Navigating life, academics, and careers as an international student in Liverpool, UK
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My name is Mohammed Al Barwani, an international student from Oman. When I first arrived in Liverpool over three years ago, I was filled with excitement and nerves. I’m now in my final year studying BSc Geography, drawn by the University’s strong focus on sustainability and environmental research. Leaving home for the first time and moving to a new country was challenging, especially adapting to the cold weather, which I still haven’t quite gotten used to!
Support for settling in
Despite the challenges, the University made settling in surprisingly smooth. During International Welcome Week, I met friendly students and staff who guided me through registration, setting up a bank account, and exploring the city. The International Advice and Guidance (IAG) team were also a huge help with visa questions and practical matters, easing many of my early worries.
Coming straight from secondary school in Oman, I was nervous about adapting to university-level study in the UK. The KnowHow service offered workshops, webinars, and online tutorials that improved my writing and time management, while my lecturers were always approachable and stayed after class to answer questions. My classmates were equally supportive, creating a positive and encouraging environment.
Life in Liverpool / Career support
Many international students struggle to get involved outside of lectures, but joining societies made a big difference for me. I joined the Geography Society in my first year and haven’t looked back since. We meet regularly and share our passion for the environment through social events and field trips. It’s been one of my favourite ways to learn beyond the classroom.
I also joined the University Volleyball Team, which quickly became a highlight of my student life. Training a few times a week and playing matches on Wednesdays helped me stay active and balanced. Beyond the games, the social side of the society was just as rewarding, meeting new people, celebrating wins, and building friendships that made Liverpool feel like home.
The city itself is warm and welcoming, with friendly people, diverse cultures, and a vibrant atmosphere. Whether it’s walking along the docks, trying food on Bold Street, or discovering live music venues, Liverpool is a city where everyone can find their place.
One of my proudest achievements has been my Year in Industry, working full-time in the Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) department at Knorr-Bremse UK. I gained hands-on experience in sustainability, emissions reporting, and workplace safety.
The Careers and Employability Service supported me throughout the process, reviewing my CV, preparing me for interviews, and helping me build confidence in a professional setting.
Conclusion: Advice to future students
Looking back, I’ve learned that being proactive and asking for help is vital in having a successful university experience. The University has support systems in many forms like, academically, socially, and professionally, so make sure to reach out.
My advice to future students is simple: join a society or sport, especially one with a regular schedule or routine. It’s a great way to stay active, meet people, and build a sense of belonging while studying abroad. I also strongly recommend doing a placement year, it adds real value to your CV, gives you hands-on experience, and helps you apply what you’ve learned in a professional environment.
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