January 29, 2016, by International students

Meet our Student Callers: Hisham from Egypt

Hisham Wollaton Hall

Hisham standing in front of Nottingham’s famous Wollaton Hall

If you hold an offer to study at The University of Nottingham, you might be lucky enough to receive a call from one of our international students. PhD student Hisham has been speaking to students in his native Egypt to help them find out what life in Nottingham is really like, and answer any questions that they have about studying here.

Hisham is also the President of our Egyptian Society. 

Why did you choose to study at Nottingham?

First when searching online, I found that The University of Nottingham is one of the top ranked universities in the UK and highly ranked globally, especially in my research field. I also liked the multicultural diversity of the students.

What is your favourite thing about living in Nottingham?

Many things! Firstly, Nottingham is a student’s city with many international students and I was lucky to get introduced to different cultures. The city is very safe and has a good transport network. The city centre has everything I need including restaurants and brands. The cost of living is cheaper relative to other cities. Also the location of Nottingham in Midlands makes it easier to travel to any other city in UK.

Where is your favourite place in Nottingham, and why?

The lake in the University Park Campus, as it is the best place to have a picnic, study and run. Also Wollaton Park is an amazing place for relaxing during the weekend after a loaded week of work and studying.

Where is your favourite place to eat out in Nottingham, and why?

Once I miss my home food, I go for Marrakesh restaurant. Also there a large variety of international cuisines such as Turkish, Lebanese, Greek, Indian, Thai, Korean, Mexican, Spanish, Persian and of course lots of Chinese restaurants.

Hisham Egyptian SocietyAre you part of any societies?

Yes, Currently I am the President of the Egyptian Society, which is a good opportunity for the Egyptians to meet up and also to promote everything there is about Egypt for anyone interested in knowing more about our culture, language and cuisine.

Also I’m a member of the Rambling society, Travel society and Badminton society.

What’s your number one tip for international/EU students coming to Nottingham?

Enjoy your University life to the maximum; you won’t get this opportunity again to gain such valuable experience

What’s the most frequently asked question students ask you, and what advice do you give them?

Is it difficult to cope with the British culture? How to overcome the anxiety of the new experience of studying abroad?

My answer is always:

  • Mix with all cultures you will meet in the UK
  • Have fun, don’t just be a book worm and neglect your personal life.
  • Take part in volunteering activities within the university, as the experience obtained is precious
  • If you have time, go for a part time job if it doesn’t conflict with your studies, as it will give you a lot of experience about the British culture and will improve your English
  • Don’t judge people, even if they are totally different from your context

What are you hoping to do after you graduate/finish your course?

Return to my home country, and try to apply everything I learnt in the UK and transfer it to others, to enhance their experience, skills and scientific knowledge.

Posted in AcademicCultural integrationFoodFriendsInternational Student callersNottingham citySocietiesVolunteering

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