Coming from India directly to a country where you know absolutely no one is a shocker. It’s a complete backpacking experience. Every student that comes to study here might have felt this at some point in time, where everything was new for them.
I’m a believer in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and I feel that belongingness is a need that must be satisfied. You need to feel welcome and like you’re part of a community. Otherwise, there are feelings of loneliness, and those feelings don’t let you achieve much. They act as a hindrance. Just like food, shelter, safety, and money are basic needs, belongingness is too.
The University of Surrey has made the experience smoother for many students by having meetups before travelling to Surrey. These meetups gave briefs about the course, studies, and also introduced everyone to each other who were from the same region. This worked out well for me, as I’ve completed my studies and I’m still living with the people I met before coming here.
At Surrey, the accommodation allocations are also done in a way that connects people from similar cultural backgrounds. This works well because Asians have similar food preferences and cultural values, so it becomes easier to connect and make friends. There’s a way to navigate complex situations, and it starts by doing what you can, step by step. Starting with bonding within your own cultural group helps, and from there, you naturally build connections with other communities through mutual friendships.
People fall in love here too. I didn’t, but many people I know got into relationships. A lot of my friends found their partners here at Surrey, and I’ve seen how having a sense of belonging and a support system helps them deal with loneliness, being far from family, and just staying happy and focused. It’s not just about romantic relationships. Good friendships and meaningful connections with the community matter too.
Taking time out from your busy schedule and actively participating in community life really helps. You start exploring more and find support in unexpected places. Community-run events in the UK are strong. Also, Friends International has been a welcoming group for many international students, including me. They organise affordable trips across England, have a strong support network, and the people who run it really make you feel at home.
Belongingness also keeps you motivated. When you see your peers doing well, it inspires you to do well too. Like they say, you’re a product of the five people you surround yourself with. Being mindful of the company you keep is important. Not everyone will have the same goals or ambitions as you, and that’s okay. What matters is understanding that people come from different backgrounds and experiences.
Sometimes it can get tricky, but in my experience, these things come naturally. You just feel when you belong somewhere. If you go out desperately seeking it, it won’t always come to you. But when you dedicate time to going out, trying new things, and meeting new people, you slowly start finding those who share your interests. Spending time with different people helps you learn what you value and what you don’t. It expands your awareness.
In the end, it’s up to the person to find the community that feels right for them. But putting in the effort to explore, try new things, and give time to building that sense of belonging truly benefits students. It helps mental health, emotional well-being, and also gives strength to navigate challenges. Finally, i would like to say that, different perspectives coming together can lead to beautiful ideas and solutions.
