Starting University at York St. John: My Journey So Far
By Choing Palmo
Hello, my name is Choing Palmo, and I’m currently in my second year studying Economics at York St. John University. As an international student from Asia, coming to study in the UK was a big decision for me, but it was always something I knew I wanted to do. I’d been excited about the idea of studying abroad for years, and with the help of an education consultancy, I found my way to York St. John. Making the decision to attend university away from home was something I couldn’t have done on my own. My family and close friends helped me throughout the process, and the guidance from my education consultant was invaluable. From choosing a course to selecting a university, they were with me every step of the way. While I didn’t get to attend any open days in person, the more research I did, the more York St. John felt like the right place for me. I chose to pursue a degree in economics, as it always fascinated me. Economics offers a lens to understand how the world works, from global markets to the everyday decisions we all make. I wanted a course that would give me both practical skills and a broad perspective on real-world issues, and economics seemed like the perfect fit. Although I was worried about it being a difficult course, I am excited to learn and embrace the challenges that come with studying economics.
The thought of moving oceans away was daunting, especially due to my introverted nature. I had never spent a night away from home, so I was worried about how I would adjust to my new environment. I was fortunate to meet some amazing people early on. My dorm mates were really welcoming, and they even invited me to a pub quiz on my first night, which was a great introduction to student life in the UK! I wondered what it would be like living in a shared space with strangers, but my accommodation turned out to be a positive experience! The rooms were comfortable, and I had friendly dorms mates. Moreover, a stray cat would occasionally pass by, brining a sense of warmth and companionship to our living environment. Although I spent a lot of time indoors, especially in the beginning, it was reassuring to know that I had people around me who made me feel at home. I was pleasantly surprised by how friendly and polite everyone was. This made the transition so much easier and made me feel welcome right away.
I got the opportunity to work as a student ambassador, which has been an exciting opportunity to meet new people and develop my confidence. Balancing work and studies can be challenging at times, but it’s a great way to earn some extra money and build up your CV.
This year, I’m hoping to open up more and take advantage of everything York St. John has to offer. I want to push myself to get involved in more activities and meet new people. There’s a great selection of societies, and I’m excited to try out new things and find communities that I can connect with.
Good luck to all the new students, and I hope your time at York St. John is as rewarding as mine has been so far!
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