By Ruth Foran

Shree Pranav is currently pursuing an MBA (Master of Business Administration) at Anglia Ruskin University (Cambridge campus) in the UK.

Read on to find out what it’s like to be an international student at ARU, and why his clothes no longer fit him!

1. What inspired this move for you?

I moved from India to the United Kingdom to explore a new challenge in my life, an MBA in a leading country in the world. I have had a fascination with Britain since my childhood, especially the way they dressed and the lifestyle.

My decision was based on strong factors like financial constraints of the course, diversity of the country, public relations, opportunities, living conditions and the environment.

2. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when you arrived?

Understanding the equivalence of currency from my country to this country was a bit challenging in the beginning. I was eager to understand the cost, the value of products and services, and other monetary-related aspects.

Apart from that I felt comfortable and well prepared for the daily routine, I was well aware of the culture of the UK.

3. How did you prepare for this move?

I began to prepare myself 8 months prior to my traveling to the UK. I read as much information as possible about the city, the university, living conditions and lifestyle in order to start my life here.

I was really pleased with the level of service that my university was providing for international students. The quick and accurate feedback from the International office, admissions team, and support in the form of welcome buddies, was amazing.

4. What inspired you to become a student ambassador?

I really love to work under the leadership of my University’s International office team. Our lead, Caroline Shanahan (Head of International Student Support), gives excellent support and opportunities to us as ambassadors and helps us to give out our best in the role.

I haven’t heard of any other University providing the same levels of support for their students. It really gave me a boost to be a part of this valued service from my university and this inspired me to become an ambassador.

5. What is your favourite feature of the ARU CampusConnect app that other students might love too?

The direct channel of interaction between student ambassadors and upcoming students is very well designed.

As an International student, I still remember that I was struggling to meet the new students who were about to join ARU alongside me from my city (or neighbouring cities) and my country and was having a difficult time.

The CampusConnect app solves this issue in a very clean manner. Now students can get their networking done with other prospective students before their arrival at the University. This gives emotional support and a collaboration for the upcoming students as they get to connect with colleagues from their countries or courses.

I really appreciate the model and see huge scope for growth in the future.

Buzz Question! One thing you wish you knew before you arrived? GO!

I wish I had bought clothes which were a bit bigger in size, as my clothes shrunk down due to the dryer! I literally thought people would dry their clothes outside once they were done washing them in the machine. But hey, Britain’s Got Talent! They use a drying option in the machine (due to the weather) and that shrunk my clothes to unimaginable sizes.

Now I always have to stretch my clothes once they come out of the wash!