Zhou Churong

Why did you want to study in Birmingham?

I chose Birmingham for its welcoming campus and the city’s incredible diversity. As someone interested in media and cultural studies, I was excited to live in a place where different ethnic backgrounds and traditions meet every day. Birmingham felt like the ideal setting to learn, explore new perspectives, and be part of a truly global community.

Why did you want to study Digital Media and Communications - what stood out?

What I loved about this course was how varied and hands-on the modules are. From Theory of Communications to Researching Digital Culture, I’ve been able to connect big ideas with what’s happening in our everyday media lives. Discovering Creative Practice gave me the chance to experiment with new ways of telling stories, while Professional Communications helped me build practical skills that feel directly useful for future careers. I was excited by the balance of theory and practice, and by the chance to learn all this in such a diverse and creative environment. 

What are your favourite places to visit in the Midlands?

One of my favourite spots isn’t a landmark, but the walk from Selly Oak to Harborne. It’s a quiet, leafy road that feels perfect for a bit of philosophical daydreaming—yet it conveniently leads to some of Harborne’s best pubs. I love that balance: peaceful reflection on the way there, and a lively social atmosphere waiting at the end.

What are the main differences between living in the UK compared to your home country, has anything surprised you?

For me, the UK feels quite different in everyday life: there are fewer things to spend money on, the population density is lower, and that means you really have to learn to enjoy your own independence. At the same time, it’s also a challenge—and a joy—to build your own community here. What surprised me most is how quickly those friendships and cultural exchanges make you feel at home. Every day feels enriched by the people you meet and the experiences you share.

Is there anything you’ve found challenging about living in the UK and if so, how have you overcome this?

The biggest challenge for me has been adjusting to the daylight changes. In winter, the short days made it difficult to keep a healthy routine, so I had to shift my sleeping and waking times to make the most of the light. In summer, it was the opposite—the long evenings made it easy to overwork and risk burnout. What helped was planning my schedule more carefully and making use of campus wellbeing resources to keep a balance between study, rest, and social life.

Describe an average week in your life?

My weekdays are usually spent going to classes, studying in the library, and keeping on top of day-to-day life. At weekends, I like to mix things up: sometimes I head to Harborne for a quiet pub and some reading, other times I go out dancing with friends on Broad Street. I also enjoy spending time in the city centre—whether that’s for a date or just exploring Birmingham. On Sunday evenings, I take part in a Bible study at a local resident’s home, which has been a lovely way to feel part of the wider community. 

How do you think your degree and studying abroad will support your future plans?

My degree has strengthened both my academic knowledge and my ability to communicate across cultures. Studying modules such as Researching Digital Culture and Professional Communications has given me the tools to understand how media connects people in different ways, while living in the UK has challenged me to adapt, build independence, and create communities in a new cultural context.

After graduation, I hope to work in media and research roles that bridge diverse audiences and make knowledge more accessible. The combination of my studies and my international experience will be key in supporting those ambitions.

What have become some of your new favourite things after living in the UK?

I’ve picked up quite a few new favourites since moving here. I love grabbing discounted food at Aldi or Morrisons after 5pm, and there’s nothing better than salt and vinegar crisps after a night out. The night view of the city centre from the Rotunda is always stunning, and I’ve really enjoyed the electronic open-mic events in Digbeth—they make Birmingham feel so creative and alive.