Guide for students from China

Guide for students from China

Hi, I’m Arina

I’m from Hebei in China and I came to Kent to study a Master’s in Theatre Making. My undergrad degree was in logistics management but my ambition has always been to work in the theatre. I thought the UK would be the best place to turn my passion for theatre into a professional career.

Settling in

I hadn’t studied in the UK before, so I took a six-week pre-sessional course at Kent. Language classes not only helped me adapt to the language environment but also allowed me to make a lot of friends and get used to the local lifestyle and pace before the semester even started. By the time school began, I was already completely settled in and didn’t feel nervous at all.

Studying at Kent

My advice is to stay disciplined, take responsibility for your own learning and don't leave your work until the last minute! If you need help, talk to your tutor – they’ll give you a lot of practical advice.

Getting to know the area

I like the campus and I love being near the sea and the countryside. Canterbury is beautiful and there are some very good restaurants. If you’re looking for great Thai food, check out Bangkok House. You absolutely have to try their papaya salad and red curry – they’re so good! For something different, Café des Amis serves delicious Spanish paella, and it’s right next to a garden with a lovely view.

My tips.

Getting to Kent.

Travelling to Kent from the airport wasn’t difficult; I shared a cab with another student to keep costs down. The train is quite convenient, but don't forget you'll have a large suitcase!

The right campus for me.

I like the campus, I often see a lot of little animals around, like squirrels, hares, foxes and magpies, which shows how great the campus environment is! I even like the weather here!

Making friends.

Travel, explore and truly experience the local culture. Join school or community events and interact with different people. I joined the K-Pop Society and the Chinese Society.

Supportive environment.

Everyone was friendlier than I expected, with classmates and teachers always willing to help. So, if you run into any difficulties, don’t be afraid to ask for support.

Go exploring.

Locally, I’ve been to the seaside town of Whitstable and to see the White Cliffs of Dover. There’s nice countryside nearby too. An annual or termly bus ticket makes it easy to get around.

Home cooking.

British food can be a bit bland, so bring lots of spices!

Historic Canterbury

I like Canterbury; it’s a small city which suits me and it’s convenient for shopping. And if you’re in the mood for ramen, Happy Samurai is a great choice – their soup is super tasty!

Missing home.

The Chinese Society puts on lots of events; they’re a chance to meet other students from China, just chatting to someone in your own language can help if you’re feeling a bit homesick.

My favourite places.

The library is my favourite spot. I can grab a coffee and there are comfy beanbag chairs, so I can rest when I’m tired. I also recommend the Gulbenkian café; the chilled apple cider is amazing!