Moving abroad is an exciting time for students, but one that requires a lot of preparation and organisation. This September, new travel restrictions and quarantine regulations mean that international students are facing a few more hurdles throughout their journeys to university. We spoke with some of those who have already completed the journey about how they’re coping with a two-week quarantine.

By Lauren Valentine

Eduardo from Panama. Studying MSc Electrical Power and Control Engineering at Liverpool John Moores University

“My journey to the UK was quite an adventure. In my country, the VAC was closed at the moment I made my application and I couldn't submit my biometric data there, so I had to arrange a flight to the US and submit my biometrics there, and I stayed at my uncle's house in Minnesota for 1 month. Although it was a relatively complicated itinerary, I did feel very safe during all my flights and trips.

I've handled self-isolation pretty well. I'm at my student accommodation since they let me check in 2 weeks in advance so I can attend my university activities on time. I've spent most of the time watching sports, watching tech and gaming videos and series as well. All of that has made me feel like time goes by faster than usual. For my groceries, I've bought all of my groceries online through Tesco, and they arrive at my room in a very good time as well. The accommodation's reception has been attentive with my needs as well.”

Motivational mementos from home: “Things that help me keep my mind on the goal I want to reach, such as my undergraduate degree certificate and a framed picture of my girlfriend and I from graduation day. I brought one of the best gifts she gave me as well, which is the "Kobe Bryant: The Mamba Mentality" picture book. It is such a passionate book, and being my favourite athlete, it's the best motivation I can have to try to follow his steps in this new challenge I'm taking.”

Eduardo’s advice: “You will have done the most complicated part when you get to your isolation place, which is taking the journey within these uncertain times, so if you made it safe to your destination the rest will be easier to handle. 14 days is a very short time compared to the entire programme you'll be enrolling to, so just make sure you have something you like to do while you're going through those days, check your different portals so you can connect with more students and organise some hangouts and activities after quarantine, and most importantly, eat well and practice good hygiene.”

Instagram: emac0603     LinkedIn: Eduardo McKesey

Laurine from France. Studying MSc Project Management at the University of Limerick

“My journey was really strange because the airport was so empty, but there were a lot of measures in place, so I felt safe. I’m now isolating in Cappavilla and finding that it’s a good time to get used to the apartment and meet my roommates. The university is holding a welcome week via Zoom to introduce us to everything.”

Essential item: “My phone! Not only is it a link to my family back home, but it also helps me with English translations when needed.”

Laurine’s advice: “Make friends with your roommates as you’ll be seeing them a lot. Also, get a Netflix account!”

Lison from Grenoble, France. Studying Musicology at Maynooth University

“The overall feeling for my journey was the excitement I had of beginning a new adventure! I felt safe because social distancing measures were well respected by everyone during my journey. I’m self-isolating in the house where I’m going to live during the whole academic year. I’m getting on well! I have roommates who are very nice which helps, even if I have to keep my distance from them. It’s thanks to them that I’m getting my groceries, or if not I ask the store to deliver it to my door - it’s very useful!

I’ve been using my free time that self-isolating is giving me by getting prepared for my new year here, like improving my English and re-opening those school books that I haven’t opened since May. I also started painting, which keeps me busy for hours, so the two weeks of self-isolation go faster! There is an orientation week soon, mostly online due to Covid, but it will be fun and help us get to know each other and discover the campus.”

Most important item brought from home: “I’ve brought with me some pictures of my family and friends, so they can be kind of by my side throughout this year.”

Lison’s advice: “First it’s good to know that you’re not alone: the international team of your host university can help you with any problem or question you might have. The isolation period shouldn’t scare or worry us. I see it as a time to get prepared for the start of your school year. It will be over before you know it - it’s nothing compared to the wonderful adventure that is waiting for us!”

Facebook: lison73morand

Aman from New Delhi, India. Studying MSc Software Engineering at the University of Limerick

“My first international flight was really exciting and comfortable. I travelled from New Delhi to Dublin via Munich using Lufthansa. I must admit the airline service was really extraordinary! Now I’m self-isolating here in Dublin. A friend of mine stays just a two-minute walk away from me, so he makes all the arrangements for me including groceries and all. It's been great staying here and I plan to travel to UL after completing my 14 days.”

Essential home comfort: “I have brought some photographs of my family and a show piece of the Taj Mahal which reminds me of India.”

Aman’s advice: “My advice for someone travelling through the same route is to take normal cough, cold and fever medicines such as paracetamol because you may need them.”

Instagram: aman.niyaz     Twitter: @amanniyaz

Carsten from New Mexico, USA. Studying Psychology and Criminology at Liverpool John Moores University

“My journey was a long 18 or so hours with the additional 7-hour time difference. I flew from Albuquerque to Atlanta to Amsterdam and finally to Manchester. I felt safe and excited the entire way and the thought that I was actually here in the UK didn't really hit for a while even after I had arrived. I was very careful about keeping my mask on throughout the entire journey except to eat and drink and it was quite nice to be able to take it off when I got to my flat!

For sure, self-isolation is an ordeal because you just want to be out exploring your new surroundings, but in your flat you could be anywhere. I joked with my family that I had been in the UK for 3 days and I’d still hardly heard a British accent! This being said, it has definitely been an opportunity for me to do some introspective thinking. The important thing to do is to try to build those good routines up and stay busy. For me, this has meant working out in my flat's kitchen, listening to a great deal of music and finding lots of opportunities to read and write.”

Most important thing to pack: “A positive mindset! It has helped me a lot to think of this time here in England as a prolonged vacation. An incredible opportunity to develop as a human being and to widen your view of the world. But you will always be able to return to your home from wherever you are from. Live in the moment here but remember your roots can stay firmly connected to your first home.”

Carsten’s advice: “The journey is entirely doable and, while not something you might choose to do every week, a completely worthwhile voyage in order to get to this lovely place. The quarantine is what you make of it: it can either make you bored and lonely, or it can be an incredible opportunity to find yourself and prepare yourself for what comes next!”

Being incredibly understanding, Carsten is also open to receiving questions from other incoming students. “I would be more than happy to speak with anyone about my time here and offer advice to anyone at all who thinks they would benefit from it.”

Instagram: carstent02     Snapchat: carstent020

The resounding message from our students is that two weeks really isn’t a long time compared to the bigger study abroad picture. Stay safe, take time to adapt and don’t be afraid to reach out for help – whether it’s food supplies or simply human interaction!