Being an International Student.

Being an International student is difficult, but being a BAME international student is even more difficult. Since grade 11, I knew I wanted to travel to England to complete my law degree. Although, I was still 4 years away from the big move, I was still confident and happy as ever about my decision. It wasn’t until less than month before I moved, with my plane ticket booked, and my student accommodation picked that I felt the true pressure of moving across the globe without my family, friends or boyfriend. Being from Canada, Brighton is exactly an 8 hour flight and 30 minute train ride away, which can seem like eternity when you leave behind the people you love. However, I would not give up my England or Sussex experience for anything.

The reasons I am happy I moved to Brighton consist of the complete change of culture compared to back home, everything is different, from the food (including McDonalds), the mannerisms of people and of course the driving. But for me it was another challenge to take on, to allow myself to adapt to this new culture was so exciting. It personally made me feel more free in the sense that learning how different people live in different countries gives you a new outlook on life (for example, I will never take Tim Hortons for granted again). Brighton is a beautiful place, the scenery, the pier, the surrounding towns (Lewes is my absolute favourite). But another thing England offered me was the opportunity to travel within Europe a lot easier and for cheaper. (Before Covid-19) I was able to go to France, Italy, Netherlands and Spain all on weekend trips after I finished my school work. They were experiences that I am forever grateful for.

Being an international student is never easy, sometimes you may feel alone but a great way to deter that is by joining societies and attending lectures or events. I met 3 of my good friends from wearing my Canada printed hoodie! They approached me to let me know they were also from Canada and in fact only live half an hour from me back home. Sussex has given me the opportunity to meet new lifelong friends while also obtaining a law degree and for that I will always be thankful.  Being a BAME student does come with its challenges at Sussex, the most obvious is noticing that there might only be a handful of people that look like you in a 400 person lecture hall. Or walking the lanes of Brighton where there are no shops designed to accommodate you. With that being said, this was the exact reason I wanted to join the BAME society, it gave me a chance to meet other people like me who are there on campus that you might never see but that’s why societies like this develop to help us come together.

A few tips I would give for international students coming to Sussex; do not be afraid to use the resources at hand, and visit the international student office to see what can be done if you have a problem/situation. The easiest way to meet new people or make new friends find the society that fits your exact situation, for example the BAME society or for me it was the Canadian Law Student Society. Please remember that even though you may feel alone because you are away from your family and friends there are people willing to help and hangout! I hope your time at Sussex is amazing!