Laura Rivero González
As I was about to take the biggest step of my life, I was looking for a university that, in addition to offering a suitable career, could make me feel welcome, significant and not so lost. The University of Suffolk exceeded my expectations.
When I was in Lanzarote, I found it easy to carry out the application thanks to a friendly and personalised treatment that made me feel comfortable and less nervous during the process. Once in Ipswich, my worst fear was the language barrier: not being able to fully catch what was being said in class, to make myself understand or to make friends. However, in this university, language is not an obstacle to lead a fulfilling academic and social life. On the one hand, due to the quality of professors, with whom you can have a more personal relationship and great communication. On the other hand, the number of students is low, in my course we are only fifteen for example, so you feel integrated into the group both inside and outside the classroom. I can say that in the four months I have been living here I haven’t had any problems either in the university or the town, whether to ask for directions, take the bus or order a coffee. People in Ipswich and the University are kind and patient, always willing to help.
Days before the start of the course several activities and talks were organised to support international students. At the last one, which was a meal to welcome the beginning of the new academic year, I was standing there feeling like a nervous wreck when my course leader and approached me. She asked me a few questions about how I was feeling with everything going on she said: “I hope you feel comfortable and included, anything you need or any question you might have, tell me. See you next week!”
I would say that that little conversation sums up the philosophy of this University.
As a piece of advice, I will say that the only barriers are the ones you set yourself. The University of Suffolk is a good place to leave fear behind.
