University of Chester

To be honest, it was far more than I expected.
People here in the uni are really nice, friendly, and supportive. I was really worried that I will have a hard time in the first couple of weeks, but they made it feel like home.

They were really helpful when I moved from my isolation center to my accommodation.
They showed me my room and explained in details the process and what are my rights and my duties, so everything was clear from day 1

When I joined the University, I asked for the sports clubs that were available, and particularly for table-tennis and boxing (as I am a person who plays both of the sports), and I was shocked about the variety of sports clubs and how active they were.
Also, sport facilities such as football fields and running fields are available in the campus

I found the University accommodation a great option, especially for me as this is the first time for me in the UK. It has all the required equipments and one of its essential features is the distance from the university (just a two minutes walk). I found the room space is a bit small, however, as I am living by myself I have all the space that I need. The neighborhood is really quiet and people are really friendly

The overall experience so far is wonderful.
Of course, due to the COVID 19 pandemic, we didn’t get much work in the lab, but I am sure that is going to change soon.
The library is equipped with a set of high-tech laptops and computers to use, not to mention the printers.
Sports facilities are also a great option, courts and tables for tables-tennis are sited inside the university campus.

Currently, and due to the COVID 19 pandemic, all of our classes are online. I started my classes when I was in Syria, then during my self-isolation period and I had all the required teaching support.
My personal academic tutor was really flexible, understanding, and supportive especially, that I shifted to a whole new educational system from the one that I am used to back in my home. All of the university tutors that I met are also very flexible and motivated to provide us with updated sources and relevant experience.
The university app and the online platform are easy to use, and it is provided with a diverse range of academic resources.
Other than my MSc course-related materials, I joined a weekly English sessions course offered by the University to support international student and improve their academic writing and speaking skills. The sessions are beneficial and it could boost students’ skills to use academic English properly.
Study skills is another supportive tool that provides several services, such as math tutors, English support , and much more.

Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, our social life in the university is quite limited. However, we have a weekly optional meeting with our student ambassadors, where they could help us and guide us where to buy and get certain stuff for example, how to move around the city, and specific historical places to visit.
Personally, the international department gave me a lot of support as my BRP card was placed in Wrexham, and it was the first time for me in the UK; so they provided me with a map and all the required information to get there, including: bus lines, ticket prices and the approximate required time

We have a whole department related to this with counselors on how to find the appropriate job, students have access for these services even after graduation

The University provided a series of options, we have regular emails to advise students on how to organize their time, and we even have online competitions and quizzes to support students and keep them from feeling lonely.