This personal account follows a Romanian student’s full journey to the University of Bath. From choosing the right university and surviving the admissions process, to navigating British student life and graduation, the article includes useful tips and honest reflections on what it’s really like to study in the UK.
The end of high school was quickly approaching and I had no idea what to do next. I was listening to my colleagues talk about their grammar practice for law school or their anatomy lessons knowing very well I wasn’t going to pursue either.
Deciding not to follow the footsteps of Salinger’s infamous character I began searching for the best business schools in the UK. I also knew someone who was studying at the University of Bath which helped me with all the required information to put it as my firm choice.
A few months later I received a conditional offer asking for 9.0 in the BAC exam with History and Economics at 9.5. After many sleepless nights and countless private lessons I finally did it! I was going to study Business Administration at the University of Bath.
Having packed my bags I headed for the stunning little town of Bath. At first I felt like someone had just dropped me on a foreign planet but after a week of socializing I was friends with virtually everyone.
My roommate and I had many disagreements on whether to play Avicii or Godspeed You! Black Emperor on the one speaker we shared. Now we go to their concerts – and everywhere else – together.
Between 9 AM lectures and many seminars a day, first year passed in the blink of an eye. My one regret – shared throughout later years – was not getting involved in any societies. This is why I don’t know how to dance salsa or distinguish between French and Italian wines. But hopefully you will!
Soon enough exam season knocked on my door and I was very hesitant to answer. Despite the brutal preparation I almost got my first failing grade which taught me how hard UK exams can be and how difficult it is to score above 65%.
Having passed all my exams I paid £250 pounds to fly back home and drink cocktails on Calea Victoriei while planning the next 3 years. My plan was a mix of improving academic performance, securing some internships and finding the coolest accommodations for me and my friends.
In June 2021 my mission was complete. I had switched houses 6 times (only first year students get to stay on campus), went on 2 internships in London and got a 1st class degree, including a 1st in my final year project. What happened during the project shall not be talked about but let’s just say you will become very familiar with how the library looks like at night.
With all goals achieved the only thing left was to meet everyone one last time for graduation. I couldn’t believe how in 2017 I had said goodbye to my mom and my best friend at Henri Coanda airport and 4 years later I’m introducing them to all my new friends I made along the way. It was truly an amazing experience and I will forever be grateful for it.
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