If you had asked me a few years ago which country I wanted to go to for my master’s degree, I probably would have named somewhere in Asia or Europe.
But the more I researched, the more I realised how great England could be as an option.
For one thing, master’s programs here can take just one year instead of two, which is amazing! And of course, it’s also a perfect opportunity to improve my English.
So I started looking into universities in the UK that I could apply to.
Discovering York
After some time, I decided to apply to York St John University. One of the biggest reasons behind this decision was how captivated I felt by the fairytale-like beauty of York.
The more photos I looked at and the more videos I watched of the city, the more I wanted to go there. At some point I started joking that I must have manifested it, because before I knew it, I had actually found myself living in York.
Alongside choosing a university, there was another very important decision I had to make: where I would live.
Since it was going to be my first time in the UK and I didn’t know anyone yet, the idea of renting a house didn’t feel right for me. So I immediately started researching student accommodations instead.
I remember seeing photos of Vita Student among many options, and instantly feeling like that was the place I wanted to stay.
So I didn’t waste any time. I booked my room and started packing my suitcase.
My First Impressions of Vita and the UK
When I first arrived in the UK, the number one thing I experienced was how people kept helping me while I was struggling to drag two heavy suitcases around. I had always heard that British people are very polite, but actually experiencing it myself was really nice.
Every person who saw me struggling with my luggage offered help without hesitation, and thanks to them I was able to travel from Manchester Airport to York by train quite comfortably.
When I first arrived at Vita Student Lawrence Street, I received a very warm welcome. They showed me around the buildings, each one has its own name, along with the recycling points, laundry room, cinema room, and gaming areas.
Everything looked great! My room had been cleaned before I arrived and everything was ready to use.
Finding my groove at Lawrence Street
After settling into my room, I still had many questions while I was getting used to the city and my new life.
Whenever I needed help, the staff were always there and incredibly supportive.
Thanks to the weekly events organised by Vita, I was also able to meet other Turkish students studying in York. Now they are some of my closest friends here, and because of them I don’t feel so far away from my home country anymore. And that feeling really means a lot!
Even though studying abroad is an amazing experience, sometimes you do miss spending time with people from your own culture. Thankfully, Vita provides spaces like the gaming area and cinema room, so we’ve had plenty of fun even without leaving the building.
Almost every week we choose a film and watch it together, and afterwards we usually play table tennis or billiards.
The events organised by Vita are also really fun and diverse. There are workshops where you can try things like making cocktails, cooking, or even creating soaps and candles.
If you’re planning to study abroad and choose Vita for your accommodation, you’re honestly very lucky. These events make it really easy to meet people and make friends within the accommodation.
Another thing I really like about Vita is that breakfast is available every morning.
You can find everything from eggs to granola, from fruit to croissants. But if you asked me whether I expected to see beans at breakfast, I would definitely say no. That was one of my little culture shock moments. Because in Türkiye we don’t eat beans for breakfast, it’s usually considered a main dish for lunch or dinner.
The Truth About Studying Abroad
If you’re wondering what it’s like to study in the UK as an international student, it might help to know that lecturers really try to support you throughout the process.
Studying in a language that isn’t your native one can sometimes be a bit more challenging. However, all my lecturers are always so kind and understanding that they genuinely want to make sure you follow everything. So you can feel reassured about that.
You will also have a supervisor who is there to answer your questions about your assessments whenever you need help. Universities also throw lots of events where you can meet other students and connect with people.
There are also career-related events that help you build networks and think about your future career path.
How Vita supports my studies
In the same way, Vita also organises events related to career planning, internships, and professional development.
Because of that, Vita becomes more than just a place to live. It turns into a place where you can build meaningful friendships, have fun, and also find support for your professional journey.
If you’re thinking about studying in the UK, I would say don’t hesitate! Don’t be afraid to step outside your safe zone, explore different cultures, and gain new experiences.
Sometimes all it takes to make your dreams come true is a little bit of courage. Believe in yourself, and take that step.
