INTO University of East Anglia

INTO UEA is a pathway to undergraduate and postgraduate courses for students from all around the world. The courses INTO UEA offers itself are A levels, International Foundation, International Diploma Year 1 and the International Graduate Diploma as well as English courses to assist your English speaking and writing skills.

The INTO campus at UEA is located within the main campus, very close the Medical Centre.

As a former student at INTO UEA, I'll be sharing my experience and highlighting some of their key facilities and benefits with you all. I started off my journey at UEA with an International Year 1 Diploma in Business Management and Economics. One of the best things about INTO UEA is that most of the students here are international students so you're never alone in feeling home sick! In fact, being at INTO made me feel less home sick due to so many reasons- other Pakistani students that I met there and I'm still friends with, the global cuisine and yummy food in the cafeteria, the social welfare team and so much more!

Starting off, I'll be talking about the academic bit first.

• CLASS SIZE

Each classroom is equipped with multimedia and projection screens to make learning more visual and engaging. 
Unlike the main campus where there are about a hundred students in the lectures, INTO's class sizes are much smaller. In lectures there a typically about 30 students and in seminars there are about 20 students. This makes it so much easier to understand the concepts without feeling too lost amongst so many students; get individual attention from the teachers who are extremely kind and supportive and are always there to help out even outside classes.
The smaller class size makes it easier for almost all the students to engage and interact in almost every class! 

Also, giving a presentation in front of a smaller audience is so much easier especially if you're presenting in front of an audience for the first time. This then helps you to later face a larger audience since you've already had a go at it at INTO before.

• COURSE MODULES   

The course modules are designed in such a way that someone with no background in Economics (for example) will be at the same pace with someone who has previously studied that subject before. They are taught with slightly easier terms and words for international students to comprehend and understand. The course leaders are really good with how they teach and they make sure each and every student is keeping up with what is being taught.
The subjects taught to me at Year 1 meant a direct entry to year 2 into either the Norwich Business School or School of Economics. Hence, I had plenty of time to assess and choose exactly what modules I would pick in year 2 rather than having to choose my course straight away before the start of Year 1. Hence, I chose the course and the optional modules based on my preferences that reflected from Year 1.

• LEARNING RESOURCES

INTO UEA students have access to the 24/7 open library located on campus as well as the online library available to all students at UEA through the Learning Portal online. But INTO students also have access to the Resource Centre within the INTO building that has a small but useful collection of books and DVDs available to borrow. Plus there are computers, printers and photocopiers available that save you so much time and energy (my lazy hack) to do and print out all your assignments without having to walk back and forth to the library.
Other than the regular class rooms that I mentioned earlier, there is a whole floor with fully equipped labs for the Science students.

Next I'll be talking about the ACCOMODATION

Though pricey but extremely convenient the INTO accommodation is one of the best on campus. Every room is ensuite (that is attached with a toilet and shower room). Each kitchen is shared between a couple of students. The accommodation is a great way to socialise and make new friends, try out different food cooked by students and learn about an array of cultures. 
The best part about the accommodation is that it is literally just 2 minutes away from classes so you never have to worry about waking up too early to walk a lot to classes!

• FOOD at INTO

INTO has an amazing and newly renovated café + restaurant. The offer hot and cold cooked food as well as drinks available for all three courses of the day. They offer a full English Breakfast every morning as well as lunch and dinner daily. Each day they have a different menu and the food ranges from local British food such as Fish and Chips to other global cuisines such as Indian and Chinese.
Besides, from that my personal favourite was the take away option! That had a completely different menu and was available for dinner from Monday to Thursday.
The food is suitable for everyone: there are vegetarian, non-veg as well as Halaal food options available daily. The curries surely reminded me of home sometimes!
Other than the café, located on the ground floor was Mo's famous coffee kart! It offered a variety of hot drinks perfect for UK's wintery weather, as well as some delicious Paninis' and other snacks! It also served ice cream during the summer months that were just for a pound!

• SOCIAL WELFARE TEAM

The social welfare team consisted of Neil, Leila and now Becky! They are extremely helpful in assisting international students with any problems they may be facing- be it social or academic related. They're super friendly and are always available to hear you out and offer you some useful advice and support. They sit in the courtyard office, which is also a great place to socialise or just relax!
Also, if you're super bored- hang out with Neil, he is super funny!!!
The social welfare team can also keep you up to date with events happening around UEA or give you details about trips within and outside UK!
 
 
 
 
 
There is so much more to do at INTO: volunteering, gardening, playing badminton or table tennis and so much more! I never felt alone here, made some amazing friends and I definitely miss it a lot!