 Moving to a new location to complete university can be exciting, but also intimidating. Even seeing your child explore a different part of the world or country is something to look forward to, but it’s impossible not to worry about them or your family far from home. If you are in the process of sending your child off to study abroad in the UK, are a few states away, or are even a student living abroad or away from home, we have compiled some resources for you. Traveling to a new location is stressful for everybody, which is why as part of the UDA family, we make sure our students receive assistance while settling into a new place. From helping with travel arrangements, banking, to setting up phone plans, we make sure your studies go as smoothly as possible. We’re here to support you! Learn about our staff and how we assist our students. When you’re away from home it can be hard to know how to stay connected with family and friends. HERE'S SOME OF OUR BEST ADVICE:DECIDE ON A TIMEOnce your schedules are stable, decide on a time that works for everybody to communicate. Decide on your method of communication — is it best to video chat, or call? KEEP ONE ANOTHER IN THE LOOPShare pictures and videos of your lives. Whether you’re a parent at home or a student at university, your family members want to know what you’re up to. These could be photos of your latest grocery store run, or your favorite hike — either way, they want to see it! WHEN LIFE IS BUSY, LET YOUR FAMILY KNOWIt’s no surprise that this could happen at any moment. If you’re too busy to stick to your schedule of calling or video chatting, try and send each other a quick text — it goes a long way! KEEP YOURSELF BUSYStudents: Studying at university is a great opportunity to explore a new location while learning, so make the most of it! Go explore a new park or grab dinner at that place you’ve always wanted to try. If you’re looking for things to do in Chester, here’s a guide for your weekend. In addition, if you’re interested in making the most of Las Cruces, check out these activities and if you're at UoG, here's some things to do near by. Parents: This may be one of the few times you get to experience life without an extra person at home. Take this time to pursue things you have wanted to try, even if it is just resting! If you have any questions about the application process, travel plans, or life at your university, please contact us.
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They coped better with me leaving because they were more prepared; I was the second one to leave home, so they knew what to expect then. My sister had left for the U.S. a year ago, which was difficult for the entire family but especially our mom. One time, she cried when we bought some avocados and my sister — who loves avocados — wasn’t there to enjoy it with us. She was more composed when I left, but she once mentioned that she intentionally keeps herself busy to cope with our absence. Although my parents both admit that they miss us often, they have accepted that we will not be around all the time. How do you keep in touch, and how often?We keep in touch through video calls and texts mainly via Messenger. The frequency of our calls depends on how busy everyone is, but I text them at least once every two days to let them know I’m doing okay, which they appreciate. I also let them know if I’m busy or traveling so that they don’t have to worry about my lack of communication. We usually call once or twice a week now, but we used to talk more often when I first left home. TIP: I recommend keeping in touch with your family at least a few times a week, just to let them know you're thinking about them. It doesn't have to be anything major, it could just be a weather update, or what you're working on in a certain course. Do your parents worry about you? What do you do to ease their concerns?They don’t worry about me as much as they used to anymore, because they now understand that I will be fine on my own. However, my mom still gets concerned if I don’t reply to her messages or don’t respond as often, so I make sure that I talk to them and tell them about my life as much as I can. A lot of my friends are also international students and I have witnessed varied levels of concerns from parents. TIP: The best thing for us as students to do would be to understand our guardians, communicate with them, and keep them updated on our lives to let them know how we are doing. My parents also tell me that keeping busy has helped them not worry so much about us. My mom recently joined a university to get her Master’s degree, and she often tells me that this has been the perfect time for her to pursue education. TIP: We have a family group chat where we keep everybody updated on what is happening here as well as back home, so I think the best way to ease concerns for everyone is to keep in touch with family and keep yourself occupied. How often do you go home?I try to go home once every year, but that wasn’t possible due to the pandemic. I’m fortunate because the longest I have not been home is a year and a half, but I know that some of my international friends have not been home for much longer. How did you deal with being away from home?It was difficult at first — I missed the comfort of home, my family, the food...everything. Being in a new environment was not easy, especially since I could not fly back home for months. But I started making friends here and kept myself busy. I started working so I was alright after a couple of months. I still miss home and my family, but I also appreciate my life here. TIP: Find something to keep yourself busy — Whether that’s a new hobby or a campus club, having something to do can be the best way to combat homesickness or when missing a loved one. Traveling to a new location is stressful for everybody, which is why as part of the UDA family, we make sure our students receive assistance while settling into a new place. From helping with travel arrangements, banking, to setting up phone plans, we help make sure your studies go as smoothly as possible. Learn about our staff and how we assist our students here.
