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International students enjoy warm welcome at UEL with tai chi, cinema and cruising

Tuesday 19 September 2006

A treasure hunt, a British film night and a cruise down the Thames were among the highlights of a special orientation week held for new international students at the University of East London (UEL) from 11-16 September.

The week began with a free airport pick-up at Heathrow and Gatwick on Monday 11 September.

Over two hundred international students took part in a wide-ranging programme of activities and events, including English, study skill and information sessions, a quiz night, a karaoke party and free yoga, tai chi and salsa classes.

The orientation week culminated on Saturday 16 September with a coach trip into Central London, including a stop at St Paul’s Cathedral and a shopping trip round Covent Garden.

Fiona Conlan, International Officer for Student Relations at UEL, said: “It’s been a great week and a good opportunity for our new international students to settle in comfortably and enjoy a wonderful start to their experiences at UEL.”

International students starting degrees at UEL this September include:

Emma Brewer (19), of Vermont in the USA, is about to begin her Combined Honours degree in Media and Cultural Studies at UEL. Emma, now living in halls at the UEL Docklands campus, said: “Everything’s gone well so far; people have been really nice and the UEL Docklands campus is definitely impressive. I’ve been to London a couple of times before and really wanted to live here. After hearing that UEL was a top modern university, studying seemed like a great way to make that dream come true.”

Herman Ishak (23), of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has settled in to halls at UEL Docklands campus and starting his BA (Hons) degree in Film Studies. Herman said: “I came to UEL because the campus is fantastic – everything’s in one place and I don’t have to travel. This week’s been great; I’ve seen lots of the top tourist sights and checked out the theatres and shops in Central London. I’ve even been surprised by how cheap things are!”

Eva Mandaraki (19), of Athens, Greece, is now living at UEL’s Halls of Residence at Longbridge Road and looking forward to beginning her BA (Hons) degree in Media Studies. Eva said: “I heard UEL is a very good university and living in London will also allow me to build contacts and make friends with people from all over the world.”

Sumanchander Patel (20), of Gujurat, India, is about to begin his BSc (Hons) degree in Pharmacology at UEL. Sumanchander, currently living in Ilford, said: “I’m feeling good because everybody’s been very helpful and even the transport in London is good. I’m really looking forward to seeing more of the city and starting my degree.”

UEL is now a global learning community, with 20,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide.

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For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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