Your SU President, Tonari Arikekpar, and VP Wellbeing & Diversity Officer, Daniella Marley, attended the International Settling In event (31st October).
Daniella shared with us an overview of the event and an important message for any international students who feel they have yet to fully settle into living in Plymouth or into student life at the University of Plymouth...
The event was for our new University of Plymouth international students this year, who are bravely settling into a new university, a new city, and a new country.
Led by Student Services, we had stalls from the Careers Service, the Hello Project, Disability Services, Pastoral & Spiritual Support, the Digital Champions, and lots of faculty-specific support.
We had a great time sharing resources, information, (and pizza!) with all the students who came along.
Your President, Tonari, also gave a great speech about all that we (the SU) has to offer for our growing international student community.
Important message for international students who don't feel settled into life at university yet:
If any international students don't feel settled into Plymouth student life, then its not too late! Come along to the International Student Meet Up, get involved with our clubs and societies, join our International Student Network, or contact SU Advice or Student Services for any support. -- Daniella
Finding friends as an international student:
We understand that there may be certain barriers to finding friends and forming connections with new people as an international student, compared to UK students. We, alongside the University of Plymouth, have worked hard to ensure we offer a variety of different ways to meet new people and form meaningful connections at university as an international student.
Please read our article 'finding friends as an international student' to find out more about our schemes and opportunities for you to find new communities at university. Including:
1. International Student Meet Ups
The next Internation Student Meet Ups are on Thursday 9th November (4-pm): Session 7: Cultural Exchange Night and Thursday 16th November (5-6pm): Session 8: Farewell
2. Student Networks
There are many different networks, including an International Students Network, BAME Network, and First Gen Network. We encourage you to browse all networks and identify if you feel any of these networks are right for you.
3. The HELLO Project
The overall purpose of the HELLO Project is to aid international students in making friends and integrate with peers they may not of come across if it wasn't for the project.
4. The UPSU Buddy Scheme
The UPSU Buddy Scheme is not designed specifically for international students, however, we strongly encourage international students to get involved!
5. Find friends from around the world with Global Plymouth
Global Plymouth is a non-profit organisation dedicated to uniting Plymouth’s international student populations with the wider community.
You can find out more about Global Plymouth and their upcoming events by connecting with them on Facebook.
**Please note that Global Plymouth is not run by the University of Plymouth or the University of Plymouth Students' Union