Guide for students from Malaysia

Guide for students from Malaysia

Hi, I’m Sarah

I made the trip from Malaysia to Kent to study Actuarial Science. I’d travelled alone before but that was around Asia, nearer to home. When I was younger, I’d also visited the UK, so the culture wasn’t completely new to me. I was excited, looking forward to the challenge.

I’ve discovered a lot about studying in the UK and living away from home, and a lot about myself. So, starting from the beginning, here are my tips.

Pick what you pack carefully!

It’s not easy to choose what to bring, when you’re literally leaving your whole life behind and you have a luggage weight limit! I was lucky; my dad came with me and he let me put a lot of my ‘must have items’ in his luggage.

I brought a family photo and a cutlery set to remind me of home and my favourite clothes. I’d also recommend bringing some key ingredients from Malaysia: salted egg yolk powder and Indomie – they do sell it here, but it just doesn’t taste as good.

Settling in.

Welcome Week gives you the chance to discover all the societies and clubs you can join. I went to a few ice-breaker sessions and joined the Invicta Society, which is for Actuarial Science students, and the Malaysian Society which is a bit of home away from home. There are lots of socials, we all have a shared experience and understand each other, so it’s very relaxed.

Canterbury is a big campus, about a 20-minute walk from one side to the other. During Welcome Week, I made a point of visiting all my classrooms, so that when term started I’d know where I was going. Walking around campus is a good way to get to know it and if you get lost, there are plenty of people to ask.

I lived in uni accommodation in Park Wood – it was definitely nicer than I expected it to be (my dad was impressed too). The kitchen was small but well-equipped, we’d run into each other there when we were cooking. As well as your housemates, you meet their friends too, so your social group grows.

Home cooking.

As we know, Malaysia is food heaven, so replicating that when you’re cooking for yourself is tricky! As well as the special ingredients you bring from home, there is also an Asian food market nearby where you can pick up spices. And, if you’re struggling to recreate your favourite dish, reach out to other Malaysian students and see if they can help. I was desperate to eat Nasi Lemak, but couldn’t make Sambal, so I asked a friend.

Help is on hand.

Living far from home on your own for the first time is a big deal, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’ll find there’s lots of support available and taking advantage of that will help you to build resilience.

I play the piano and have paid for a pass to the practice rooms, which means I can book a room and play. For me it’s a great way to relax and just have some time to myself.

The other thing that helped me if I was feeling overwhelmed was to focus on my academic work. That’s something that you can control and if you work hard and get good grades it makes you feel more positive.

Dealing with homesickness.

Of course, you’ll miss home, family and friends, so it’s important to keep in touch. Video calls give your friends and family a chance to see where you’re living and that you’re doing OK. I’m really close to my mom, so calling her even just for a few minutes and hearing her voice is lovely. Make sure you work out the time differences though!

Explore Canterbury.

Just a short bus ride or a 30-minute walk away, Canterbury is definitely worth getting to know. A similar size to my home city of Seremban, there’s hustle and bustle but nothing overwhelming.

Canterbury has some nice green spaces and is easy to get around. There are lots of places to eat, but if you don’t have a lot of money, there’s always McDonalds! Sometimes we go to Wagamama for the Asian food and you get free green tea; it’s not too pricey.