UMIST and Victoria University of Manchester were established in 1824 and 1851 respectively. In 2004, they were amalgamated into the world-famous University of Manchester. Every year, nearly 40,000 students from 180 different countries join the university
History says it all
The University of Manchester has had 25 Nobel Prize winners, out of whom four are currently in the faculty of the university — more than any other British University. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, Manchester came third only to Oxford and Cambridge. There are various departments in the university including life sciences, medical and human sciences, humanities, physical and engineering sciences. I am proud and honoured to be a student of this institution. Learning international business, finance and economics has been a mind-blowing experience so far.
As someone who loves the idea of exploring, studying abroad was my priority. Settling into Manchester was a real challenge. But, the tantalising local neighbourhood, Curry Mile or Wilmslow Road closely resembled India.
As Manchester is a multicultural and cosmopolitan city, it gave everyone plenty of opportunities to share their distinct cultures and host various festivals right from the Chinese New Year to Deepavali.
Throughout my time in the university, I had the chance to celebrate, socialise and bond with people from various regions and explore new horizons to learn familial and business cultures. Overall, it was an exhilarating and fun-filled experience.
At the same time, the learning experience was completely different from the one I had in India. There were many essays of 1,500 words and above to be submitted in the first year.
We were tested in the form of examinations at the end of each semester. Preparing for examinations and essays kept us occupied throughout. One of my favourite buildings on campus was the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons, where students had access to plenty of desk space, Internet lounge, study rooms, and cafes, to unwind.
As I was politically inclined, I ran for the Student Union Elections which was a good way to address student issues in the Assemblies.
Careers Service and Manchester Services Centre help students in finding jobs and internships. There are various societies headed by students promoting social responsibilities and interests; representing various nations, interests and faculty in the universities.
I would advise students aspiring to come here to be polite and always remember to smile.
The writer is a second-year student of Manchester Business School, University of Manchester
Email: vishali.shyam@student.manchester.ac.uk
