On arriving the UK for my studies, I noticed a well managed system consisting of an effective transportation network, respect for the rule of law, belief in individualism (a social favouring freedom of action for individuals over collective or state control) and an educational system that is transparent. All these pushed me to reflect deeply as to how and why a country which is relatively diverse has been able to achieve such heights over the years? Perhaps, the reason the UK has 

been able to achieve this milestone is because of a Government that is accountable to its citizens and willing to give the dividends of democracy.

As studies commenced I was quick to understand that education in the UK significantly differed from education back home in Nigeria. The most obvious culture shock was the fact that I had to study in the same class with people from different nationalities from around the world. This was a shock because the diversity meant that I had to learn to pay more attention in class in order to understand not only the teachers accent but also fellow students. Similarly, the diversity also meant that I had to learn to respect other peoples views because some students might take serious offence if they fill insulted by certain remarks. For example, it is not a wise thing to condemn communism to the point that the Chinese students feel that you are being derogatory.

Another shock has been the cold British climate. Because I come from a tropical area of the world, whereby the weather is relative hot through out the year, it has been quite difficult to get used to the cold weather in the UK. I am particularly, still trying to get used to wearing thick jackets and clothes as a result of greyness and dampness, especially during winter periods.

My name is Noel T. Muivah and I'm from the north-east region of India and I am currently studying a Computer Science course at the university of Essex. Strangely, I seem to have quite the on-and-off relationship with this country. I finished my kindergarten education back in India, but completed my Year I (Class 1 as we call it back home) in Birmingham. Then it was Class 2 - 10 back home, at which point I went to Leicester (2010) to complete my last year of GCSEs and my A-Levels (2013). I didn't do particularly well, if you're wondering. Oh well. 

Coming here to Colchester has been a unique experience for me. Academically, being given the basic points and explanations and expected to find my own answers is something I'm yet to - and arguably, will never - get used to. In India, we were essentially spoon-fed all the answers and expected to memorize the lot. Socially, it's hard going from a fairly sheltered life to suddenly living independently. Missing the fresher's week and the round of flat-mate meetings by being late to arrive didn't particularly help in my fitting in to this place either. So much for being fashionably late. Combined with my natural 'shyness', social ineptitude, anxiety and self-conciousness, this all mixes into a rather unappealing cocktail of social awkwardness, paranoia and not-a-little bit of narcissism. I do hope that by joining societies and by virtue of simply being here, I'll eventually get used to independent living and - dare I entertain the thought - might even make a few friends.

All in all, I'd say my time at the university, so far, has been pleasant. While I can point out various aspects of university life and education I dislike, these are largely based on my own personal biases and preferences and as such, irrelevant. Teenage cynicism and 'philosophy' aside, I sincerely hope my my stay here continues to be just as pleasant and perhaps even fruitful at some point.

My name is Olumuyiwa Omotayo Oshodi and am from Lagos,Nigeria.i am studying Business Management at the university of Essex.when i arrived last month on the 29th of September i was really nervous at first,but after meeting my new flat mates it was all good,they were all easy going and understanding people just like the people i had lived with for the past six years in boarding school .for the first two weeks things were a little bit unorderly,because i had to look for so many classes and was lost in the process or late to the class,but after that  i began to adapt really well. the teaching method here is really good it helps in pre and post study,meaning even if u miss a class or want get prepared for a class before the class  facilities have been provided for both.the weather has not been a problem for me i have been spending my summers here for the past 18 years .studying at the university of Essex is a new chapter in my life and i will have to take on anything the university is willing to give as the saying goes no knowledge is ever wasted 

First Impressions…

My name is Omotayo Ogungbayi. I’m from Lagos, Nigeria. I came to Colchester, Essex to study Business Management in the University Of Essex.

