International Student Day - 'The lecturers care about us'

Students come from all over the world to study at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).

To mark International Student Day this Sunday, we are speaking to students who have travelled from different parts of the globe to make DMU their home.

Nayli Binti Novie is from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. She joined DMU in September and is in her final year studying Accounting with Business Management. Her previous year’s study was spent at Asia Pacific University (APU) which is an academic partner with DMU.

This is her take on life as an international student at DMU.

It all started with my Dad

My dad studied at DMU in 1992. He jokes with people that he had hair then. So, he is an alumnus and if anyone asks him about his time at DMU he will go on and on and on with his stories about campus life and his experiences of living in Leicester.

So, the reason for coming to DMU started with my Dad.

He studied Accounting and Finance here for two years. So, I guess accounting is in my DNA. He is now the CEO of Education Malaysia Global Services and promotes Transnational Education (TNE) where in this case Malaysia University collaborates with UK universities for dual qualification programmes and student exchange. It does seem funny that I am now overseas. But my dad makes the point that I studied in Malaysia first and then I came to DMU.

The DMU commitment to student support is amazing

DMU’s support network is solid. It is amazing. DMU provides an airport pick-up service for international students, which is such a thoughtful touch! I arrived with my family, but it’s great to know the service is there for those who need it. I was invited to an International Welcome Event and help was always available to get us through those early days in a new place.

The library is open 24/7

The facilities and resources at DMU are amazing

The campus feels modern and welcoming and they have everything you need as a student. For example, the library is open 24/7. I am, personally, a late-night person. I love studying late at night. And the student spaces in the library suit all your different needs.

So, there are spaces for studying alone and then collaborative spaces if I want to work on something with my friends. There is always a place appropriate to what you are studying.

Settling in was easier than I thought it would be

Everyone is so welcoming. People at DMU are such sweethearts. They get me through everything. Settling in was far easier than I thought.

I was really anxious before I came but the university has thought everything through in terms of what support we need and I really appreciate that.

The lecturers care about us

The lecturers are incredible. They really care about our success and you can see they are really passionate about what they do. They are available in their office, on email and are answering questions after class.

Rather than just having a lecturer and talking throughout the lesson they really encourage us to debate topics which makes the modules more enjoyable as well as more memorable. I feel like this two-way connection we have boosts my confidence.

I like the weather in Leicester

Honestly. When I asked people about the weather here they were saying how it can be rainy and grey. But coming from such a hot country like Malaysia it is very cool and there is a chill and I love it.

Wherever I am, I feel at home

The city is so vibrant. There is a great mix of cultures, there is amazing food and there are some really cool places to explore. DMU has done a fantastic job in creating spaces that I feel comfortable in. Wherever I am in Leicester, going around town, I still feel I am at home. I was at Abbey Park for Bonfire Night and it was such fun with all my friends.

DMU is more than just a place to study

I would say that DMU is a fantastic place to start a new adventure. I feel it is more than just a place to study. You grow, connect and become part of a vibrant community. From first hand experience, if you feel a little overwhelmed at times there is always someone to help you. Given that I am an international student and 10,000km away from home, having student welfare support is so reassuring.

Find out more here about being an international student at DMU