My University Experience: A Holistic Journey of Support and Growth

Studying the MSc Marketing Management course at the University of Chester has been a transformative journey, filled with opportunities for academic, personal and professional growth. From my initial interactions during admissions to the comprehensive support I received throughout my time here, the University has played a pivotal role in making my transition smooth and rewarding.

The University has extended exceptional guidance and support at every step of the way.

Seamless Admissions and Visa Guidance

Starting my journey with the University of Chester while still in India was both exciting and nerve-wracking. However, the International team made this transition seamless. They were incredibly responsive, addressing all my concerns promptly and keeping me updated on important dates and milestones. As an enquiring international student with so many questions, this proactive approach by the University was very reassuring.

Often, we international students face last-minute information overload, which leaves us scrambling. This wasn’t the case with the University of Chester; I was guided throughout the whole process, ensuring that I had ample time to prepare. The Arrival and Visa Guidance alone was enough to help me understand the entire process.

Another standout example of the seamless process was the virtual visa guideline session. This session provided a detailed explanation of the documentation process, outlining what to expect and how to avoid common roadblocks, making the entire process stress-free.

A Home Away from Home: Accommodation Support

Like any other international student, accommodation was another major concern for me. I tried exploring many options online – Facebook Marketplace, private accommodation providers and student networks on WhatsApp – but nothing seemed promising or safe.

I decided to get in touch with the University’s Accommodation team via email. Despite a high volume of enquiries, they were responsive, answering all my queries and guiding me through the booking process. With their support, I had a confirmed booking and a place to stay upon my arrival in the UK. This assurance was invaluable as I navigated this significant life change.

One thing I would like to highlight here is that Chester is a small city with limited university accommodation options. If a student is keen on securing a place to stay in or around the campus, I recommend applying a few months in advance. The influx of students closer to the intake date may make it difficult to secure university accommodation.

Building a Career: The CareerHub Advantage

Once my admission, arrival and accommodation were secured, I naturally moved to the next big hurdle of looking into the UK job market to find part-time and full-time jobs. I had multiple sessions with a Career Consultant from the Careers and Employability team, who helped me revamp my CV, refine my LinkedIn profile and introduced me to tools and websites tailored for job searches. When it came to finding a part-time job, the University’s CareerHub was a game-changer.

The guidance I received not only improved my job applications but also helped me land a position within a month of arriving in Chester. I’m proud to say I continue to work with the same company today.

Gaining Leadership and Volunteering Experience

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my time at the University of Chester was my involvement in volunteer projects. I found my ideal volunteering opportunity through the Volunteer Hub. I am currently a project coordinator for the University’s dog-walking initiative. This role aligns perfectly with my passion for dogs, and it has helped me build essential leadership and organisational skills, which are invaluable for my career growth.

Additionally, the University has an Earn While You Learn initiative. Through its UniJob scheme, which advertises student jobs at the University, I had the opportunity to work as a Student Ambassador.

These experiences have not only allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the University community but also added significant value to my CV, enhancing my employability.

Academic Success and Library Resources

The University also offered invaluable academic support. The Library Team held sessions to help new students like me navigate the University Portal – a treasure trove of resources that initially felt overwhelming. These sessions equipped me with the confidence to access the right materials for producing quality assignments.

Adjusting to a new curriculum and assignment-writing style was challenging, but I was never alone. The support from my module leaders, personal academic tutor (PAT) and peers was instrumental in helping me understand expectations and deliver quality work. Their patience and guidance transformed my initial confusion into competence.

Wellbeing

Beyond academics, the University’s counselling service played a crucial role in my wellbeing. Homesickness is a common challenge for international students, and the free counselling sessions provided by the University’s Wellbeing and Mental Health team highlight its commitment to student welfare. These sessions were a lifeline, reminding me that help was always available.

Social Life

The social aspect of university life was further enriched by events organised through Active Campus. These events allowed me to pursue my hobbies and connect with like-minded individuals. For example, my love for badminton and other sports introduced me to a group of friends with whom I now meet weekly for fun games. Such opportunities made settling into a new country and culture much easier.

A Testament to Student Support

The University of Chester truly supports its students at every step, from academics to personal wellbeing and beyond. My journey here has been a testament to the University's dedication to student success. I’m excited to see what the future holds and am grateful to the University of Chester for helping me lay the foundation for a bright path ahead.