International Economics degrees in Eastern England

As an international student, one of the most rewarding aspects of my university experience has been the supportive and student-friendly environment. Adjusting to a new country and education system can be challenging, but the university’s approachable faculty, student services, and peer support made the transition much smoother. The staff are always willing to help, and there are numerous resources available to assist with academic, personal, and cultural adaptation. The university’s inclusivity is another key strength. It celebrates diversity and provides a space where everyone feels respected and valued, regardless of their background or nationality. This inclusive atmosphere has helped me build meaningful connections and collaborate with people from all over the world, enriching my learning and broadening my perspective. Furthermore, the welcoming and accessible environment has made a huge difference. From orientation events to student societies, there are constant efforts to make international students feel at home. The campus facilities, online learning tools, and support services are highly accessible, ensuring that all students can participate fully in academic and social activities. If I can point out something that can be improved is Food. It’s funny how something as simple as food can make such a big difference in how “at home” you feel in a new country. Encouraging more international food options on campus or hosting cultural food events could make a meaningful (and delicious!) improvement to student life.

As an Art History PhD student at the University of Essex, my experience has been very positive overall. The strongest aspect by far is the support from my School. There is dedicated funding for extra training (such as courses or summer schools) and for conferences, including attendance even if you’re not presenting. Over the course of the PhD, this covers travel, accommodation, and fees in the UK or abroad. I’ve also benefited from fieldwork funding and support for external academic events, which has been invaluable for my research. That said, there are some downsides. I’m not a big fan of the campus environment—the brutalist architecture feels more depressing than inspiring to me—and Colchester is quite quiet, although London being just an hour away helps a lot. I’m also not especially impressed by campus services, particularly the value for money in student housing and the limited affordable healthy food options. Overall, though, I’d rate my experience a strong 4+ out of 5. The academic support, funding opportunities, and supportive research culture more than make up for the negatives, and I feel taken seriously as an overseas student.