My fun and fruitful journey at University of Huddersfield
Giang Ha
Vietnamese student studying BA(Hon) in Marketing
Giang Ha is a fourth year BA in Marketing student at the University of Huddersfield. She is the president of the University’s Vietnamese Student Society and is enjoying every moment in Huddersfield.
It has been four years since I first arrived in the UK from Vietnam, and I have acquired many valuable experiences and unforgettable memories in University of Huddersfield. As a final year international student, let me take you through my journey from my first year to where I am now - I am so proud that I have learnt and grown so much here.
First year - exploration of the University
First year – I studied in bachelor’s in marketing at the Huddersfield Business School. In my memory, the University was really huge and picturesque! I love the university so much that I attended all the inductions and every campus tour that the university offered. I tried to attend as many as social events and activities throughout different buildings on campus. I was offered a position as a Student Ambassador for the Business School straightaway in my first year which made me feel over the moon! Also, I joined the Vietnamese Student Society, became the class representative to attend the International Study Centre Students Meeting in London. It was such a great experience for a new student like me to make new friends and have a chance to visit London. I built relationships with many students and staff at Business School, International Study Centre and International Office.
To wrap up my first year, I tried lots of new things, met a lot of people, and luckily – also passed my first year Business course and moved straight into second year.
Giang tried to attend as many as social events and activities in Year 1.Second year - adaptation to life in Huddersfield
Second year – The COVID pandemic broke out and I had to study online the whole year. At first I was worried, but it was not as bad as you might have thought. I learned to adapt to the situation and also got a part-time job at a Chinese convenience store in town, which motivated me to work on the HSK, a Chinese Language Exam, now. I am very happy about the chances that I was offered. Despite the difficulties, I passed my second year with a good average and secured a placement in the School of Computing and Engineering for next year.
Giang worked with her tutors at the Business School booth in the Open Day.Third year – exciting placement year!
Third year – It was one of the most amazing times in my university student life. I started my role as a Research Administrative Assistant at the School of Computing and Engineering (SCE). I organised different events across the SCE, and acquired administration skills, as well as other important transferable skills for my careers such as communication skills, computer skills, problems solving skills, etc. I also got to know many academics (Doctors, Professors) in the Computer Science and Engineering majors, worked with and made friends with PGRs, and many staff in the department, as well as staff from the CLS (Computer Library Service, Estates and Facilities). I also got voted to become Student Delegate and represent students in Student Union (SU) to attend the Student Annual Conference in Liverpool which I attended with other SU officers. Finally, I got voted to be the President of Vietnamese Student Society and organised many events for international and Vietnamese students throughout the year. It has been a real roller coaster year and I love my third year really much.
Giang at the International Tea Party with this friends from Vietnamese Student Society, introducing Vietnamese tea culture to fellow students.Fourth year - preparing to enter work world
Fourth year – I am now enjoying my final year to the best of my heart. I am making great efforts for all my assignments this year as they are challenging and exciting at the same time. I am also preparing to look for jobs - I believe the most important thing is to tailor the CVs most suitable for each job description. I find career seminar and workshops organised by Student Support services really helpful and practical for my job seeking process.
Giang is now enjoying her final year in University of Huddersfield.For those who are coming all the way from your home country to UK to study, my advice to you is: enjoy university life, work hard and be nice and kind to everyone, and especially yourself. I will say the University offers great support in Employability and Well-being, Academic Studying, and as long as you reach for support, there is always someone available to help you. Finally, I hope my blog can motivate and inspire you to achieve what you love and desire!