Being an international student at Cardiff Metropolitan University has been one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences of my life. Moving to a new country comes with excitement, nerves, and countless unknowns, but it has also taught me resilience, confidence, and the joy of belonging to a truly global community.
Celebrating International Students’ Day at Cardiff Met
Being an international student at Cardiff Metropolitan University has been one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences of my life. Moving to a new country comes with excitement, nerves, and countless unknowns, but it has also taught me resilience, confidence, and the joy of belonging to a truly global community.
When I first arrived in Cardiff, I didn’t know anyone. Everything, from the culture to the weather, felt new. But what immediately stood out was how welcoming and inclusive the Cardiff Met community is. From lecturers to fellow students, everyone goes out of their way to make international students feel supported.
One of the biggest turning points in my journey was discovering the Students’ Union (SU). The SU isn’t just a space on campus; it’s the heart of student life. It’s where people from every background come together to share experiences, celebrate cultures, and make lifelong friendships. Joining clubs and societies helped me meet people who shared my interests, whether through cultural associations, creative groups, or volunteering opportunities.
Through these experiences, I began to feel a real sense of belonging. Being part of a club gave me a space to be myself, connect with others, and contribute to the wider university community. Cardiff Met’s focus on inclusivity means there’s something for everyone, and it’s easy to find your people here.
A key person who helped me along the way was Naeem from the Careers Team. When I was still finding my feet, Naeem encouraged me to visit the SU, attend events, and talk to other students. He also told me about the student jobs available through the SU, which became an amazing opportunity to gain experience, earn while studying, and feel even more integrated into campus life. His guidance made me realise how many resources Cardiff Met offers for international students, from career advice to wellbeing support.
Since then, I’ve grown both personally and professionally. Working part-time on campus and being involved in SU activities gave me valuable communication, teamwork, and time-management skills. More importantly, it gave me confidence, the kind that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and finding your place in a new environment.
When I walk across campus and see students from all over the world laughing, studying, and making memories together, I feel an incredible sense of pride. Cardiff Met has become more than just a place of study for me; it’s truly my second home. Now, as an International Students Officer, I hope to help every new international student feel that same sense of welcome and belonging when they join the university.
Being an international student is more than a journey. It’s an adventure. It’s about discovering who you are, learning from others, and realising that belonging doesn’t depend on where you’re from, but on where you feel welcome.
“To all the students who left their home country with life packed into three suitcases and a passport, in pursuit of a brighter future, you are truly brave, and you’ve already achieved more than you realise. Wishing you all a very Happy International Students’ Day.”
Vaishnavi Chopde, Vice President Education, Cardiff Met Students’ Union
“Having completed my undergraduate degree and currently pursuing a Master’s at Cardiff Met, I have found that this university offers the best in terms of the quality of education and services, providing a positive and encouraging environment for students to thrive. My advice to international students is to ask questions, interact, and make full use of all the resources the university has to offer.”
Souparnika Parameswaran Namboothiri, President, Cardiff Met Students’ Union
Happy International Students’ Day to everyone who’s part of this diverse and inspiring community! 🌍💙