“The UK or Brookes in particular, really embrace multiculturalism. You can see a lot of different people from different cultural backgrounds, you can easily meet people. Also, for students from Hong Kong, their parents always tell them to practice their English. Here is probably the perfect opportunity to practice that, in this environment. So yeah, I would definitely recommend Oxford Brookes to other international students.”
Why did you decide to study in the UK?
There are two main reasons why I decided to come and study in the UK. I think the main reason is, the UK, in general, is very well-known for its top-class education. So that’s a reason why I decided to come here. And my friend told me, ‘People here embrace diversity and multiculturalism’.
Why did you choose to study this course at Oxford Brookes?
I’m studying Nutrition here and our course at Brookes is one of the few accredited course by the AFN, which is the Association of Nutrition. So having studied at Brookes means it will hugely improve my career prospects and future education prospects as well. Recently, more and more employers are looking at this accreditation when they’re hiring people, especially hiring new graduates. Also, I think the facilities here, we’ve got a food functioning centre here, which is quite special. Not all university have that, which is why I decided to come and study Nutrition here at Brookes.
The quality of teaching here. All my lecturers are really professional, they’re knowledgeable and they’re engaging as well, which makes learning much easier and more interesting, just fun. So that’s why I decided to come here. And in terms of reputation, I think Brookes has quite a good reputation in my course as well. So they’re the main reasons why I decided to study here.
When you applied, did you contact a rep or an agent?
Samuel and Adrian from Britannia StudyLink. They were really helpful and did help me a lot with my application for Brookes.
What facilities do you use the most at Oxford Brookes?
The sports studio because we have got training there every week. But for a non-sports facility, it would be the restaurant, The Terrace. Yeah, because I normally have lunch there between lectures. Also, normally after lunch, it would be a very nice and quiet and spacious environment for me to do revisions and probably do group projects with my friends. So I love going there.
What’s the best thing about the teaching style at Brookes?
I really enjoy having discussions and small debates during class. Even if you don’t express your opinions at that time, you still learn something when you’re hearing what your friends are saying. But of course, I love engaging in discussions and debates. I think that’s half of the way how you can learn new things and just express yourself and exchange your idea with your friends. And I really enjoy that kind of teaching style.
Would you recommend your course to another student and, if so, why?
Absolutely. I love my course, it’s very well-structured. You’ll learn everything from theory to practical prospects. So I think, as a Nutrition student, or for anyone who’s interested in nutrition, I would definitely recommend them to study at Brookes. We’ve got decent facilities for students to use. As I say, we’ve got new labs coming in and also the staff are really professional as well. So yeah, I would definitely recommend this to friends.
What do you like most about living in Oxford?
I love everything in Oxford, ‘cause Oxford kind of defines British culture to me. From a small heritage pub, King’s Arms, to massive cathedral in Christchurch College, you just never get bored in Oxford. You can go punting with your friends and everything is so accessible. You can go to the market within five minutes and you just have different entertainment here. And if you’re into history, you can always take a local tour. So yeah, I just love everything in Oxford – the culture, the scenery and sight-seeing and everything.
Are you involved in any clubs or societies at Brookes?
I’m in the Hong Kong Society, of course. Because I’m from Hong Kong, it’s great to see other Hong Kong people here. We can easily talk with them and they will help you academic-wise and everything in general.
I am also in the Tae Kwon Do club, I love training with them. It’s awesome to get involved, not only participate in that sport but be in a community of that sports club or society. ‘cause you can get a lot of different experience, in terms of managing a team and also about talking with different people, so that can improve your communication skills as well. ‘cause you just get to meet a lot of different people from different background every day and it’s just the best thing about being a president.
Do you live in university halls?
Last year, I was living in Thames Street. It was a brand new accommodation when I started. I was the first group to live in there. It was really fun. Again, you can meet a lot of different people from different cultural background and you just live in there, cook together, you probably go out for a meal together. You can just talk with them and they can help you with your assignments.
Would you recommend Oxford Brookes to other international students?
Yeah, absolutely. The UK or Brookes in particular, really embrace multiculturalism. You can see a lot of different people from different cultural backgrounds, you can easily meet people. Also, for students from Hong Kong, their parents always tell them to practice their English. Here is probably the perfect opportunity to practice that, in this environment. So yeah, I would definitely recommend Oxford Brookes to other international students.
Do you have any top tips for international students coming to Brookes?
I think make the most out of it. So academic-wise, get a good degree, ‘cause I guess that’s finality, and then keep as many contacts as possible ‘cause that will really help your education or work in the future. For social-wise, probably engage actively in clubs, societies. Become the community, you’ll learn a lot from there. Yeah, just make the most of everything; try to engage in different aspects and try to join clubs, societies and study hard.