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UoNSU Insight Team

International Officer Support DocumentWritten and Compiled by Sophie Fox, December 2017

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ContentsIntroduction...........................................................................................................................................3

Demographics........................................................................................................................................4

Where are you from..........................................................................................................................4

Study Stage........................................................................................................................................4

Age.....................................................................................................................................................5

Teaching Campus...............................................................................................................................5

Accommodation Type........................................................................................................................6

Ethnicity.............................................................................................................................................6

Knowledge of the Students’ Union........................................................................................................6

Knowledge of the Students’ Union and its remit...............................................................................6

The SU and its actions........................................................................................................................7

Coordination of Services....................................................................................................................7

Areas of the SU that are most valued................................................................................................8

Engagement with the Students’ Union..................................................................................................8

Engagement with the SU Physically...................................................................................................8

Engagement with student groups....................................................................................................10

Course Reps.....................................................................................................................................10

Social Media....................................................................................................................................11

SU Officers.......................................................................................................................................12

Knowledge of the SU Officers......................................................................................................12

Following the SU Officers.............................................................................................................15

Satisfaction......................................................................................................................................15

Sense of Belonging..........................................................................................................................16

Academic Representation................................................................................................................16

Transparency...................................................................................................................................17

Impact..............................................................................................................................................17

SU impact on University Of Nottingham experience...................................................................18

SU impact on wellbeing...............................................................................................................18

Feelings about the Students’ Union.................................................................................................18

Recommending the Students’ Union...............................................................................................19

Current perception of the Students’ Union.........................................................................................20

Concerns, difficulties and what student’s want to change..................................................................21

Main Concerns at University Of Nottingham...................................................................................21

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Difficulties felt by international students.........................................................................................21

Top things students want to change about University....................................................................24

Emotional Difficulty.........................................................................................................................24

Other Previous Research.....................................................................................................................25

International Students Network..........................................................................................................31

Issues affecting international students................................................................................................33

Accommodation..............................................................................................................................33

Academic Issues...............................................................................................................................33

International Welcome....................................................................................................................33

Integration.......................................................................................................................................34

SU Services and Events....................................................................................................................34

University Services...........................................................................................................................35

IntroductionThe information provided below is from a variety of different sources such as student surveys, membership databases, workshops, focus groups and the online thought forum.

It’s important to recognise that while the data is hugely rich, it should be used with caution. The data provided is detailed and in general, reflective of the wider student population, however it can never be assumed to be what every single student needs and wants. The information provided is designed to give you a feel for the student mood, issues and priorities.

The information in this document, unless stated, considers students from the EU and non-EU countries and territories.

When reading through the information, please bear in mind and acknowledge the dates of the analysis as these vary throughout the report. Some areas of discussion are more current than others, however in many cases the mentioned student issues are still very relevant. The general themes below could be used to support you in developing your manifestos or campaign plans, but we would encourage you to talk to your student peers too for their up to date thoughts.

If you are unsure what any of the graphs or information is telling you, the insight team are happy to explain this to you (contact [email protected]). What we are unable to do is advise you on what you should then do with the information – that is up to you are part of your campaign strategy!

If you are successful in your campaigning and are elected as an officer, then the insight team would be more than happy to sit down with you and discuss further information we have available to support your role.

Many thanks for taking the time to look through and good luck in your adventure!

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mailto:[email protected]

UoNSU Insight Team

DemographicsThe information in this section shows graphs from both the overall population and the international student population so that comparisons can be made. All information in the demographic section is true as of December 2017.

Where are you from

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Study Stage

Age

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Teaching Campus

Accommodation Type

Ethnicity

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Knowledge of the Students’ UnionKnowledge of the Students’ Union and its remitThese questions were asked to gain understanding of what students knew about the SU, given below is the statements, followed by the correct answers and the percentage of students who answered this correctly. The information in this section is true as of December 2017.

