UEA, The Home away from Home.

Most people are very possessive of their culture, and as international students, find it hard leaving that culture behind. Fears of not having similar people around, not having access to new music and not being able to gain access to the foods loved so much. Some people enjoy having their native foods wherever in the world they find themselves. Some even go through the trouble of travelling with these items. The worst, is actually finding oneself in a place where you can't have access to all these things. However, it isn't like that at the University of East Anglia, Norwich. It might rather be a challenge identifying a particular food that you can't find in the city. Or a challenge to find no one who shares the same culture as yourself. Not only is the University big on diversity , but regardless of the suburban nature of the city, so is Norwich.
At least for West Africans, I can confidently say that you'll definitely feel like you're at a home away from home. When it comes to music, I'm sure you're thinking " Well, I can just download them", but asides from that there's a dedicated radio channel for "Afrobeats" on campus. If you're looking for people, once you come here, you'll realise that there are a number of West Africans on campus. There are a number of cultural societies like the African Caribbean Society (ACS) and the Nigerian Students Society (NSS). Lastly, as for the food, there's a whole dedicated shopping district, Anglian Square, where you can find all your essentials. From shito to malt, from gari to plantain. You can get everything you need there.
So, if you're looking for a 'home away from home', Norwich and the University of East Anglia are a good place to start. I know, I've been able to connect with my culture so much since I've been here. The best part is, I've been able to learn about and appreciate other peoples cultures as well.

Tracy Randy-Cofie (West African Ambassador)