Hi, my name is Kashef Ahmed (Kash). I am an International undergraduate student from Bangladesh, studying BSc Mathematics and Economics.
Well, this is my story and why I decided to move to the U.K. for University. I had always dreamt of going to University in the U.K. or U.S. however the first big step towards fulfilling this dream was when my dad asked me if I wanted to go to move to the U.K, I was 15. I knew schooling and University in the U.K. would be very expensive, so I told him ‘It’s your choice’ but later on I told my mum ‘I would sell my blood if that is what it took to pay for it’.
I finished my GCSEs and moved to England to complete my sixth-form, leaving all my friends and family. I always knew that it would be a difficult move with the vast cultural differences. My college days were uneventful and I dreaded moving. I lived with my uncle and aunt and they carried me through the whole period. When it came to deciding which University to go to, I thought it would be 3 more years of home sickness. But I knew if I made the right decisions, I could change the shape of my life. I put my head down and analysed universities from every possible angle. I got offers from 5 Universities that are always amongst the top 10 in the country. This made my decision making even harder, I visited all the Universities that I was offered places from and Bristol presented itself with a unique charm. When I moved to Bristol my expectations were high, every one I had spoken to about it told me that it has great night life, the people are great, the university is amazing and its reputation is second to none. At the end of my first year I can say that it has certainly lived up to my expectations. It is an awesome place for higher education. I have friends at Universities all over the world that I am always in touch with and I can certainly say that I have enjoyed university life the most.
Although it is fun and great, work is challenging and the students are very competitive. I would definitely recommend any one who is reading this article to apply to Bristol.
The best thing about Bristol is it is a city, yet laid back. It is not crowded but it is happening for sure. Everything from clubs, pubs to shopping markets, grocery shops is within walking distance. People here are nice, friendly and they actually have time for you, unlike other busy cities. And those I think are much-needed factors for a newcomer in UK. For me, compared to other cities in UK, I haven't seen many South Asians around but still I am getting along here nice and smooth. I like this place so much that I keep calling Bristol my second home these days!
Before coming here, frankly, I didn't have much idea about Bristol and more importantly, I have never been to UK before. I gambled a bit - saw the ranking, liked what the programme offered and received some secondhand information from people who studied in Bristol earlier. But now that I think of it - it totally paid off. I am enjoying the programme I am in. I like how the professors here guide you to think critically which helps to form your own opinion at the same time have respect for others. Besides, the quality of UB students is quite high and I think this would push you to bring out the best in you.
Overall, I am pretty satisfied with my post-graduate experience in University of Bristol and I would recommend people to come in here, no doubt about it.