Interested in studying in the UK? Learn more about the resources and requirements for international students at the university of your interest: University of Chester University of Gloucestershire Cardiff Metropolitan University Falmouth University Leeds Beckett University University of Portsmouth Interested in joining our academy stateside? Check out our program at New Mexico State University. Want to learn more about our soccer academies? We’ve got you covered. Explore UDA Soccer at UoC, UDA Football at UoG, and our stateside academy at NMSU. If you have any questions about the application process, travel plans, or life at your university, please contact us. Studying in the UK means not only getting a great educational experience, it also means you get to experience some of the great historic sites and unique cultures of the world. The ease in which you can travel throughout the island makes it a no-brainer to hop on a train and experience the different dialects, communities, traditions, and ancient sites. Whether you want to head to the countryside for lush greenery, rows of hedges, and dark night skies in places like Cornwall, or if you want to see cultural urban centers with their striking architecture, warm pubs, diverse communities in places like Cardiff, Manchester, or London, the UK is ready to offer you the international experience of a lifetime. So over the weekend, or during your Christmas break, don’t forget to join your friends and hop on the train to see all that England & Wales has to offer. To help you plan your next trip, we’ve highlighted some of the best places to visit while you’re in the UK. Explore the island city of Portsmouth The city of Portsmouth is the UK’s only island-city and is just an hour train ride south of London. The are offers a perfect mix of modern urban living with historic roots that make the city a perfect place to experience great restaurants and shopping, while learning about it’s deep ties to naval history. In addition to its rich naval history, it boasts two cathedrals, twelve museums, and three entertainment venues that regularly hosts music and comedy shows. It’s 4 miles of seafront and pebble beaches, paired with its stretches of nature trails means that outdoor enthusiasts have a place to bask in the sun while staying cool in the ocean breeze. Disappear into the countryside of Cornwall Tired of the busy city life? Want to dip your toes into the cool ocean water under towering seaside clifftops? Then be sure to make the trip to the Cornish coast! It’s not uncommon for people to fall in love with the charm that towns throughout Cornwall have to offer. Placed in the southwest corner of England, the country of Cornwall is full of impressive ruins, stretches of coastline, and communities of artists. For an extra intimate setting, be sure to stop by for a Theatre Under the Stars at the Minack Theatre, the open-air theatre carved into the seaside cliffs. Or visit Falmouth to walk its cobblestone streets or its nature hikes throughout the area. Experience the city life of London London is not just the capital of England, many people consider the capital of Europe. It is a true multicultural epicenter that brings together people from all over the world. During your visit you’ll get to see sites such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London, all while riding on a quintessential red double-decker bus. Hop on the tube to journey trough the bustling city that hosts niche neighborhoods with distinct feels that remind you of it’s historic roots. The nightlife here will not disappoint either and will keep you entertained throughout your visit. Feel free to start up a chat with the people around you, as the city has a reputation for being friendly and welcoming. See a rugby match in Cardiff London is not the only place to get your fix of urban city life. While it’s population is not as big as London, the urban area’s 500,000 residents means you get the perfect mix of cultural diversity with an intimate feel. Even with all of the urban life Cardiff has to offer, it is also known for its extensive parks and other green spaces. Also, be sure to get your tickets to see a rugby match at Principality Stadium, home to the Welsh national rugby team and located just blocks away from St. Mary Street where the city offers a great night-life scene with chic clubs, bars, and amazing restaurants. On St. Mary Street, you can enjoy a pint while looking down the road toward historic Cardiff Castle.
With all there is to see in the UK, you shouldn’t limit yourself to just a few towns and cities, but the above places are enough to give you the experience of a lifetime. Whether you want to take your time explore the greenery and nature of the countryside, or whether you want to see the sites in the bustling streets of London, all of your desired experiences at your doorstep. So, hop on a train, pack your bags for the weekend, and get lost in the UK! |
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