International students:

The percentage of international students that participated in this survey that got the following statements correct:

SU is a university department is FALSE – 47.02% SU is a charity and the income raised is reinvested is TRUE – 53.46% You have to register and pay to be a member of SU is FALSE – 78.37% SU welcomes all students is TRUE – 93.06% To access SU and services you need to go to Portland Building, University Park is

FALSE – 48.28% Your SU funds and supports student activities e.g. volunteering, societies and sports

is TRUE – 78.68%

All Students:

The percentage of all students that participated in this survey that got the following statements correct:

SU is a university department is FALSE – 55.59% SU is a charity and the income raised is reinvested is TRUE – 69.37% You have to register and pay to be a member of SU is FALSE – 83.87% SU welcomes all students is TRUE – 95.19% To access SU and services you need to go to Portland Building, University Park is

FALSE – 50.63% Your SU funds and supports student activities e.g. volunteering, societies and sports

is TRUE – 83.90%

Comparison: On average all students got more answers correct about the SU than the international students did and every single question had a higher proportion of correct answers for all students than international students.

The SU and its actionsThese statements were asked to find out the current feeling about the SU and is position in the student community. For both the below tables, the agreement scale is 5 = strongly agree and 1 = strongly disagree. This data is true as of December 2017.


All Students International Students

The Students’ Union ‘helps make student life at the University 3.9/5 4.0/5

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Of Nottingham the best that it can be’The Students’ Union is ‘a pace for everyone. We support and inspire each other to create a welcoming community, which every student feels part of’

3.9/5 4.0/5

The Students’ Union is ‘welcoming, supportive, straight-talking and vibrant’

3.8/5 4.0/5

The Students’ Union helps to ‘drive opportunities, learning and development’

3.5/5 3.6/5

The Students’ Union helps to ‘voice and effect changes we want to see’

3.5/5 3.6/5

Comparison: The international students that took part in this survey had similar views as all students regarding whether they agree with how the SU is acting.

Coordination of ServicesStudents were asked to answer who coordinated the services listed below, with the Students’ Union being one option and others being the University Of Nottingham and both the SU and the University Of Nottingham. The percentages show the amount of students who correctly identified that the Students’ Union solely coordinates these services. This data is true as of December 2017.


The percentage of international students that participated in this survey that got the following statements correct:

- Volunteering – 28.2%- Societies – 57.6%- Course reps – 20.8%- Student Advice Centre – 24.5%

All students:

The percentage of all students that participated in this survey that got the following statements correct:

- Volunteering – 29.3%- Societies – 64.0%- Course reps – 19.45%- Student Advice Centre – 22.3%

Areas of the SU that are most valuedThis aimed to address what the students prioritise and value when it comes to the SU, on a scale of 1 to 8 where 1 is most values and 8 is least valued. This information is true as of January 2017.


The impact the SU has on your overall University experience

Your sense of belonging with Nottingham overall

The impact the SU has had on your wellbeing

The degree to which you’re satisfied with your course

The degree to which the SU represents your academic interests

The degree to which the SU represents your non-academic interests

Your sense of belonging with the SU

The degree to which you’re satisfied with your SU overall

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5.8 5.2 5.1 4.8 4.7 3.9 3.6 3.2

All students:

The impact the SU has on your overall University experience

Your sense of belonging with Nottingham overall

The impact the SU has had on your wellbeing

The degree to which you’re satisfied with your course

The degree to which the SU represents your academic interests

The degree to which the SU represents your non-academic interests

Your sense of belonging with the SU

The degree to which you’re satisfied with your SU overall

5.8 5.2 5.1 4.8 4.7 4.1 3.4 3.2

Comparison:

Overall, the international students have a similar view to all other students with regards to valuing areas of the SU. There are only slight differences in some responses, such as all students feel that the SU represents their academic interests slightly less than international students do and international students feel that they have a slightly less values sense of belonging within the SU than all students do. But generally, the results are very similar. The least valued aspect for all students including international students was the impact the SU has overall on their university experience with a score of 5.8 out of 8. The most valued aspect is the degree in which they are satisfied with the SU, which received a score of 3.2 out of 8.

