Hear from Ratnadip about his experience of being an international student from India, the LANS Family system and extra-curricular activities.
"Once I took the decision to pursue a degree in liberal arts, the Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences (LANS) programme at the University of Birmingham stood out almost instantly. It is one of only a handful of similar degrees offered when it comes to studying modules from across the arts and sciences that stress a strong focus on interdisciplinarity. However, one thing which makes UoB stand out is the exciting option to go spend a year abroad in third year at a prestigious university from so many options. In addition, the academic flexibility - the chance to create one’s own pathway across four years in the programme was quite unique.
I have had the good fortune of studying excellent modules across departments such as English Literature, Philosophy, Sociology, as well as in my major, International Relations. As a LANS student, one is expected to be able to synthesise different disciplinary approaches as a part of interdisciplinary research projects with peers from diverse academic backgrounds - something that has been quite rewarding and beneficially positioned myself for future studies or employment opportunities.
Naturally, as an international student going abroad to university, there are challenges in that process - however, the International Student Team here were very forthcoming with support at each step of the way and made the whole thing so much smoother. I was grateful for the regular communication and prompt answers to any queries that cropped up, such as during the process of applying for accommodation and then culminating in the settling in period after arriving.
The various activities that were organised for freshers during the Welcome Week were a huge boost regarding my coming to terms with the new environment and acclimatising myself with the department and university. One such instance was the ‘family’ system we have in the School of Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences - where second-year students ‘couple’ up and then ‘adopt’ incoming freshers to help them to get used to everything and are on hand for advice on all sorts of things. Another extremely beneficial element of my time here has been the rich and diverse array of events offered exclusively for LANS students as part of our Cultural Programme - ranging from museum visits, orchestra performances, film screenings, poetry workshops, and so much more.
The sheer number of extra-curricular activities here have added to my experience - the Model United Nations society and the university’s Shakespeare Society being two of a few that I have been a member of - even having been elected on the committee of the former for my second year. Societies are such a great place to either meet like-minded people and really become close friends with them, or even to try out new things and hobbies while developing skills.
My advice for future students would be to not stress about the difficulty of coming to a different country, as the academic opportunities available as well as the welcoming student community – they vindicate that decision to the fullest."