Name: Riana B.
Program: Biological Medical Sciences
University: University of Liverpool
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
SI-UK caught up with Riana, a current student at the University of Liverpool, to hear about her experience studying in the UK and advice she would give to anyone considering doing the same. Riana had previously begun a degree at York University in Ontario, Canada but decided to transfer to a UK university to complete her degree.
Why did you study in the UK?
I thought about studying in the UK since High School but was concerned about leaving family and friends so initially started university in Canada. I was not enjoying how my program in Canada was being handled, during the pandemic, and was really impressed by UK universities' response to the pandemic so wanted to transfer my degree.
Why Liverpool?
After looking at several universities I came to the conclusion that the University of Liverpool was the best option for me, based on the programs on offer and how easy the city seemed to be to adapt to. I then did my own research on the university, contacted the Life Sciences department, and arranged a call with them to discuss the transfer process. The university was very helpful, making the application process so smooth.
What advice would you give to a student interested in studying in the UK?
Don’t be afraid to take that jump, your friends and family will still be contactable, and you will make new friends and new memories. So long as you get out of your room, explore the city and speak to other students you will adapt to your environment.
Do you recommend staying in halls of residence?
Yes, I think you should stay in the halls of residence in your first year at university, that way you will meet more people in the same boat as you. I am now living in private accommodation with friends I made in my previous years but initially making friends in Halls of Residence is very important.
What has surprised you the most?
How easy it would be to feel at home in a completely different country. I thought it would be tough and whilst I still do have moments of missing my family back home it has been much easier to adapt than I expected.
Any culture shocks?
Definitely the accent! People in the UK and particularly Liverpool can be sometimes hard to understand, and they don’t always understand some of the words that I say. Also, the shops do seem to close earlier in Liverpool than in Toronto, which was strange to get used to.
Highlights of your time at the University of Liverpool?
The main highlight has been how the university has prepared me for my future career. The University of Liverpool has been amazing, finding me placements, and providing me with practical elements to get experience for my future career.
Favourite things to do on campus or around the city?
There are so many things to do and so many societies at the university to join, even a Crisp Society! I straight away joined the 'Halls Society' which arranges a variety of activities and social occasions for students living in halls of residence. I also enjoy hanging out with friends at ‘the Guild’, the student bar on campus, and off-campus I actually got the chance to go to Anfield Stadium and watch Liverpool FC play a game which was so cool. Soccer is so easy to watch in the city and the Guild shows a lot of the televised games.
Any modules/aspects about your course that stuck out?
There have been a few module directors on my course that have been amazing, Andy Bates was the one who helped me to transfer my degree and is so helpful. Terry, my tutor, has also been great. Everyone on the program is assigned a tutor, who is available to talk about the program or even about personal issues. The parts of my course that always stick out are the practical modules, where I actually go out and do things. I had a physiology module in my first year where we got to put electrodes on and take our heart rates, which was great.
What does the future hold?
At first, I was planning on returning to Canada after my undergrad but now I think I will stay and do a postgrad in the UK and possibly stay in the UK after that.
Any other highlights that you would like to talk about?
We took an impromptu day trip to Paris and recently went to Croatia which was so fun. Travelling from the UK is so easy, which is so different from Canada. Whilst I haven’t been to any concerts in the UK yet I have been to gigs in the Mountford Hall, on campus, where they are always hosting live music and Bongo Bingo nights, the latter of which I would recommend to anyone.
We would like to thank Riana for her time and wish her the very best in the final year of her undergraduate degree.
