Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
“Hi, I am Tina Huan, am originally from China. I came to the UK when I was 17, my first city was Brighton where I attended the College. After I graduated, I have got an offer from the University of Bristol to study Law. Currently, I am doing an internship with a city firm in the immigration department.”
Why did you choose your college and your university?
“When I was choosing university, the staff of my old college has been really helpful. They helped me to select the university and offered me advise on which Law School I should choose to do my Masters. For me, coming to England is about starting from the countryside and you go inside London after you have gained something. I didn’t want to go directly to the centre of UK without experiencing the countryside. I finally decided to go to Bristol and it turned out to be a fabulous experience; the pace of life in there was not too fast, people from different countries get along.”
How was your experience in your university?
“University of Bristol has offered me the much needed support for an international student. The Law Faculty understands the hardships of studying a course that is not in my first language in the faculty full of British students. The School offered international students of English literacy classes to top up our English. I also attended mock trials through which I have gained the first hand experience of how each case is being presented in front of a High Court Judge.
I have gained a lot of transferrable skills through doing pro-bono works for INUK (Innocent Network UK). As student caseworkers, we detect the possibilities of the alleged wrongfully convicted defendants’ case being overturned. This gave me the opportunity to put into use of what I have learnt from the school to help the people in need. Additionally, the libraries, staff and personal tutors were an immense help to my academic and personal life at the university.”
What was your experience about living in the UK?
"You need to be more independent and to solve the problem on your own initiative. The most important thing is that you have to learn how to fit yourself into the multi-cultural environment. I love the good restaurants and shopping places. And if you can find work in UK, it definitely increases your career perspectives."
What did you do for fun in the UK?
"I love travelling, especially when based in the UK, most European countries are within an hour and half by flight. I spent weekends to have teas with friends in Paris and to visit galleries and museums in Amsterdam. In my free time, I also enjoy reading philosophy and books to learn."
What is your advice for International Students?
"One most important advice I would give to international students is don’t be afraid to speak yourself out. Don’t be shy to express your thoughts. UK is definitely a liberal and free country that people will listen to and appreciate different opinions".
