Lorena is a second year student who also works in the international office at ARU. Her main role is helping with the ‘Applicant Journey’ – she’s the perfect contact for prospective international students planning to start uni at ARU in 2020.

We asked her for an insight into the amazing work she does helping international students get the most out of their opportunities when coming to study in the UK.

1. Can you talk to us about your work with the international office at Anglia Ruskin?

I started working for the International Office at the beginning of my second year of university and my role within the office is Applicant Journey Officer.

I get in touch with international students that either need help regarding their application or simply want to know more about the university.

I write emails, arrange meetings between staff members and prospectus students and undertake phone call campaigns for internationals students where we discuss what it feels like to be studying abroad.

I do really enjoy working here, it is a relaxed and friendly environment, and being able to help students that are in the same position I was in couple of years ago offers a feeling of fulfillment.

2. What are some of the issues that international students face when arriving at a new university?

Speaking from personal experience, the main issues an international student face are:

• Managing all of the required documents (e.g. VISA, GP registration, opening a bank account, getting a National Insurance Number etc.) as the bureaucratic systems are different in every country.

• Getting used to a new educational system.

• Being taught fully in the English language.

• Getting to know other people and making friends (it is generally easier to make friends if you live in student accommodation).

3. How do you think an app like CampusConnect can help potential students? 

When I applied to ARU, I was added by my agent into a Facebook group with current and prospective Romanian students applying to universities in the UK.

I managed to speak to some current students from ARU and got an insight into what ARU feels like on this side. It wasn’t much, but for me every bit of information mattered as the decision I made to move to a different country was a big one.

I think CampusConnect is the perfect place for all future students to manage to speak with staff and students from ARU, and to receive details about day-to-day life in the UK and especially at ARU.

They can see what events are going on, see what the cities they will live in look like and so much more about the campuses they will be studying in.

It is a great place to connect and make friends for when you come here, you might be happy to see a familiar face that you know from the app.

4. What general tips have you got that you think are helpful for students?

Make sure you never leave your assignments for the last week! Always ask someone if you do not understand something, staff are more than happy to help.

Use the library to its fullest, it’s a great place to study and get things done.

In terms of private life, please make sure you know how to cook, it will help you save so much money!

5. What, in your opinion, are the best reasons for a student to study abroad?

A degree from the UK offers you lots of opportunities for well paid and fulfilling jobs. You get to live your dream. You get to know people from all around the world and learn things about other countries that you couldn’t have found out anywhere else.

You end up trying food from all over the world and, last but not least, it offers you the chance to become independent and see what it feels like to be a full time adult.