Interview with University of Kent student from Russia

Hi, Zilya! Tell us a little about yourself (where are you from, how old you are). How is it that you were in England?

Hi! I am 19 years old and I am from Tatarstan. I was always interested in the English language, but not thought about studying abroad. Or rather, it seemed to me that it is all terribly scary and impossible. But having gone to England as a schoolgirl, I changed my mind.

I spent 3 weeks in Brighton in a language course, and what impressed me the most – the number of foreign students in the city. It was summer, which means that all University students home on vacation. But how many there were people of different nationalities! Someone came for a week, someone for a month. Someone to learn the language, and someone on volunteer programs. They all lived in England, was adapted. I thought then: "and I will."

In what year were you enrolled at Kent University? Was it your first choice University, or filed somewhere? Why Kent University? What attracted you to this University?

I joined in 2013. Considered a lot of universities, but applied only 2: Robert Gordon University and University of Kent.

Universities are a great many! But Kent liked the most.
First, it is good for reviews and ratings that you shared that subject. And since I knew exactly what they want to study (computer science), I intentionally watched the ratings and read the forums. Of course, there are many other profiles in which Kent is one of the best, but I was interested in a specific direction.

Secondly, Canterbury – is a fairy tale! Kent is considered the "garden of England". Everywhere cleanliness, greenery, nice view! Canterbury is a small town and it makes it very cozy. I feel almost like home. At the same time, Canterbury has all the basic shops and cafés, a theatre and a cinema. Someone told me once that the presence of Starbucks talks about the development of the city. So, here it is. There are also many historic places. Canterbury is the progenitor of Christianity in England, so there is definitely something to see. Another plus – the city is located close to London and hence to the airport.

As you entered the University? Tell us about your experience.

My parents decided that I'll just to do in December. Somewhere in February, we have already applied. The sooner the better. I used the services of the Agency, but only at first. Kent is one of those universities that prefer to communicate directly. People at the point of reception of documents is always try to help with any questions, so that unresolved problems were not.

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If you are faced with any difficulties when applying to a University as a foreign student? If so, tell us about it in more detail.

The biggest stress for me was the exam. For this exam needs a good preparation, preferably 2-3 months before the exam (depending on the level of valenia language). And that, in addition to the certificate, the only document necessary for admission.
The visa I got after 1.5 months after filing. All that was required, the documents and, again, knowledge of the language. Well, a little bit of courage: at the visa application centre will have to speak with someone from London on Skype. Ask simple questions: where to go and why. The main thing – not to get lost.

Does Kent scholarships for international students? Do you know of students that have received scholarships?

Yes, I was a scholar on the Foundation Programme. Kent is such a system. As for pre-graduate and pre-undergraduate. For a scholarship need to write an essay and send it before the deadline. It's not that hard, but it all depends on the level of English and good luck to all of the information available on their website.
Of course, if you are a scholar, your assessments will be closely monitored and will have all year to prove you deserve it. But it's worth it.
Kent also provides prizes to those who show excellent results during the year (Amazon vouchers and a discount on the cost of the next year of study).

What program are you studying? What are your impressions of the program? If you have a favorite subject, teacher?

I was a student International Foundation Programme (Computing) and then switched to Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) with a Year in Industry (now I'm a freshman). English universities require a completed year Foundation or first course of a Russian University for admission to first year of undergraduate.
Impressions are excellent! It was hard, but this program is just gold. After it becoming a freshman is very easy. Generally adjust to life in a foreign country and still learning hard, if you just start with the first course. Foundation implies a more attentive attitude to each student. Explain everything literally on the fingers.
Last year I studied programming, academic English, mathematics and Economics as optional module. Training on this program the same as in the first year, works even more (the material easier), but opportunities to talk one-on-one with the teacher and ask questions about the lecture material. Therefore, this program is so valuable – it's like a rehearsal, an imitation, but more "soft" conditions.
This year I am studying programming, computer systems (structure of computer, software), mathematics and basics of group work on projects (work on project of application technology). All items are very interesting! Learning is an interactive form that makes the material more accessible.

Who studies with you at your program? A lot of foreigners, Russian-speaking students? Were you able to have close friends, and who they are – Russian-speaking foreigners, the British? With whom it is easier to find a common language?

On the International Foundation Programme 100% of students were from countries outside the European Union. Now, somewhere 7-10% are foreign students, but it is probably because computer science is not the most popular among foreign students direction. Here are mostly British themselves. Met here Russian-speaking, but not in my program. The atmosphere is such that I constantly meet new people! The campus is a little away from the city, so everyone here can meet the students of Kent. Foreigners, of course, do not understand much about our culture, but communication is not obstructed. However, it is necessary to prepare for questions about the manual bears.
My closest friend here is British. I'm sure to find a common language with a person from any country.

What were you doing out of study time at the University? Did you in any student clubs? Tell us a little about it.

Kent offers countless different communities, from club archery to the community of Harry Potter fans. Last year in Foundation I was very busy studying and meeting with friends and was not involved in clubs, and this year I'm in the company of tea lovers. We get together and drink different teas with cakes and cookies.
I also attended evening courses German for beginners.

Tell us a bit about Canterbury. What are the pros and cons you see for yourself? Is it easy to find housing, jobs, convenient transportation, and rich if night life?

There are 2 station, which takes you to different parts of England by train. Very convenient bus transportation. There is a special unibus bus, which runs between the University and the Canterbury centre.
Part-time jobs is very simple, in Kent even has a jobshop dealing with these issues. Housing is also no problem, if you start to search it in advance. This can also help the University.
In Canterbury there are clubs and night cafes in the city, and right in the campus.

Zilya, thank you very much for this interview! What would you like to say in closing to our readers?

Thank you!
Do not be afraid! Thousands of students go abroad to study every year and nothing alive :) the University of Kent is a perfect choice for those who do not like spending 2 hours journey to the destination and who are not a fan of big cities. It is a respected University, one of the top 20 universities in the UK, with great atmosphere! Never regretted that chose Kent.

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