The UK is the second most sought after destination by Malaysians wishing to study abroad. It’s not surprising then that here is where you’ll find one of the largest international student communities, making it a melting pot of ethnicities and cultures.

Swansea in particular, is known for its rich heritage and offers Malaysian students opportunities to discover new interests, forge new friendships and attain an internationally recognised tertiary education at Swansea University.

Swansea is also the third most affordable city in the UK to live in, making it the perfect place for cash-strapped students.

Studying abroad and being away from family can be a nerve-wrecking experience so, here are some handy tips to help you get by.

Secure accommodations beforehand

Secure your accommodations before coming over. Swansea University offers students the option of either on-campus accommodation or off-campus private sector accommodation.

Both options afford you the opportunity to make new friends who may just end up being your personal tour guides if they’re Swansea Jacks.

Like many others, Swansea University has a student accommodation centre that superintends the accommodation process. Swansea University’s student accommodation has top-notch facilities with direct access to the beach as well.

Prep like a Malaysian

Pack your suitcase with Malaysian must-haves for those “broke college student” days. What’s more, packets of instant noodles will remind you of home.

Swansea University’s Student Ambassador for Malaysia, Shawn Lee reminds one to have sanitisers and high-quality masks on hand as it is important to be safe and prevent the spread of Covid-19 when travelling.

She also recommends packing as many instant soup and ramen noodle packets as your suitcase allows. However, if you run out of supply, there are Asian grocery stores here where you can get your instant noodle fix

She also reminds Malaysians to buy winter clothes before flying over as it can go from slightly chilly to freezing real quick in the UK.

Click here to watch Shawn Lee document her journey back to Swansea University from Malaysia.

Keeping safe

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, PCR tests are mandatory before leaving and entering the country. So keep the three-day advance period in mind when having the PCR test done to avoid complications at the airport.

After testing negative for Covid-19, make sure you have the digital document of the PCR test results before catching your flight.

It is also advisable to pack two Covid-19 home test kits as it is required during the two-week quarantine period once you enter the UK. One will be used on day two and the other on day eight.

Be mindful that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) tend to change without warning, so stay abreast of changes and conform to the updated SOPs.

Get your documents in check

Make sure your identification card, passport and PCR test results among others have been packed before you leave for the airport.

If your programme abroad requires a visa, ensure that all the details are sorted out and that you obtain your visa well in advance. A setback or delay in the process may very well put an end to your plans of studying abroad.

The study abroad advisor at the university can help guide you through the process. Creating a list of essential documents will make it much easier to keep track of things.

Don’t be a stranger

Brits are generally cordial people, and Swansea Jacks in particular, are known to be incredibly welcoming to foreigners.

Being a culturally diverse city, Swansea openly embraces the cultural practices of others, making for a safe and friendly environment for international students.

When staying in Swansea, it’s best to keep an open mind yourself. Don’t be startled when a random stranger walks over to you and works up a chat.

Cook like a true Malaysian

Swansea, the second largest city in Wales, is filled with eateries that offer Malaysia’s gastronomic delights from nasi lemak to char kway teow. However, you will find yourself with empty pockets if you dine at these places often.

You can save money and still indulge in delicious homemade meals by learning how to cook before you leave for the UK.

There is an abundance of Asian supermarkets in Swansea, so you can easily purchase all the spices you need to make your favourite chicken rendang.

Sights to see

Although you are there to study, do find time to tour nearby attractions.

Create a checklist of places to visit and things to do while you’re there. The best way to clear your head from a whole day of studying is to unwind with a little adventure and fun.

You could go for pizza with your mates, then take in a classic blockbuster at Cinema & Co.

If you’re adventurous, take a trip down to The Mumbles to enjoy the blissful Welsh waters or maybe even ride a paddleboat at Singleton Lake.

A helping hand

Studying abroad can be a challenge, one that demands self-motivation and hard work. Luckily there’s the Swansea University Student Union that assists students in all aspects of university life.

Swansea University also provides international students with educational support through the university’s International@CampusLife department.

Aside from helping international students with their studies, this department also organises a variety of social events with the express purpose of encouraging students to engage with each other.

A melting pot of nationalities

UK universities often host events for international students to make them feel at home and to promote interaction with those of other nationalities.

Swansea University regularly hosts activities and events for their 1,750 international students on campus, as well as newcomers.

Among these are the International Welcome Activities, ICL GO! Social Programme and GO! team volunteering projects, among others. Swansea University also received second place in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2021 for ‘Diversity and Inclusion’.

Home away from home

When studying abroad, you’re bound to feel homesick. So why not join a student association, whose members are the same nationality as you. It can help give you a sense of home while in a foreign land.

While many universities in the UK embrace each student’s nationality and culture, Swansea University takes it a step further by bringing Malaysia to its students.

The Malaysian Association of Swansea University (MASU) was established to create awareness and understanding of all things Malaysian among other communities in Swansea. MASU also attends to the interests and needs of Malaysian students.

Swansea University is a world-leading institute that offers a wide range of courses in foundation, undergraduate degrees and postgraduate programmes.

With these tips in hand, you’ll have no trouble adjusting to life as an international student in Swansea University.

For more information on studying at Swansea University, click here.