I Want to See This World

By Jiahong XU (International Accounting 113)

Studying overseas is an exciting event. At present, many people are sparing no effortsto applying for studying abroad, considering it as a great chance to learn different cultures and knowledge from locals as well as to improve themselves. Life of studying aboard has brought me great value that cannot be weighed in the scale of dollars and cents. In the following paragraphs, I would like to share my own experience and impressions of studying at the University of Manchester (UOM), UK.

I should never forget the first day that I arrived at the Manchester Airport—30th, July, 2015. It was blowing heavily, we felt quite cold after landing because we were wearing shorts, implying that temperature in UK is much lower than that in China, even in summer. The UOM is very kind and thoughtful, they sent a team of volunteers to pick and drove us to the school. Two days later, 1st, August, it was the beginning of my 5-week pre-sessional course.

During these weeks, not only had I improved my English skills, I also had wonderful time making friends with people coming from different areas. What is more, Ms. Susan and Mr. Mark, who taught us writing, reading, and listening, were very friendly to us. In class, they were strict to us, imparting knowledge; in spare time, they were our best friends, offering helps. The photo below was taken on the last day of our pre-sessional course, which was an unforgettable moment for all of us in the class. I still miss them after all these months.

Before starting the formal courses, the UOM arranged a tour for students, which was held in the biggest UK national park--the Lake District. It was not merely a tour, but also an activity that encourages students to learn more about team spirits, where we were required to overcome everything as a team.

Now, the formal course of Msc Accounting and Finance at the UOM began. In the first place, I would like to introduce the accommodation here. Differing from that in China, students in UK need to pay more for living in houseson the campus than in private houses near to campus. Also, rooms with bathrooms are called en-suit, which are a little more expensive than those without. The picture above is my room, which is about 15 m^2, including a bathroom inside, costing ￡150 a week. It locates in a building called George Kenyon, who contributed a big sum of money for it over ten years ago. It is on the 10th floor, which means I have a great view outside from the window,  just as what the following pictures show.

There were five students in my flat sharing a big kitchen, where we cooked and chatted. In UK, Chinese students usually cook themselves instead of eating out, owing to the monotonous choice—fish and chips and its high price. Before coming here, I knew nothing about cooking; but, after several weeks, I learned a lot from my flat mates and started to make some simple dishes. Eventually, I suppose cooking is an essential skill for everyone studying aboard.

The UOM is established in 1824 and we still can find many historic architectures on thecampus. These are the main buildings of the UOM, located on the Oxford Road, which are normally used for administration work rather than studying. Besides, there is a small but fantastic museum inside these buildings, even displaying dinosaur fossils, free to publics.

When referring to studying, there are two main mode in the UOM: Lecture and Tutorial.

Lecture

It is not much different from the lectures in China, except there is no textbook here. Teachers will, in advance, upload the lecture content and reading list for students to get ready before having a class. Students often print these documents and take them to class and make notes on them. The lectures in a week are about four to five, which is not many. But, the thing is, students must learn to finish work consciously before a lecture, such as the reading list. Done or undone of the pre-work, makes a big difference. Students can only follow the teacher’s step only if they complete works themselves ahead of time.

Tutorial

Tutorial is like group studying, students will be informed of a discussion topic beforehand and prepare for it. In the meeting, students are required to discuss in different groups and make conclusions, then communicate with other groups, ending with listening to teacher’s opinions.

Apart from the UOM, Manchester is not only the second largest city in UK, but also a beautiful city with enthusiastic locals. Manchester is honored as the “24-hour party town”, because everything can be a party, no matter football, music, art, industry or lifestyle, even shopping. At weekends, we usually spend our time visiting this city. Here are some main scenic spots of Manchester.

The Old Trafford

Speaking of Manchester, the first thing occurs to people is that, football games. This is the Old Trafford, the second biggest football pitch in England, also widely known as the home field of the Manchester United. Every weekend, people in Northern England come here to watch matches in it, rain or shine. They shout and hail, enjoying those wonderful and exciting football games.

The China Town

It is the second biggest China Town in UK, located between the Moseley Street and Portland Street. Students especially Chinese love are coming here to have their hometown dishes. Apart from Chinese food, there are many other kinds of delicious food here, such as Japanese food, Vietnam food, Thai food and so on. In this town, you will see many students in your class working here as a part-time job. It is a good way to experience different jobs as well as to earn yourself some pocket money.

The Albert Square

Its location is in the core area of Manchester and named in honor of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert. It is the biggest square in Manchester, witnessing the whole process of the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain. Every day, we can see people coming and going from here and there is always cheers and laughter around us. When the night comes, there is usually a man or a group singing in the Albert Square and people stop to enjoy those beautiful songs. It is a great moment when I sit on the stone bench in the square, looking at blinking lights, surrounded by all that splendid music.

In the end, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to my family and my college—Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics. Without their selfless support and help, I would never have a chance to study at the UOM or have a wonderful life in UK. The experience of having master courses at the UOM has not only enriched my knowledge, but also had a permanent positive effect on my life path. I am going to try my best to repay my college and the society.