'My UK degree is laying the foundation for my career'

Ronghui from China is pursuing a postgraduate degree in computer science at Newcastle University.

He shares his experience of getting to grips with different accents in English, the joys of making new friends from around the world and being encouraged to develop his own thinking through his studies.

‘I was drawn to the prestigious universities and cultural diversity of the UK’

One of the main reasons I decided to study in the UK was the country's prestigious universities, which offer so many top-quality courses. Beyond the academic opportunities, I was also drawn to the cultural diversity of the UK. In the UK, I can communicate with people from different backgrounds and have conversations with them, learning new things. It's great. This cultural exchange has allowed me to pick up new skills. One of my flatmates taught me how to make proper Indian curries, and another one taught me how to make an English breakfast, which was amazing. I’ve also been able to share my culture, teach them Mandarin words and phrases, and cook Chinese dishes with them. It’s such a great experience meeting and making friends with people from all around the world.

‘My English listening skills have improved so much’

Before I came to the UK, I had never been outside of China, so coming here was a brand-new experience. While embracing many aspects of life in the UK, I also faced some challenges, especially with language and communication. At first, I found it hard to understand what some people were saying, especially when they had strong accents. I work part-time at a local pub, and when people asked me to do things, I didn’t always know what they were referring to. Nowadays, it’s fine, and I’m used to communicating in English most of the time. I’ve started to pluck up the courage and initiative to talk to people more often. My language skills have improved so much and having a mix of local and international friends has been great.

‘I like the study-life balance that I’ve found in the UK’

I like the study-life balance that I’ve found here in the UK. I work hard, but I also have time to spend with my friends and do activities outside of classes, like playing sports or even taking part in the baking society at university. The UK is also very pretty and has lots of historical sites, places with artistic influence, and amazing landscapes. I really enjoy the serene and simple life here. If I ever feel stressed, I just pick up my keys and take the metro to the seaside for a walk or go to the park nearby to watch the ducks swimming in the pond, or the pigeons coming down from the sky for food. It always helps.

‘I have explored the UK beyond my university campus’

I have found inspiration and enjoyment in exploring the UK beyond my university campus, including visiting the Tyne River, the Discovery Museum in Newcastle, and the diverse city of Sheffield. I liked the vibe there. I also like travelling and have been to many places within the UK that are absolutely beautiful. Edinburgh is one of my favourite places that I’ve been to. I’ve also been to the Lake District, the Scottish Highlands, Hadrian’s Wall, London, and local activities like gigs, museums, and theatre shows. It’s been an amazing opportunity.

‘I went to watch the Premier League at the stadium in Newcastle’

I love football. The St James' Park Stadium in Newcastle is only a 10-minute walk from my student accommodation, so it’s convenient for going to watch games in person. I went to watch my favourite team, Newcastle United, play in the Premier League, and they won the game. I was so chuffed and happy to be cheering in the crowd with all my friends.

‘There are hands-on practicals which have helped me develop my own thinking’

At Newcastle University, I’ve taken very useful courses. For example, I’ve learned to code and have taken specific courses on things like cyber-attack technologies, cyber security, and other subjects that are very important to establish knowledge to become a software engineer. My course is unique, and there are lots of hands-on tutorials and practicals which have helped me develop my own thinking. They have been so beneficial, and getting to use the programming languages that we are learning on real-life projects makes all the difference.

‘I have discovered and nurtured my passions’

Studying in the UK, I’ve had a chance to explore and challenge myself. I have discovered and nurtured my passions and hobbies, such as my love of music. I am a guitarist, and I like to play punk music and rock and roll. I’m hoping to be able to join a band while I’m here.

‘My time studying in the UK has been transformative’

Overall, my experience studying in the UK has been a transformative one, filled with both challenges and incredible opportunities for personal and academic growth. The prestigious universities, diverse cultural experiences, and innovative teaching methods have all contributed to my development as a student and a global citizen.

I’ve also learned to ask for help. It was difficult to start with, but then it was fine. Anyone who is coming here from somewhere else in the world and maybe doesn’t have a support network in the UK to begin with, don’t forget to ask the people around you for help – your flatmates, your coursemates, and staff at university. They will be very willing to help you.

‘My UK degree is laying a solid foundation for my future career’

After graduating with my computer science degree, I plan to be a software engineer. That’s something I’ve always wanted to do. My UK degree is laying a solid foundation for my future career. I’ve learned so much, and beyond the hard skills, I’ve also had the experience of working as part of an international team to build and deliver the best product we can. My interpersonal communication has improved. The careers service on campus has also been helpful. I’ve learned how to write a CV, how to prepare for interviews, and even had the chance to do mock job interviews before I graduate.