Engagement with the Students’ UnionEngagement with the SU PhysicallyThis information is true as of January 2017.


Once a week (1)

Once/twice a week (2)

Once a term (3)

Once a year (4)

Never (5) Average

Physically visit SU

X 3.2

Browse SU media online

X 2.9

Volunteer/work for SU

X 4.3

Attend club or society

X 3.1

All students:

Once a week (1)

Once/twice a week (2)

Once a term (3)

Once a year (4)

Never (5) Average

Physically visit SU

X 2.7

Browse SU media online

X 2.9

Volunteer/work for SU

X 4.3

Attend club or X 2.7

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society

Comparison:

The main differences between international students and all students with regards to engagement with the Students’ Union is that international students are less likely to physically visit the SU and are less likely to attend a club or society. International students are only likely to physically visit the SU less than once a term, whereas all students tend to visit the SU more than once a term. With regards to physically visiting an SU space, the most popular answer for international students was to never visit Student’s Union space, with 29.7% of respondents never physically visiting the SU. International students seem slightly less engaged with attending clubs or society, on average only attending more than once a term but all students attend clubs or societies slightly more than once a term. The most popular answer for international students with regards to attending a club or society was to never attend sessions for clubs and societies, which 33.6% of respondents selected this option.

Engagement with student groupsThis information is true as of January 2017.


All students:

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Comparison:

On average, international students tend to have recently joined/ got involved with societies which received 37.8% of their vote whereas all students tend to have been a member of a society for longer than 6 months, which received 29.7% of their vote. International students most popularly are not involved with sports clubs but have considered it, this option received 26.5% of the vote, whereas all students most popularly have no intention of getting involved with sports clubs, which received 25.6% of the vote. International students had the opinion in line with all of the students that they have not been involved with volunteering but have considered it. International students voted for this option 38.8% and all students voted for this option 41.0%.

Course RepsThe below graph is true as of January 2016.

(UK students tell us that 17.97% of them are course / school reps or committee members)

Social MediaThe tables below show which social media students are following, and further to this which they follow the most. This information is true as of January 2017.


Form of media % of students that follow it % of students that follow this option the most

SU Twitter 22.1% 11.1%SU Facebook 57.3% 38.2%SU Instagram 21.8% 10.3%SU YouTube 7.3% 4.6%SU Tumblr 1.1% 2.3%

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SU Snapchat 6.9% 3.8%SU WeChat 4.2% 4.2%SU Hall Facebook 21.4% 10.3%None 25.2% 17.9%

All students:

Form of media % of students that follow it % of students that follow this option the most

SU Twitter 30.6% 13.9%SU Facebook 56.8% 34.0%SU Instagram 24.0% 8.6%SU YouTube 6.1% 3.8%SU Tumblr 1.7% 1.7%SU Snapchat 10.7% 5.1%SU WeChat 2.1% 2.1%SU Hall Facebook 37.1% 18.3%None 21.5% 18.2%

Comparison:

Both international students and all students’ favourite form of social media is the SU Facebook page with 57.3% of international students following this account and 38.2% of international students following this page; both groups follow this account the most out of any social media account. 56.8% of all students follow the SU Facebook account and 34% of students use the SU Facebook the most.

Twitter – International students follow this form of social media less than all students

Facebook – International students use this form of social media slightly more than all students

Instagram – International students use this form of social media less than all students

YouTube – International students use this form of social media more than all students

Tumblr – International student and all student use this form of social media about the same

Snapchat – International students use this form of social media less than all students

WeChat – International students use this form of social media more than all students

Hall Facebook – International students use this form of social media a lot less than all students

None – More International students use no forms of social media than all students

SU OfficersThe information in this section is true as of December 2017.

Knowledge of the SU OfficersThe below information has been split between EU Students and Non-EU international students.

