Integration University Community

I want to make friends with people from all over the world – not only Thai students!  But how?

UK education has long been regarded as one of the best in the world.  This is the result of years of innovation in teaching methods, world-leading academic research and major investment in first-class student facilities. But the UK can, in fact, offer so much more than just a high quality degree.  Many international students have found an unforgettable experience through integrating the University community and forging friendships that last a lifetime with both UK and other international students.

Many Thai students tend to stick to the universities they have already heard of through friends, family or other connections.  Because of this ‘safety in numbers’, some universities now have more than one-hundred Thai students studying their degrees.  While this does not mean that these universities are bad places to study, it does mean that there are a disproportionate number of Thai students at a small number of universities in the UK.  This also means that there are many very good universities with a small Thai population where it is easier to make friends with people from all over the world – including the UK.

But just how can a Thai student ‘integrate’ with the University community?  Simon Iley, International Officer for Queen’s University Belfast, shares his three tips for achieving this:

1.    Don’t just follow your friends.  It’s natural to want to study where your friends are going, ensuring you know at least someone.  But be brave, venture ‘outside of the box’ and consider universities across all 4 countries of the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).  When we live and learn in a place where you know less people, we are more inclined to make an effort to make new friends from different cultures.

2.   Join the clubs, societies and sports teams.  UK Universities offer have a vast array of extra-curricular activities, from football and swimming, to film clubs and crafts.  Get involved in these.  Whether it’s a sport you’ve always played or trying something completely new, they are an excellent way to meet other students with like-minded interests.

3.    Choose a University with a high number of UK students and a low number of international students.  After all, the more UK students in your degree lectures, clubs and societies, the greater the opportunities will be to study and socialise with them.

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