Student life

I had the idea to study in Japan during my second year of high school. Having been drawn to Japanese student life through movies and dramas, I especially liked the idea of school festivals and club activities – most Chinese schools don’t have similar events. So after the final examination in the second year of high school, I started to learn Japanese by myself and shared my idea of studying abroad with my parents.

This will probably sound like a cliché, but studying overseas can broaden your mind, your views on the world and make you feel as though you’ve grown as a person. This is especially so if you live in a country like Japan with its unique culture and society. I have experienced many “culture shock” moments, many of which gave me a sense of admiration for Japanese people.

In 2015 I applied for the master's course at the Osaka City University (OCU) Graduate School of Science.

I came to Tohoku University five years ago as an undergraduate student majoring in molecular chemistry. Coming from Thailand, I was nervous about adjusting to a new environment but I was also excited about the opportunities available. 

I am almost at the end of my first year of studying for an MA in Arts and Cultural Management at King’s College London. The final finish line is still in the distance, so I won't pretend to have all the answers. Still, certain habits and approaches have helped me to manage my academic workload alongside other responsibilities so far.

The increasing attention that is being paid to the mental health and well-being of students is welcome, much needed and overdue. 

I was recently commissioned by the University of Manchester more broadly.

The project presented much-needed insight into the student body at a time of great change in higher education and limited knowledge of various aspects of well-being in the sector. 

View the overall results of the 2017 Student Experience Survey

University is not solely about lectures and seminars. A big part of the university experience is determined by the social life a student leads through nights out and joining in extracurricular activities and societies. 

Harper Adams University takes the top spot in Times Higher Education's Student Experience Survey results for 2017, in only its second year of being eligible for the survey. 

The agricultural institution is the first specialist university to top the poll. Last year’s number one, Loughborough University, has slipped down to second place.

View the overall results of the 2017 Student Experience Survey

A well-rounded university experience would not be possible without good facilities. Whether these are sports facilities, the bar and shops on campus or the library facilities, students assess these when looking for prospective universities.

View the overall results of the 2017 Student Experience Survey

More and more students are coming forward and opening up about feelings of stress and anxiety. In fact, research has found that one in eight university students experiences a mental health condition – so it is important that universities provide the support that students need during their time there.