Discovering Dorset

Hi everyone!

These past weeks have seen the implementation of Stage IV of the UK government’s ‘Roadmap out of Lockdown’. Now more than ever, people in England are being encouraged to get their jabs as all adults in England can now book the COVID-19 vaccinations. At the University of Surrey, we are all encouraged to have both vaccines before returning to campus to reduce the potential of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19.

This past week, my friends and I planned a short day trip to the lovely coastal resort town of Bournemouth. We ensured that this was a COVID-safe trip as we remembered to consider simple precautions such as maintaining social distancing, wearing face coverings and washing our hands regularly. Bournemouth is a beautiful town that boasts seven miles of golden sandy beaches backed by sandy clay cliffs. This stretch of coastline is an unbroken chain of great beaches that are maintained to the highest international standards for beach cleanliness and environmental management.

This trip was a testament to one of the best reasons to study in the UK and that is how cheap and easy it is to travel and explore cities and towns around the country. This is a revelation that I have previously mentioned in blog posts I have written in the past that detail my student travels. I have come to discover that the UK is packed full of rich history and culture that will delight and surprise you as it educates you. Of course, your home country plays a crucial role in your life and is an ideal destination to continue your studies and pursue higher education. However, if you want to broaden your horizons and gain global exposure, you must explore the UK as a study abroad destination!

Firstly, travelling, even domestically, empowers individuals to get out of their comfort zone and gain cultural fluency. Through hands-on experience, we students can gain personal experience with new things and that enables us to be stronger world citizens.

Secondly, Bournemouth I discovered, is a great place to live and a fantastic town to visit. In fact, in 2013 the public voted Bournemouth the Best UK Coastal Resort at the British Travel Awards. Bournemouth also has a pier that is almost in the middle of the beach and offers a small fair, boat trips, an arcade, and various other shops. A short walk from the beach is the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum at East Cliff Promenade, home to one of Britain’s finest art museums, illustrating that this town is also an attraction to art lovers. All in all, the cultural benefits of travelling are endless!