My Home from Home, from Sri Lanka: Pragashine’s First Year at Chester

My name is Pragashine Chandrasekaran and I'm an international student from Sri Lanka, studying International Business Management at the University of Chester.

When I remember the day I left home to attend university, all I can think of is how anxious I was about being hundreds of miles away from my family and loved ones. Now I can proudly say that the University of Chester is my home away from home. The reason for this is that the faculty and community here at the University have always made me feel like I belong here since the first day I arrived.

Study Highlights

In the last few months, I've learned a lot and developed my skills. My decision to pursue International Business Management stems from my long-standing curiosity about how different businesses operate based on their clientele's cultures and environments. I am grateful to my lecturers for creating an engaging curriculum that enables me to learn a great deal about my interests. It is appropriate for everyone, including students with and without prior business experience. I can say with confidence that anyone who is interested in learning about the corporate worlds of different countries should take this course.

Support

The greatest benefit of studying at Chester, for both home and international students, is the excellent student support system. I mention this because in the past, I have contacted my PAT (Personal Academic Tutor) for help, and he advised me that I could get in contact with the University’s Wellbeing and Mental Health team. As a result, I discovered that, unbeknownst to me, I was experiencing culture shock and was truly homesick. The assistance they provided me greatly improved my ability to deal with these kinds of circumstances and maintain my mental health. It goes to show that even if you are worried about studying far from home, support is there to help you adjust!

Life Outside of Studies

For anyone wondering about life outside of studies, I can assure you that University of Chester is all about socialising. During my welcome week, I was introduced to so many fantastic clubs and societies where there was something for every student. To discover more about my Indian heritage and to indulge in my passion of reading, I joined the Indian Society and the book club. Not only that, but Chester offers some great opportunities for students to volunteer and work as Student Ambassadors or Student Voice reps. This helps expand your network and work with all our students and staff at the University. I am a Student Ambassador and a Student Voice Representative, proving that international students can engage in activities other than studies.

I’ve also enjoyed getting involved with university opportunities, like being an events volunteer for the council’s Christmas Lights Parade, which had over 7000 visitors. I immersed myself in an entirely different culture and tradition during the Christmas season, which was a fantastic overall experience for me as a student studying International Business Management. I eagerly anticipate more chances like this one.

Loving Chester

I can't talk about the University without mentioning Chester. To be honest, I'm head over heels in love with this city. I grew up in the hectic, congested, and fast-paced city of Colombo, Sri Lanka. But I've always wanted to live in a small place and live a calm life. So, I fell in love with the entire city the first time I saw it.

Chester is the ideal blend of history and modernity. I enjoy the beautiful historical buildings of the whole city, but my favourite place is Chester Cathedral. I had never seen a building like this in my life and the fact that I’ll be graduating in the Cathedral in another 3 years makes it even more special.

I believe I made the best decision in coming to Chester to study at the University. My first year here has provided me with so many memories, and I can't wait to see what Chester has in store for me in the coming years.

Find out about how you can achieve more than you thought possible at Chester as an International or home Undergraduate student and check out our International Business Management degree and our other courses.