK from Pakistan to study at the University of Hull. In her blog, she shares her feelings about how she has found her ‘happy place’ here.

Thinking that you can’t do it? You are not good enough, or you ‘ll never make it?

Every person on earth has thoughts like these at some point of their life and so did I, until I came to the University of Hull – shifted my mindset and started believing that I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to.

If you are an International student and looking to study in the UK then perhaps the University of Hull is the right place for you. To introduce myself, I am Sobia – a postgraduate student (MSc Advertising and Marketing) who is working as an intern with the University of Hull Press Office.

I have been a student who started her postgraduate journey by checking websites, reading articles and blogs about different universities to choose where to study in UK and now I proudly say:

‘The University of Hull is my happy place’

And it can be your happy place too. Keep reading to know how.

The University of Hull believes that there is an extraordinary in everybody and helps students to find that. I have never thought I will discover what I wanted from life until I came to Hull.

Extraordinary_Blog_Sobia
That's me – on one of our Open days

‘I have not just completed my masters in this one year, but I have lived a whole new life’

Unless we push ourselves to discover our full potential, we will never know it. This quest for self-discovery inevitably leads us to living a more meaningful life.

‘Moving to Hull was the best decision I've ever made’

Let me share my experience of one year at the University and some vital information about which I considered before applying:

The University of Hull is committed to providing their students with top-class facilities and an excellent environment. In my opinion, it is one of the most affordable universities in the UK. The lecturers and other teaching staff are very friendly, helpful and cooperative.

I know rankings are important – they were to me – when I was making my choice. Here are some world rankings for Hull:

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023: the University of Hull ranks in the 501-600 group (301-400 for Business and Economics).

QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2023: the University of Hull ranks in the 241-260 group for Overall Performance and 190th in Environmental Impact Performance.

Students’ Union

The University of Hull’s award-winning students’ union has more than 150 societies and sports clubs. It has a student support team too which is readily available to offer guidance on issues like immigration, attendance, timetable, health, well-being and learning support.

Students automatically become a member of the students’ union. I have been a member of two societies including the Pakistani Society, and Mental Health Society. Being part of these societies has made me more confident and helped me to understand the culture and rituals of different countries.

Asylum: Karaoke and parties:

The University has Asylum night club where you can enjoy a variety of food along with a lot of events and entertainment. I usually attend the karaoke nights and tower parties at Asylum. They offer an opportunity to enjoy nightlife on campus. This is one of the best perks of living on campus.

asylum_Blog_Sobia
Asylum night with my mates at Hull University Students' Union

Rolling out from bed into the party. Isn’t it amazing?

Library

The Brynmor Jones Library is the main library at the University of Hull. It provides access to journal articles and books, has its own café and facility to book a room for group study. You can also borrow items like books and laptops. I will never forget the mesmerising view from the 7th floor in December when I used to work on my assignments there.

Accommodation

The University of Hull has a range of on-campus accommodation. You can choose from more than 2300 student rooms in Westfield Court, Taylor Court and the Courtyard. I lived in the Courtyard which is ideally located on campus and for me it was like a roll–out-of-bed into-your-lecture experience. It saved me time and energy living there. (Accommodation cost 2022-2023 for self catered: £140-£240 per week)

Sport and Wellbeing

The University of Hull is the official university partner of Team GB. As a student it doesn’t matter if you are sporty or not – there are opportunities for all students.

Benefits of Team GB partnership for students:

  • Volunteering opportunities

Student and staff volunteers have had the chance to attend the Birmingham NEC for Team GB Kitting-Out events, ahead of the Games. It gave them a chance to meet Team GB athletes and be part of the buzz.

  • Work experience opportunities
  1. These include internships: one lucky student created a new Partner Hub for Team GB and its partners, allowing easier access to Team GB documents and branding, and streamlining the process of sharing information.
  2. Motivational talks from visiting Team GB speakers and health and wellbeing events run by elite athletes.
  3. Team GB’s triple-Olympic Team GB Max Whitlock, an ambassador for the University of Hull, and a host of other Team GB athletes – including BMX supercross rider Kye Whyte, Gymnast Beth Tweddle, cyclist Elinor Barker – have visited the University to share their experiences and tips for success with students.

The Allam Sport Centre offers a wide range of sports. It has a 12 court sports hall, spacious fitness studios and a 120-station gym. It is like a heaven to a fitness freak like me. I still remember before applying for my masters at the University of Hull, I visited its website and checked out the sports centre first and said: Wao!

I have gym membership which is £19.95 per month. I do yoga, weight training and have made new friends as well (who are fitness freaks like me). This is a good way to meet like-minded people.

Click on the link to watch a detailed video of sports centre.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNF_BDm2sfo

Employability award_Blog_Sobia
Hull Employability award – a proud moment for me to get recognition of the activities I had undertaken through my studies and a valuable addition to my CV in the job application process

Hull Uni Career Team: Student Futures

If you are planning to start your degree with the University of Hull – don’t forget to book an appointment with this wonderful team after your admission. Through their guidance, I have been able to achieve the Hull Employability Award – got recognition for the activities undertaken through my studies and vital practice in job application process.They have not only helped in building an impressive CV but also guided me about future opportunities. I secured two internships through Student Futures which have been very helpful in shaping my career path.

They are not wrong when they say:

We are here for you, for LIFE

Visit their Instagram page for the latest job updates:

Hull Uni Student Futures (@hullunicareers) • Instagram photos and videos

University Open Day

If you are finding it difficult to decide your course, then a University Open Day will help you a lot. They will give you a warm welcome with a lot of information regarding admissions and courses.

Book your Open Day now.

Apart from this, the University of Hull also arranges various webinars for international students all over the world in order to answer any questions you may have.

Do you want to find your extraordinary like I found mine?

Then what are you waiting for? Just click Apply Now

yoga_Blog_Sobia
Me looking after myself – Yoga at Allam sport centre is my favorite place to restore my mental well-being

Last updated

Top