Lin Yujie is a 2016 student majoring in International Finance of the Foundation (3+1+1) program of International College (IC), Xiamen University (XMU). She went to De Montfort University in the UK in 2019 and finished her undergraduate studies there. During 2019-2020, she is one of the De Montfort University’s student ambassador. She received the Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors and also received offers from the University of Glasgow, University of Sheffield, University of Liverpool, University of Southampton, University of Leeds, etc. Currently, she has graduated from University of Glasgow with a Master of Science degree in International Banking and Finance.

Why choose IC, XMU?

Choosing International College, XMU was a decision made by my parents and I after careful consideration. Firstly, as a Fujian native girl who hopes to go to university not far from home, Xiamen is a good choice. Secondly, I have learned about many colleges. International College of Xiamen University is one of the few colleges that can have classes on the campus of Xiamen University. The excellent teachers, the beautiful environment on the campus and the good hardware and software facilities have attracted me deeply and made me full of confidence in studying abroad.

In the three years at Xiamen University, I not only laid a solid foundation for the language and learned professional knowledge, but also participated in many club activities, such as Xiamen University Billiards Association, Mountaineering Association, etc., and met many outstanding schoolmates. It was a very unforgettable good time.

How to Quickly Adapt to the Life and Study Abroad

The successful completion of the follow-up undergraduate studies at De Montfort University stems from the good language and professional foundation laid in International College of Xiamen University. The teachers of International College are very responsible and well prepared. I listened lectures carefully, did not miss the classes or late for classes, handed in the homework on time and passed the exam.

During the study at De Montfort University, I actively participated in a language course, studied the paper structure and the paper format of British universities, and cultivated dialectical thinking. In study, any questions are answered through interaction with the teacher in class, or visited teachers and discussed with them during the teachers’ shift time.

After graduation, I decided to continue my study in the UK, considering that the time required for postgraduate study in the UK is much shorter than that in China. At the same time, I also hope to apply to a university with a high QS ranking through my excellent graduation results, which will pave the way for finding a good job in the future.

Wonderful Life in University of Glasgow

I am grateful for the life experience of the International College 3 + 1 project in Leicester, which help me quickly adapt to the life in Glasgow. Before going to Glasgow, I added the local second-hand group and learning group in advance, and also consulted the local student association, which helped me quickly integrate into a new environment.

★Glasgow Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA Glasgow)

In June 2020, I joined Glasgow Chinese Students and Scholars Association, participated into many online and offline activities, and gained a lot. 

Airport pick-up activities organized by CSSA (Glasgow) in Sep, 2020

Health package distribution activities in Nov, 2020 and Feb, 2021, which conveyed the love of the motherland to every student 

CSSA Glasgow not only helps students quickly integrate into the local life and study, but also exercises their abilities.

Having dinner together with the students from the Publicity Department of CSSA and making masks with Chinese characteristics for the New Year  

★Freshmen Week Activities in University of Glasgow

Many societies set up stalls during freshmen week, such as animation clubs, online movie clubs, psychology clubs, and marketing clubs, etc.

 I joined an English Club, which often held activities such as online English learning stories and job hunting courses, offline English corners and so on.  

 The study intensity at the master's level will be much greater than that of the undergraduate level. It is generally composed of 4 compulsory courses and 2 elective courses. There are a lot of extended materials that need to be read. Each course will be divided into 2-4 tests. The test content includes the knowledge points mentioned in class and the expanded materials that need to be read by yourself, each test must be taken seriously. Although a master's degree in the UK has certain advantages over domestic in time lengths, there is not less knowledge to be learned, and reasonable time arrangements are required. 

Suggestions for the fellow students

Many students are worried about the studying abroad under the epidemic situation. It’s understandable, but with the popularization of vaccines in the UK, the epidemic is getting better.

One of the vaccination site in Glasgow

There is a little difference between the vaccination in Scotland and England. The basic vaccination is Pfizer vaccine. After vaccination, the vaccination certificate will not be issued on the spot. You need to apply for the vaccination certificate on the official website.

Before vaccination, the nurse will patiently ask you about personal health, explain the side effects of the vaccine and distribute the booklet in the above picture. After vaccination, you need to stay for observation for 15 minutes. If you feel uncomfortable, you must tell the staff.

It’s suggested that the fellow students can pay more attention to the epidemic situation abroad and communicate with the seniors who are studying in the UK to understand the real-time situation and make full preparations before going abroad.