Challenges and surprises I faced while living and studying in Cardiff

Su from Cardiff University

This is my first time living abroad for a long period, while being separated from my loved ones. So, of course, I have encountered a lot of challenges and surprises during my time here in Cardiff.  

As I am introvert, I have some difficulties starting a conversation but once I become friends with that person, I would be talking nonstop. My time at Cardiff University International Study Centre induction week helped me a lot as I got to take part in a wide variety of activities with different people, most of which are interesting and competitive. Among those sections, there is one section that taught us about the culture and what I love most about from that section is about “Mind Your P’s and Q’s”. Later, I am very surprised to know that people here are very polite and I love it when people say “Thank you” for doing even the smallest thing like opening the door and picking up things. I thought that adjusting to a new place with different culture and making new friends would be difficult for me but surprisingly, Cardiff University International Study Centre induction week helped me though the process of adjusting and who would have thought I would met wonderful friends and my current best friend, whom I treasured dearly. 

Not only that I have met wonderful friends, but also amazing teachers. Among all of the teachers, I am most thankful for my maths teacher. During the first semester at the International Study Centre, I had trouble catching up with the calculus lessons as I have never learnt it before, and it has been a decade that I have learnt Math. I had faced some challenges mentally as I wanted to pass the exams. Fortunately, the teacher knew my struggles, helped me along the way and even believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself. He told me that “You will get good marks; I believe in you”. I got motivation from his words. With his support and my hard work, I passed the exams with flying colours. I will be forever thankful for my maths teacher, and I am glad to meet a teacher who is kind, attentive, friendly, fun and supportive.  

Coming out of my comfort zone is not an easy thing for me. As I wanted to achieve great things and improve myself to become a better person, I took part in a lot of roles, meaning more responsibilities. Two huge surprises that I have encountered would be the time when I received the "Most Creative" award from the Study Group Global Student Ambassador Programme and the "Student Ambassador of the Year" award from Cardiff University International Study Centre. I wasn’t expecting any award and hearing that my work getting recognition left me blissful and accomplished. 

The challenges that I have faced and the surprises that I have encountered are just the beginning and due to the support of my friends, teachers, people at Cardiff University International Study Centre and Study Group, I have gained confidence to overcome everything that is in my way.