1. Is it hard to get used to the environment? How long does it take to settle in and get familiar?
• This ultimately depends on your individual characteristics. Some students may find integration very seamless and convenient, and others may find it difficult to get used to living in a new country. Life in the UK is very different from life in Malaysia. The weather is starkly different (lots of rain, minimal sunlight in the winter and the cold), shops close earlier, foods are different and the system is much more slow-paced (banking, communications, emails, forms, etc.).
• We recommend getting all the requirements and responsibilities done, for example: having a local bank account, joining interest groups and getting on top of your upcoming work and studies.
• Some people may have a difficult time managing their mental health due to the anxieties of living so far away from home, family, and friends. Sometimes it takes up to a few months to get ourselves together. And, that’s why we are her! With the help of MSSM, close friends, and professionals such as the Disability Service within UoM it will definitely help you create a more warm and familiar environment.

2. Any do’s or don’ts when we get to university?
• Keep on track with your work! Have a good schedule, and minimise procrastination. The education system is much different in UoM compared to Malaysian universities (less spoon feeding, more self-studying, etc.) It is essential that you are aware of your deadlines, and attempt to not cram any work to minimise stress. Pay attention to your blackboard!
• Enjoy what this environment has to offer. There is a plethora of events, performance arts, and sights to witness here. Find the time to travel, visit galleries, attend concerts, come for MSSM events, try new things, etc. You’re in such a vibrant city; take it all in!
• Don’t lose yourself in the bustle. There is a tendency for a few students to get wrapped up in the new social life available and the many distractions. Keep focused on your goals, and don’t allow external factors and influences to deter you from what you aim to achieve.
• Do visit your academic advisors from time to time; they are there to help you in the means that they can. Reach out to seniors from your course, to help with timetable clashes and to ease your doubts about the study program.

3. What should we expect when studying at UoM?
This is one of the world’s top educational institutions! Be ready for a beautiful, large and amazing campus. You’re gonna have such a robust syllabus, access to huge treasures of knowledge (our library is great), and a wide range of educational opportunities. The student body provides many interesting moments such as on-campus concerts, the Oxford Road Light Corridor show (light-based art installations), thrift shop pop-ups, food truck weeks, etc., so keep a look out!

4. Is Manchester considered a safe city?
• Manchester, like any other metropolitan city, has its instances of crime. As always, students should remain vigilant when in public spaces. Steps should be taken to mitigate any dangers upon yourself, for example: do not leave your personal belongings in unsafe spaces, keep to well-lit areas, be aware of your surroundings, try to walk in groups, etc.
• Greater Manchester Police Website: https://www.gmp.police.uk/
• GMP Contact Numbers: 999 (for emergencies) and 101 (for non-emergency inquiries)

5. What advice would you give to freshers? Is there anything we should particularly look out for?
• Keep track of your spending! Items may be a lot pricier than back home, but, do remember that you are now paying in pounds and 10 pounds, which is almost 60 ringgit, is still a decent amount for a meal, etc.
• Look out for student discounts. The UK favours students and thus provides many methods of saving money. Check Trainline for a railcard (if you plan on traveling frequently), and use UniDays and Totum to hunt for student discount codes, Amazon provides 6 months free to students for Prime membership (Movies, Delivery, Etc.).
• Do some research on your living area. Find out what grocery/convenience stores are nearby, bus stops, etc.
• If you are of the sentimental type, bring some things that may remind you of home (photos, decoration pieces, etc.)
• Find out what is available in the UK that you may be accustomed to and bring a stock of things that are not easily available (If you enjoy K-Beauty: Korean skincare is harder to find and usually at a premium price online).