EU StudentsDo you know what the Officers are here for?

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It can be said that EU students have less of an idea of what the SU officers are here for than the overall population. Compared to the whole student population, 36.7% agreed that they know what the officers are there for compared to 22.2% for EU students.

Do you know how to contact the Officers should you need to?

Less EU students know how to contact the SU officers than the whole population. For the whole population, 34.6% of people knew how to contact the officers compared to 32.1% for EU students. However, there is a large proportion of students which are not sure or don’t know how

to contact the officers.

Just under 30% of EU students felt they were comfortable contacting/ approaching the SU officers. It has been found that for the whole student population, only 38.4% of people felt they were comfortable contacting/ approaching the SU officers. There is a large proportion of students that are not sure if they feel comfortable contacting the SU officers.

Would you like there to be more interaction between the students and the Officers?

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22.2%

44.4%

33.3%

YES MAYBE/ NOT SURENO

32.1%

39.3%

28.6%


28.6%

50.0%

21.4%


UoNSU Insight Team

Half of students felt that they would like more interaction with the SU officers.

From the free text comments, there was a real push for events to be arranged to meet to SU officers and suggestions for introductions in lectures.

“Get them to introduce themselves in some lectures”

International StudentsDo you know what the Officers are here for?

It can be said that international students have more of an idea of what the SU officers are here for than the overall population. Compared to the whole student population, 36.7% agreed that they know what the officers are there for compared to 41.5% for international students. However, still over half of the students didn’t know fully or not at all what the SU officers do.

Do you know how to contact the Officers should you need to?

More international students know how to contact the SU officers than the whole population. For the whole population, 34.6% of people knew how to contact the officers compared to 38.7% for international students. However there is a large proportion of students which are not sure or don’t know how to contact the officers.

Would you feel comfortable contacting/approaching the officers to chat about a problem or idea you have?

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38.7%

25.5%

35.9%


41.5%

35.9%

22.6%


50.0%

35.7%

14.3%


UoNSU Insight Team

Just under half of international students, 47.2% felt they were comfortable contacting/ approaching the SU officers. It has been found that for the whole student population, only 38.4% of people felt they were comfortable contacting/ approaching the SU officers.

Would you like there to be more interaction between the students and the Officers?

Two thirds of students felt that they would like more interaction with the SU officers. From the free text comments, there was a real push for events to be arranged where small groups of students (in hall groups) could meet the SU officers in an informal setting, for example a BBQ or dinner.

“Perhaps hold more intimate events specifically for a certain group of people, because huge events tend to be overwhelming. Perhaps have small parties / meet ups like for a specific hall of residence. Like a dinner for Raleigh Park only.”

Following the SU OfficersThis data is true as of December 2017 – and this shows only international students’ responses.

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65.7%

30.5%

3.8%


47.2%

41.5%

11.3%


UoNSU Insight Team

SatisfactionThis information is true as of December 2017. This question scale is where 1 = not at all, and 10 = very much so.

International students report slightly higher satisfaction compared to the average from the overall population.

Sense of BelongingThis information is true as of December 2017. This question scale is where 1 = not at all, and 10 = very much so.

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International students report feeling slightly more at home than the average from the overall population.

Academic RepresentationThis information is true as of December 2017. This question scale is where 1 = not at all, and 10 = very much so.

International students feel similar to the overall population as to what extent the SU represents their academic interests, however this is slightly less.

TransparencyThis information is true as of December 2017. This question scale is where 1 = not at all, and 10 = very much so.

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International students feel that the SU is more transparent in its decision making and the actions it takes compared to the overall population.

ImpactThe information in this section is true as of December 2017.

SU impact on University Of Nottingham experience

In terms of a positive impact, compared to the overall population international students feel that the SU has had a more positive impact on their University Of Nottingham experience so far.

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SU impact on wellbeing

In terms of a positive impact, compared to the overall population international students feel that the SU has had a more positive impact on their wellbeing so far.

