Your Sunderland. Your Team. > I Am an International Student
Moving city and relocating to a campus in a different part of the country is a big step for any undergraduate. It is an even greater step if you are moving away from your home country. Getting accustomed to a new environment, alongside new learning styles, cultures, and even language is a lot to take in. It is normal to feel overwhelmed when you first arrive, but feel assured that you are part of Team Sunderland and we will do all we can to assist you in becoming accustomed to your new home!
The experience of culture shock may cause you to struggle once you begin studying at the University of Sunderland. This phenomenon describes the effect of living in a country that is very different to what you are used to in your own country. Whether you are an English student moving to America to study, or a Chinese student moving to England, experiencing culture shock is normal.
With time, you will experience feelings of acceptance and find ways to balance your own culture with the new. Here are some tips for managing and dealing with culture shock:
Watch this handy video to see an example of what to expect:
Moving into student accommodation can be a stressful and complicated situation even for UK students, so the situation might be even more difficult if there is a language barrier. For international students, support and advice can be found in a number of different ways. First, you can contact your RA (Residential Assistants) in accommodation who will help you find the information you need. Secondly, you can contact The Gateway at City Campus that will answer any questions you may have.
A new environment, complete with a new culture, new people, new ways of learning, new living spaces, etc. can all add up and impact our mental health. If you feel like your new environment is all a bit too much, don't hesitate to contact out Wellbeing Team, who will help put you at ease and make you feel welcome.
Be open to new experiences once you arrive in Sunderland. By doing so you will make new relationships, find new hobbies, and participate in activities that will help you foster a sense of belonging and togetherness in your new home.
Fully immersing yourself into the student culture here at the University of Sunderland will help you feel like you belong and will combat any feelings of culture shock, homesickness, or loneliness you might have. The University can facilitate this in a number of ways:
There is also a great Facebook page that you can post any questions you may have - you will find that many people are in the same position as you, and potentially make some new friends! Click here to visit the Official Freshers page.
Come and join us every Tuesday night from 7.00pm at CitySpace, City Campus for free pizza, free games, and a chance to meet people from all over the world. All are welcome!
If you have any suggestions on how we can improve your time at the University of Sunderland, please do not hesitate to contact wellbeing@sunderland.ac.uk
1st Floor, Edinburgh Building,
City Campus, Chester Road,
Sunderland, SR1 3SD
Telephone: +44 (0)191 515 2933