Life at University of Hertfordshire as an International Student

When I first arrived at the University of Hertfordshire (UH) as an international student, I had many expectations and a bit of nervousness. Moving to a new country is never easy, especially when you’re away from family, but UH has been a good place to start a new chapter in life. There have been challenges, but overall, my experience has been positive.

University of Hertfordshire is located in Hatfield, a small town in the UK. One of the good things about the university is that it has its own student dormitories. The dorms are within walking distance from the main campuses, and they make it easy for students to get to their classes, the library, or even the sports ground without spending much time or money on transport. The rooms are decent, safe, and come with all the basic facilities. Living in university accommodation also helps students make friends faster.

Hatfield Town Centre

For students who live far from the campus with their relatives or siblings, things can be more difficult. Transport is one of the main issues, especially with the high cost of train tickets in the UK. While train travel is fast, it is not cheap. However, the local bus service in Hatfield is more affordable. The UNO bus, which runs throughout the town and connects many areas to the university, offers discounts to UH students. All you have to do is show your student ID card, and you get reduced fares. This helps a lot in saving money over time.

UH has its own outdoor sports ground, and students are free to use it whenever they like. Many students go there in the evening to play football, cricket, or just to relax. There is also an indoor sports complex that offers many types of indoor games and gym equipment. Students get a discount here too. The facility includes things like badminton courts, basketball courts, and fitness rooms. Sports and physical activities are encouraged, and many students use these areas regularly to stay healthy and have fun.

In terms of academics, the university has adapted well to modern systems. Most of our assignments and quizzes are done online through the university’s digital platforms. This is convenient and saves a lot of paper and time. However, attendance is something the university takes very seriously. As an international student on a sponsored visa, I am required to maintain at least 80% attendance. If we miss classes, we receive warning emails from the university. It’s important to show up in class a couple of times a week so that our attendance is recorded properly.

The student body at the University of Hertfordshire is very diverse. Most international students are from Asia, including countries like Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, China, Malaysia, and Thailand. There are also many students from African countries such as Nigeria, Somalia, and others. This mix of cultures makes the campus a vibrant and welcoming place. It is easy to find friends who are going through the same experience, and it helps in feeling less alone in a foreign country.

Life as an international student is not always easy. One of the biggest challenges is finding a job. We are allowed to work 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during holidays, but finding a part-time job near Hatfield can be hard, especially without local experience. Some students manage to get jobs in shops or restaurants, but many struggle for months. On top of that, finding a good and affordable place to live can be another problem, especially if you don’t stay in university accommodation.

Still, despite these difficulties, I believe that the University of Hertfordshire is a good choice for international students. The support services are helpful, and the environment is safe and student-friendly. Teachers are approachable, and the academic staff tries to help whenever possible. There are workshops and events for international students to adjust to life in the UK, and you can always find someone to guide you if you feel lost.

UH may not be very strict about late fee submissions, which is a relief for students who face financial delays. This kind of understanding from the university helps reduce some of the stress that comes with managing money as a student in a foreign country.

In conclusion, my experience at the University of Hertfordshire has had its ups and downs. There are challenges, especially related to jobs and housing, but the university itself provides many facilities that make student life easier. The sports facilities, online academic system, diverse student community, and transport support are some of the best parts of being at UH. For any student planning to study in the UK, UH is definitely worth considering. It may not solve all your problems, but it gives you a good platform to build your future.