In our latest blog post, we had the pleasure of chatting to Omotola, an incoming MSc International Business student at Anglia Ruskin University. She shares how she’s been preparing for the move to the UK, and how feeling part of a community has boosted her excitement and confidence for the transition.

By Lauren Valentine

• Name: Omotola

• University: Anglia Ruskin University

• Course: MSc International Business

• Home country: Nigeria

• WYR… Never watch TV again or never listen to music?: “I’d say not watch TV - it’s not my thing but I really like music, especially discovering new sounds.” 

Tell us a bit about yourself…

“I’m Omotola and I’m from Nigeria. I studied Economics for my Bachelor’s degree, and I’m going to study a Master’s in International Business at ARU. My study of economics mostly involved micro/macro economics and econometrics. I think International Business will give me the opportunity to build upon this knowledge and use it in a practical and analytical way to navigate the financial market. I’m also a member of the United Nations Association, where my role is to raise awareness of the 20-year sustainable development goals plan and sensitise people in my local area.” 

What made you want to study in the UK, and at ARU in particular?  

“The UK was an obvious choice for me as English is my first language, so it’ll be easier for me to integrate and meet people. I’ll be more comfortable expressing myself and communicating with others. I also see the UK as a place of equality: you’re encouraged to be expressive and be yourself. ARU stood out to me when I looked at the academic calendar and course background. It really seems like they have a lot to offer me within this course. I like how they have a reputation for intercultural mixing too. This degree will help me with my future career plans by opening avenues to gain more practical and analytical skills. I’ll also learn about multiple countries’ economies since it’s international, so I’ll be able to move around in my career.” 

Tell me about how you’re preparing for the transition abroad… 

“I like to do my research, so I found lots of information about ARU and downloaded the CampusConnect app when we were invited. I looked through the groups on there and have managed to meet other Nigerian students and people from my course. Having this community really made ARU stand out to me as making an effort to bring everybody together. Knowing you’ve got common ground with people makes it easier to mix and ask questions, and I’m less nervous about coming over. I’m really looking forward to being at ARU and everything it’ll involve: meeting people, the classes, even presentations! I’d love to share my culture with others too, especially the food. For us, sharing food is a form of intimacy, in that it means you’re comfortable enough to share and try new things.  I’m excited to experience another aspect of life and immerse myself into a new culture. I’m so ready!”

Omotola is keen to push her personal boundaries with her new adventure, sharing: “I’m a very shy person, and I want to break through that. If you don’t talk about what’s on your mind, people don’t know you have the ability to change the world!”