Back to School with Matilda

What does it really take to make a new country feel like home? 

For some international students, it’s finding your people. For others, it’s learning to navigate life independently, figuring out your finances or simply getting comfortable with the unfamiliar.

From adjusting to a different education system and building a new routine to managing money, making friends and finding your place in a new country,Matilda shares the realities of studying and living in the UK,  including some of the things she didn’t expect before making the move.

Hi Matilda, please tell us a bit about yourself.?

My name is Ojewumi Matilda, I'm from Oyo state, Nigeria and I'm currently studying in the UK. I moved to the UK in January 2026 and I chose the UK because its style of education and course structure suited what I was looking for. When I compared my options, this university stood out because the course content connects well with my interests and future career plans. I also liked the opportunity to study in a diverse environment, meet people from different backgrounds, and become more independent. For me, it wasn’t about other countries not offering good education; this particular course and university simply felt like the best fit.

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When you started studying in the UK, what was the biggest adjustment compared with life as a student in Nigeria?

For me studying in the UK has been more of the practical aspect of what i'm studying which is Digital Marketing than the theoretical which is good as it has given me the opportunity of learning far beyond just the classrooms whereas back in Nigeria we focused more on the theoretical aspect of learning without being able to put what we learnt into real life scenario so at the end if you did not take that step to either do internships during break or find a way to practice what you were being taught you were on your own after school

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When you first started studying in the UK, what part of the education system took the most getting used to?

I think for me it was the pace of learning as it was a little bit fast paced and you had to do the bulk learning on your own but after a while I got used to it and adapted

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Thinking back to your first semester, what was the biggest challenge you faced? Were there moments when you felt overwhelmed or wondered if you’d made the right decision?

My biggest challenge during my first semester was adjusting to a new academic system while also settling into a new environment. At times, I felt overwhelmed because I had to manage assignments, understand what lecturers expected and take care of everyday responsibilities on my own. And yes there were also moments when I questioned whether I had made the right decision, especially when I was missing home or dealing with several deadlines at once and also trying to find a job.

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Beyond tuition and rent, what’s one expense that caught you completely by surprise?

For me I don't think I was caught by surprise with anything as I have people here and I already had an idea of how it would be like and i'm someone that just adapts to situations or environment easily

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If you could only recommend one app or tool to a new international student, what would it be?

Chatgpt was definitely my best friend and also Blackboard made a big difference in my student life because it kept most of my learning materials in one place. I could check module announcements, access lecture slides, submit assignments and view feedback. It helped me stay organised, especially when I had several modules and deadlines to manage

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Starting over in a new country can mean starting your social life from scratch too. Did you find it easy to meet new people and how did you find your first apartment?

Yes I did find it easy to meet people maybe because I was always smiling so talking to people was just easy. I found my apartment on Rightmove and I found it before moving to the UK

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Between lectures, work, making friends, and simply finding time for yourself, how did you keep everything from becoming too much?

Omo, I don't think I found a balance for real, I just kept going keeping my WHY in my mind and also because I have a great set of friends they made everything better and my school gives you alot of help when needed so I utilized few when needed.

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How did you deal with homesickness during those first few months?

I talk to my family everyday so I've not really felt it and any day I feel home sickness creeping in. I just talk to my friends or call my mom again. Everything I eat is sold here so I don't really have anything I miss

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What’s one moment since moving here that made you realise just how far you’ve come?

Networking more especially me going to events myself as that is something that still scares me but because of my career path i've been trying to network more

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If you could give a newcomer one money tip before starting school abroad, what would you tell them?

When you start earning, start saving no matter how small. You want to inculcate that habit of saving now so that when you start earning a lot it will be a part of you. Also budget your money monthly and develop the habit of sticking to it as that will help you from overspending.

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