5 things that characterise the UEA student experience

07 Dec 2016

“It was the best experience I have ever had, I made so many great friendships, experienced so much of the culture, and most importantly, I had a quality education…” – Amy, UEA international student from Canada

Set on 320 acres of beautiful rolling parkland, the University of East Anglia (UEA) provides top quality academic, social and cultural opportunities to a talented body of more than 15,000 students – 3,500 of whom are from overseas.

On top of being ranked 3^rd out of all UK institutions and among the top one percent of universities in the world, UEA has once again been named one of the UK’s top universities for student experience in the Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey for 2016.

So what exactly is it that characterises the UEA student experience?

1. World-class teaching and outstanding academics

The university prides itself on its provision of high-quality teaching that’s immersed in innovation and vivid creativity. Not only are all teachers respected and experienced leaders in their fields, they are also intensely focused on the intellectual, social and professional development of each individual student. Alongside teaching students in their respective discipline, these are the academics who produce ground-breaking research for the benefit of our global society. “I have and still am really enjoying my course here at UEA as my lecturers are very supportive, approachable, engaging and most importantly, passionate. Besides lectures, seminars, and workshops, the lecturers organise support sessions and office hours which are fantastic opportunities for students to seek help about material we learn in class”, says Nicole, an MA Economics student from Malaysia.

“I was able to interact one-to-one with my professor and classmates and we were more like a family than a class. I feel that I learnt more during my time in Norwich than the years I have spent in my undergrad studying business,” she concludes.

And UEA’s highly-qualified teachers are put to good use through the delivery of outstanding academic programmes. From the Arts to the humanities to science and beyond; UEA is able to hone student passions in every discipline via its unparalleled portfolio of under graduate and postgraduate degrees.

2. A warm, vibrant and diverse student community

UEA has committed to providing the perfect combination of exceptional and modern facilities, a cutting-edge contemporary campus, and an active student calendar to ensure all UEA applicants know they’ve signed up for the time of their lives.

“UEA has an amazing atmosphere,” says Emma, an international student originally from Australia. “I immediately felt welcomed, and everyone was willing to help – whether it be about visas or which are the best bars in Norwich!

“…I definitely had my moments of cold feet before I left,” Emma continues. “But the people are so lovely, the classes so invigorating and inspiring, and the all-round culture of UEA is so warm and positive and welcoming that you’ll forget why you ever doubted it in the first place!”

Investments in popular on-campus facilities, like the campus ‘street’ shop, the lively Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, and the Sportspark – Britain’s biggest indoor sports centre, mean UEA students are spoilt for choice when it comes to killing time. And with easy access to regular transport that takes them right to the heart of the city, the students don’t have to go far to experience what Norwich has to offer.

3. State-of-the-art student accommodation

Previously voted number one in the UK by the prestigious Whatuni Student Choice Awards, it’s clear that the UEA student halls are an all-round student-pleaser. An international students accommodation guarantee means all international students can make the most of convenient, purpose-built student housing, which sit a few minutes from teaching and research facilities. Proximity to the bustling city with high-street shops, galleries, music venues, libraries and cafes means there’s never a dull moment for a UEA campus resident.

“My favourite thing about living in Norwich is the atmosphere,” says Sawako from Japan. “It’s not too busy and not too quiet and people are willing to help others…It is easy to go to the city centre and enjoy shopping and food there.”

4. A quintessentially ‘British’ location

With its quirky boutiques, colourful nightlife and rich cultural community, Norwich is a city that really has it all. Consistently ranked among the UK’s Best Student Cities, Norwich presents the perfect blend of coastal landscapes, majestic countryside and a cosmopolitan vibe. Frequently cited as the ideal place for an unforgettable student night out, the city provides a variety of good-value restaurants, stylish cafe bars, theatres, nightclubs and festivals.

5. A global network of successful alumni

One of the highlights of the UEA experience is the fact that is doesn’t end on the day of graduation. In fact, the UEA education and experience is one that spans a lifetime, and once you’ve finished, you join an expansive, worldwide network of experienced and successful alumni. It doesn’t matter whether you decide to further your education, or whether you immediately begin to pave your way to a meaningful career – UEA will continue to offer support through every stage of your exciting, personal journey – something that’s invaluable, and that you’d be hard-pushed to find anywhere else in the world.

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