I had recently visited the University, last year, so I had already seen little of the school and had an idea of the school to. My first impression of the University was it was not too big, but still a reasonable size for a University. When I first arrived on Sunday, the day of resumption. I was a bit nervous and scared cause this was the first time I was ever going to be on my own and be independent. The weather was not bad that day, I regular visit England, so the weather isn’t anything new to me.

Getting to my flat, I was quite anxious and curious to meet my flatmates, I really didn’t know what to expect. Everyone was surprisingly really friendly which was awesome.

The student life here in Essex is quite different from that of high school. You definitely do a lot of things yourself more than that of a private high school, but I’m learning to adapt.As they say change is good, so I’m ready for the changes that Essex has to offer me. There are also many international students in my classes which I find great.

I’m really excited for this new chapter in my life and I’m sure I’m going to have an amazing stay here in Essex.

new life

My name is Hafiz Muhammmed Bello and am from Nigeria. I will be studying accounting and finance here at the university of Essex ,Colchester. Am still new here so things are still not stable though am finding it a bit easy to adapt due to my "being a social person". meeting new people and finding out about other things are also part of education and i love it.

when i first got here,i was really confused and couldnt think straight.everything was soo different from where i come from.the size, population, environment, and most of all, the weather.

I've been given the chance to grow up now living without my parents and doing everything on my own. Focus is all i need to make my new life at essex a good one to remember.

Rachel Lagan

My name is Rachel Lagan, and I was born in Maldon, Essex. I lived here until I was nine, then, in 2005 my family decided to move to Australia. I completed only five years of education in England and the rest were in Australia. After graduating from high school at the end of 2012 my family and I made the decision to move back to England, to be closer with the rest of our family and my brother who had moved back the previous year to study. Being accepted into the University of Essex made the transition back to England much easier for me as I was looking forward to studying once again. My first impressions of Essex University were very mixed; the University I was planning to go to in Australia was very stretched out and open allowing for the perfect Australian weather to show. After accepting the fact that I was no longer in a country where the sun shone nearly everyday the layout and look of the University grew on me. Having met a lot of lovely International students just like me I am thoroughly enjoying my time at the University of Essex.

hello.my name is Manmak Vontau I am an international student in Economics.i fell in love with the university of Essex at first sight it really seemed like an interesting place to be.I was really  happy about moving from my own country to a new country.i arrived Essex on the 29th of September 2013,very curious to meet my flatmates and classmates as well. with a lot of new faces all ready to explore college life.at first I was nervous because everyone around me was new to me.then I remembered I would not see my family until next year,I was sad for a moment but I had to get back to my happy self .After my first week where I was able to meet new people.,I joined societies and explored the university I felt a bit better.The atmosphere for learning here  is condusive and more relaxed it is something I am happy about .The  lecturer is always ready to give in the best he/she can in order for you to learn and understand even though un like high school,.here we do more work and research on our own.I hope to get the best experience through out my years in the university.

First Impressions

My name is Anas latif Sheikh and I have moved from Saudi Arabia to Colchester to study in university of Essex. When I first arrived here I was a bit nervous because this was a new place and I was going to be living on my own. The first thing I noticed when I arrived was the weather which was very cold compared to back home where it was summer all year long but now I have started enjoying the cold weather. The student life here is very different, there is a relaxed atmosphere and the studying is independent as compared to high school because you have to study on your own and depend less on your tutors and professors. According to me the best thing about university of Essex is the people here who I have found to be very friendly and because of this I have found it a lot easier to settle in. I hope to have a good experience while studying at university of Essex.

The subject of our first blog is first impressions (& educational culture shock). Please take time to think about what differences you have noticed between the academic environment here at Essex University and the environment of the school or college etc. where you have just come from. Please plan your thoughts in Word first so you can check you spelling, grammar, punctuation, style etc. before posting. Please feel free to make (respectful and thoughtful) comments on others’ posts. These posts can only be read by myself and the other students in your academic skills class. N.B. Please refrain from insulting or offensive language. I will have to remove it and it may constitute an academic offence.