Science degrees in Central 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.

Studying at Birmingham Newman University has been a really positive experience overall. One of the best aspects is the strong sense of community — it’s a smaller university, which makes it feel more supportive and personal. Lecturers are approachable and genuinely invested in students’ progress, and it’s much easier to build relationships with both staff and classmates compared to larger universities. Another highlight is the campus environment. It’s compact and easy to navigate, with a friendly atmosphere that helps you feel comfortable quickly. The focus on student wellbeing and support services is also a big plus, especially during busy or stressful periods. That said, there are areas that could be improved. Because it’s a smaller university, facilities and resources can feel a bit limited compared to bigger institutions. There could also be more variety in extracurricular activities and societies to give students a wider university experience. Overall, it’s a great place to study if you value a close-knit, supportive environment, but expanding resources and opportunities would make the experience even better.

The facilities and lecturers are excellent however in terms of student support the fact that the university refuses to allow extra time and deadline extensions for students with disabilities is a letdown and makes studying increasingly more difficult for those that face academic challenges. The fact that the bus is also no longer free feels like it’s taking advantage of students who may not be able to walk to university by forcing them to pay.

I really enjoy having a walk around the farm and taking part in farm skills sessions. The lecturers explain the topics in a way which is easy to understand and they make the sessions interesting and fun for us. We are currently doing our team challenge module and I think this is a great way for us to make new friends and communicate with people we haven’t necessarily spoken to before this. There are loads of on and off campus activities you can do and the student support is amazing, things like the library and the report advisors have helped me so much so far throughout my studies. I do struggle with the timetable as it changes each week and each day, I do believe this is down to being on the foundation year however I do find it extremely difficult to work part time around uni as I often finish at different times each day. For example one Monday I could finish at 11 and the next I could finish at 6. This therefore makes it difficult to explain to employers my availability.

I come from Madagascar, an island located in the Southern African region in the Indian Ocean. In my country, English is the third language, with French as the second, and Malagasy as our local official language. Additionally, Madagascar is one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world. I earned my Master's degree in Theology from our national theological faculty before pursuing a second Master's level course at the Cambridge Centre for Christianity Worldwide (CCCW). I am deeply grateful and honored to have been admitted here, and I extend my thanks to the CCCW Board for this opportunity. My journey at CCCW has been marked by several meaningful experiences: Despite my background, I have never felt excluded. I am welcomed as part of the community, and my classmates are genuinely understanding and supportive. English proficiency is required for students from countries where English is not the first language. I am deeply thankful to my professors and classmates for their patience, as they recognize both my efforts and my progress in achieving academic-level English. I have never felt judged, and I am committed to improving daily. Lastly, the support, guidance, and attention from the professors have been invaluable. I truly admire their dedication and the advice they offer as they assist us throughout our studies.