Birmingham made me feel at home in the UK as an international student

The first time I visited the UK in 2023, I was premiering my short film, Eating Papaw on the Seashore, with my friend, Nickose. The London Underground was very confusing and I had never seen so many people, moving like a colony of ants as if time was running away. It took me at least an hour and a half before I figured out the system. If I asked anyone for help, they seemed very annoyed. My friend and I had to figure it out ourselves.

Finally, I reached the exit and approached a woman who worked the gates. When I went to hand her my ticket, I was shocked. She snatched the ticket and opened the gate for me.

It was an interesting experience, coming from a small country like Guyana, where greetings are customary and people usually smile at you. I distinctly recall being in culture shock. I met my friend, Craig, who grew up in London and told him about my experience. He laughed and said, "You got the London experience."

It was my first time ever coming to a big city like this and usually when foreigners visit Guyana they always say, "Everyone is so friendly." I was genuinely confused by this statement because I thought, "Don’t they have friendly people where they're from?" When I first visited London, I could understand why people say this. After I spent about a week and a half in London, I did meet some friendly people, but they were connected to friends of friends or had come to see my film and talked to me afterward.

Then I went to visit my family in Birmingham. I distinctly recall being in a café when a waitress said, "Good afternoon," and even smiled at me. I was genuinely surprised. It turns out some parts of the UK are actually friendly after all. I was so excited because it felt like home. Strangers could be welcoming to you.

Then I got to exploring. I went to the Rep Theatre, the cinema and many people greeted me with smiles. It was alien compared to London. I even visited universities, in case I wanted to return to do my Masters degree. It was because of that friendliness that I considered living in Birmingham and I haven't regretted it.

Birmingham is very diverse in terms of foods to try. Since living here, I have visited a Greek restaurant, an Italian restaurant, an Iranian restaurant and probably my favourite, Heavenly Desserts. I love desserts.

Also, during Christmas, I went ice-skating for the first time and that was crazy fun. I fell down. I got up and I laughed. My first Christmas in Birmingham was definitely made better because of the Christmas village in the city centre. There were vendors selling sweet treats, music, drinks, and people were being jolly and dancing with their friends and family. It was really great to absorb that atmosphere.

It was my second winter Christmas and I enjoyed it. Birmingham is a great place to explore different cultures, especially if you have a curious palate and don’t want to be overwhelmed by a metropolitan city.