Moving from Taiwan to the UK to study as an international student at the University of York was one of the biggest transitions of my life.
Arriving in York as an International Student
I still remember arriving in York for the first time, excited, slightly nervous, and aware that everything around me felt new. From the weather to the accents, even simple daily things like ordering food in a restaurant felt unfamiliar at first.
However, what stood out immediately was how beautiful and supportive the campus and people were. As an international student, I was worried about fitting in, but I quickly realised that York is a very inclusive and welcoming university. My college community and flatmates made the adjustment much easier, and I will never forget the night my flatmates and I celebrated Halloween together in my first year. It was one of the moments that made me feel at home.
Settling in-to University Life
At first, settling into university life was challenging. Academically, contributing to seminars required a new level of confidence and preparation. Over time, I began to enjoy engaging with people who came from very different backgrounds and ways of thinking. This is one of the most valuable aspects of being an international student.
The University of York also provides strong academic support. I often attended drop in sessions for CV checks and visited the Writing Centre during my first two years. Later on, I even worked at the Careers Service as a student guide, helping others who needed support with their career journey.
Furthermore, living in James College during my first year played a big role in helping me settle in. Its convenient location close to the Sports Centre made daily life very manageable. It also helped me build a healthy balance between academic work and personal life, including exercising to destress and meeting friends with similar hobbies. I appreciated how accessible everything was and how the college system created a strong sense of belonging.
Finding My Community
One of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been building friendships and finding my community.
I joined the University of York Taiwanese Society, where I served as treasurer during my second year. This role was especially meaningful to me because it allowed me to connect with other students from similar backgrounds while also organising events that brought people together. I really enjoyed seeing Taiwanese students gather together and create a sense of home, even when we were far away from Taiwan.
Outside of this, I also joined a coding club under the School for Business and Society during my last two years at university. I had no prior experience, but the welcoming environment made it easy to try something new while meeting new people along the way.
Life in York as an International Student
York itself is a beautiful and friendly city. One of my favourite things about living here is how walkable and peaceful it is. I especially enjoy spending time in the city centre, whether it is picnicking at Museum Gardens with friends or simply walking along the historic streets. There is also a strong sense of community here, and as a student, I have always felt very safe living in York. Even during late nights, I feel comfortable walking through the city centre or going out for a McDonald’s runs with friends without worrying too much. One of my favourite early memories is having brunch with friends at Bettys in the city centre. It was one of the moments where I truly felt that York had become my second home.
Personal Growth and Reflections
Studying at York has helped me grow not only academically but also personally. I have become more confident, independent, and open-minded. Being an international student has taught me how to adapt, communicate across cultures, and embrace challenges instead of avoiding them.
I have also had opportunities to develop practical skills outside the classroom. Through volunteering, student ambassador work, and running small projects, I never imagined myself filming interviews, taking part in photoshoots for prospectuses, or even writing this blog. These experiences have shaped my university life in ways I never expected when I first applied.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, my journey at York has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. While moving to a new country was daunting at first, it has become one of the most valuable experiences of my life. I have grown academically, socially, and personally, and I feel much more confident in myself because of it.
For any prospective international student considering York, my advice would be to embrace every opportunity, even if it feels unfamiliar at first. Join societies, talk to new people, and do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Your future self will appreciate those moments of bravery and growth.
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