Sabrina Yu

Hong Kong, BSc (Hons) International Hospitality Management

“I did a work placement during my second year. I gained more business skills, leadership, teamwork and I also did learn how to manage my time well. We learned this module about developing yourself personally and professionally and I was able to use those competencies to adapt to a real-life working scenario”

When you were considering your options for study, what made you choose the UK and Oxford Brookes specifically?

My original plan was to come to the UK for boarding school during my studies in high school for A Levels, but the plan changed so I had to stay behind for a little longer. When it came to universities, Oxford Brookes was one of the universities that came into my mind since it’s much closer to London, and I read and heard good stuff about this uni, about the course specifically.

When did you start your course?

In 2019, the year before covid came. I’m in my final year, wrapping up my studies.

Why did you choose the course, and what have you particularly enjoyed about it?

I chose that course because I have a passion for all things hospitality. I have a hobby for baking and I want to branch out within the field of catering, hospitality and networking. At a young age I already knew what my hobby was but I didn’t know whether it was specific to hospitality until I got into high school.

Did you do a work placement?

I did my placement during my second year. It was one year. I did my placement in Hong Kong. I did two six-month placements - the first one was the Pottinger in Hong Kong and the second one was at a Chinese restaurant. I gained more business skills, leadership, teamwork and I also did learn how to manage my time well. We learned this module about developing yourself personally and professionally and I was able to use those competencies to adapt to a real-life working scenario.

What have you enjoyed the most about Oxford Brookes?

As a whole, I would say it’s the societies I’ve been a part of throughout my studies. I made lots of new friends from there. I’ve been participating in several societies and meeting new people. Being part of the committee right now is a huge benefit for me because it gives me a chance to meet lots of different students.

Which societies have you been a part of?

I was in the Hong Kong society, the Baking society, the Tea society, and the Korean Hallyu society. The Hong Kong, Korean and the Baking society - those three societies stand out to me the most. In the Baking society we have a wide range of events, including ‘bring your own bakes’ and baking workshops. Many of my friends have been commenting and calling me the ‘Star Baker’! My cookies and brownies! If you’re making chocolate chip cookies, always add plenty of chocolate chips - that’s what is mouth-watering! The society I’m part of as president, Bacchus Society, stands out to me because we cover a wide range of activities. We have networking and cross-culture events, where we join with culture societies at Brookes. For example, we combine with the Nepalese society or the French society or any other culture society. We are planning to have a joint society with the Hong Kong and French society in the coming weeks. It’s also a good society for people who are into networking and wine and cheese tastings.

How have you found living in Oxford?

I think Oxford is a really good city. I like the architecture of the old buildings. I’m aware that some of the Harry Potter films were located around this area so that’s probably some of the highlights of the city centre!

Have you visited anywhere else in the UK?

I went to the Seven Sisters cliff. I also went to Birmingham and Kent.

Have you lived in university halls or other accommodation?

During my first year I stayed at the Mews. I rented a studio flat. By bus it will take a little bit longer if you take the U5 from uni and back. I prefer to have my own place because I prefer space and prefer to be away from the noise of the students, especially late at night. I prefer to have my own space and my own peace.

If you had one piece of advice for future international students, what would that be?

Step out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to try out new things.

Do you have any plans once you’ve graduated?

I’m thinking of pursuing a master’s degree. I’m applying for several now in either Switzerland or the UK. I’ve heard that Switzerland is the heart and landscape of hospitality and I want to have a new approach to learning from their perspective.