₦airaland Forum

Champora:
I don’t have any questions to ask but I got a lot from this thread last year while I was still seeking admission and I’m grateful for the insights people share here. I got into a Russel League university (they’re like the Ivy Leagues of UK) in Scotland and I have been here for about a year now.

There were many pieces of advice about what to carry and what not to carry, how the environment is etc. I think it’s great to hear what people say based on their experience but note your own experience could be different from theirs. Always do what works best for you.

African food in the area I stay is usually sold by Middle Eastern stores. I personally did not bring any food (except spices) as I knew I could get them from these stores: anything from indomie to egusi etc. but depending on where you are it could be expensive or you may have to travel a little distance. The area I’m has budget friendly African food items.

The weather in my part of Scotland almost constantly rains even during summer. So I brought some warm clothes from Nigeria BUT kept in mind that I would be ready to invest in 1 or 2 quality thick coats and jackets once I landed. The ones specifically made for this freezer cold.

Academically lol, my university is tough and strict on standards. It was so different from my Uni education in Nigeria that i struggled in the first few weeks but thanks to God I found a better grasp of things as time went on. Ask questions in class, professors like it when you also go to them during office hours to ask for advice or speak more on a topic. All my assessments were visible to me already from day 1. I once submitted 2 minutes late and had 5% deducted from my mark. Never again.

Money? Apply for several and any scholarships and aids your university is offering. Look into Santander too because they always seem to have scholarships for students and small grants within partner universities. Find organizations or ngos that can offer you work experience for some voluntary time. It is very tedious combining a 1 year postgrad with work but it’s doable. From day 1 when you enter if you know you want to secure an internship for the next year start applying as soon as you get into the UK. Search for “Trackr (formerly Bristol Tracker” on LinkedIn and follow them for opportunities. https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-trackr/

People know things but they may not tell you until you ask them. So make allies. House rent and bills don’t come cheap. You may have to work a number of shifts to cover up. Have an open mind too and be ready to explore and keep in touch with government policies as they tend to change a lot

Best wishes to everyone!

Congrats on your studies so far and how’s it going?! That’s a big move, and I’m glad to hear that you have been doing great for a while. Let’s talk about food though—because, let’s be real, surviving on instant meals is a no-go (I mean yeah, they might be a little cheaper but they aren’t healthy for you in the long run)

Here are my two quick tips to help you save some money on food:

1. Cook for the Week: Try cooking in bulk, my guy. Make a pot of jollof or stew that'll last a few days. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not scrambling to cook every night.


2. Join Forces: Get together with your flatmates and buy in bulk. Splitting the cost of things like rice or meat can save everyone some cash.

Speaking of saving money, have you checked out Afrilish?

It’s an African food and events app based on the UK where you can order on a subscription basis.

That way, you’re getting all your favorite dishes delivered right to your door without breaking the bank.

In addition , you can always get discounts and freebies from the African restaurants too!

You can check them out here: (https://www.afrilish.com/)

You’ve got this!🫡