BE PREPARED

Wherever you choose to study, it will take some effort on your part to integrate with other students. You will find that, if you are open to others, they will also respond to you, and you will soon make friends. The University has a relatively small student population, so you will find a warm and welcoming community. This can make it easier to mix with other students, as you will be in smaller classes where everyone knows each other. We encourage you to join in the on-and off-campus activities available at the university and in the local communities. Remember that there is the local community too! You are not just restricted to experiencing university-based people and things to do.

Here are some suggestions:

• Attend the International orientation activities and events we have planned for you. As well as getting a lot of useful information and practical advice, attending these events will help you get to know other international students, who can be a great source of support during your studies in the UK.

• Join the official Facebook groups set up by the Students’ Union (SU) and the University to find out about useful information and connect with other students before you arrive. Check the Students’ Union website for the latest information.

• Try to join as many of the social events run by the SU as you can;

• Join clubs, sports teams, orchestras, drama and dance clubs;

• Work for the University as a student ambassador;

• Volunteer with the SU, University or the local community.

Getting to know your new home is an important part of adjusting to your life abroad. Try not to limit yourself to spending time on the University campuses only.

Chichester and Bognor Regis are in the county of West Sussex on the South Coast, which is famous for its beaches and hiking trails along the South Downs national park. You can take part in many outdoor activities such as surfing, windsurfing, canoeing, swimming, cycling, hiking, horse riding etc. You can find a high street lined with smaller shops in the centre of both towns as well as bigger retail parks with supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Lidl, Aldi, Iceland, M&S etc.) on the outskirts. The U7 bus can be used to travel to the retail park area.

Explore what is outside in the city and the county. There are various local events, clubs and activities that you can join in. All these different options (and more ideas) can be found online, so we recommend that you start searching for things to do even before you travel to the UK.

Life as an international student can be an exciting and rewarding adventure. You’ll meet new people, experience a different way of life and experience learning in a new way.

However, adapting to a new country, with a different climate, culture, and language can be overwhelming, especially when you do not have your family, friends and familiar support networks around you.

International students and culture shock 

Culture shock describes the impact of moving from a familiar culture to one which is unfamiliar. It refers to the anxiety and feeliungs of surprise, disorientation, uncertainty, and confusion felt when people have to operate within a different and unknown cultural or social environment.  

It is an experience describe by people who have travelled abroad to work, live or study; it can be felt to a certain extent even when abroad on holiday. It can affect anyone, including international students. 

Culture shock includes the shock of a new environment, meeting lots of new people and learning the ways of a different country. It also includes the shock of being separated from the important people in your life, family, friends, colleagues, teachers – people you would normally talk to at times of uncertainty, people who give you support and guidance. When familiar sights, sounds, smells, or tastes are no longer there you can miss them very much. If you are tired and jet-lagged when you arrive, small things can be upsetting and out of all proportion to their real significance. 

Some of the elements that contribute to culture shock include a dramatic change in:  

Climate, food, language, dress, social roles, rules of behaviour, social values. 

How to help yourself: 

• Understand that culture shock is a normal experience. 
• Stay connected with home. 
• Have familiar things around you that have personal meaning. 
• Find a supplier of familiar food, if you can.  
• Eat a health and balanced diet. 
• Take regular exercise. 
• Make friends. 
• Take advantage of all the help that is offered by your institution. 
• Use the University services. 
• You may find the lining with a faith community will put you touch with a familiar setting whichever place of worship that may be. 
• Join the Students Union and make use of its societies. 
• Volunteer or work locally. 
• Explore Chichester and Bognor Regis towns and join in some community activities and events. 
• Find someone to talk to who will listen uncritically and with understand ding, rather than isolating yourself.  

Read more about the stages of cultures shock on the UKCISA website.  

What should I do if I need help? 

There are lots of different people and services in the University who can offer help and support. Speak to your academic adviser or staff at the Support and Information Zone for more information of the support available to students. 

What kinds of help might I be offered? 

• International Student Advice 
• Wellbeing Advice 
• Mental Health Advice 
• Support Groups 

Anything that helps you find trusting relationships, gives you a sense that you belong and that you are valued will improve your mental health and wellbeing. 

And finally…. 

It is important to stress that culture shock is entirely normal, usually unavoidable, and not a sign that you have made a mistake that you will not manage. In fact, there are positive aspects of culture shock. The experience can be a significant learning experience, making you more aware of aspects of your own culture as well as the new culture you have entered. It will give you valuable skills that will service you in many ways now and in the future and which will be part of the benefit of an international education.