Feelings about the Students’ UnionThis information is true as of December 2017.

From reading the free text comments there was a mixed view on the SU. There are comments on the cost of the food and coffee in the SU outlets. Then there were comments which say that the events were badly organised and some that say that they were organised well. There were comments about the long queues for registration but positive views on the welcome week programme for international students. There were a lot of comments about how the staff were friendly and helpful.

Recommending the Students’ UnionThis information is true as of December 2017.

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Students were asked to say how likely, where 10 = extremely likely, they are to recommend the Students’ Union. As a net promoter score, the scale ranges from +100 to -100, where 0 is considered a ‘good’ score.

When asked how likely they were to recommend the SU to a friend or colleague, the net promoter score from the international students is -10, compared to -24 from the rest of the student population. This shows that international students are therefore more likely to recommend it to a friend/colleague.

Current perception of the Students’ UnionThis information asked students to select what they identify or associate most the Students’ Union. This information is true as of January 2017.


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All students:

Comparison:

Both international students and all students think societies and sports is the best word/phrase that fits the SU with 59-60% of respondents selecting this option in both groups. Most words have a similar percentage for international students and all students. The biggest difference is probably Mooch bar, where this was selected by 31.5% of all student respondents but only 20.6% of international student respondents.

Concerns, difficulties and what student’s want to changeMain Concerns at University Of NottinghamThe following information is true as of January 2016.

Finance Wellbeing Academia Accommodation Peer pressure and relationships

Employability Activities

Financial pressure

Physical illness

Deadlines Noise Loneliness Anxiety about future options

Time management to fit it in

Dealing with own budgets

Homesickness Heavy workloads

Landlords misleading

Homesick Cost of membership

Accommodation costs

Depression & anxiety

Lack of course info

Housemates Pressure to drink

Having to work for income

Work/life balance

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Difficulties felt by international studentsThis information is similar to the above, but is true as of January 2017.


Finance – Yes 25.3% | No 74.7%

- Haven’t found a job - Part time work is not enough- Struggling to work and keep up studies- Family emergencies - Fees are expensive and no bursary/loan - Cost of living is expensive - Struggling to find financial support for international students - Currency exchange rate/ poor economy in home country- Delay in payments - Difficult to set up a bank account in the UK- Difficulties budgeting

Wellbeing and welfare (including mental health, physical health and feeling safe) –

Yes 29.3% | No 70.7%

- Depression linked to stress from course - Anxiety - Mugged - Stress - Feel unsafe in the dark where there is no security e.g. walking from Uni Park to

Broadgate across the field or near Jubilee- Not enough sleep - Homesickness- Personal life changes- Feel that robbery is targeted to international students - Long waiting times at GP/ GP not very useful- Eating disorder - Exhaustion - Changes to Student Services impacted on trusting relationships I had with staff- Racism - Struggling to find time for exercise - University counselling services were a great help

Academic pressures/procedures – Yes 37.6% | No 62.4%

- Fell behind due to health issues- Difficulties communicating with staff for feedback /staff slow to reply and unclear- Workload is high - Too much content for each exam

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- Pressure to do well - Difficulty meeting deadlines - English not being first language is challenging when studying - PhDs are very stressful - Student service centre is extremely unorganised

Accommodation and travel – Yes 14.0% | No 86.0%

- Difficult to travel so far for placement- Hopper busses are too infrequent/ too busy - Accommodation in halls is dark- Poor quality private accommodation- Struggling to find accommodation over summer - Trouble getting deposit back- Expensive accommodation- Campus could use more lighting- Difficult to find accommodation for family- Noise problems with accommodation - Was not informed about all options/ travel to the uni- Issues with landlord

Social life – Yes 15.3% | No 84.7%

- Struggle to have a social life with a family- Isolated on different campus- Hard to find friends - Too busy with workload- Difficult to talk to local students/hard to integrate with British students - Hard to make friends as a Postgraduate

Employability – Yes 21.5% | No 78.5%

- No time to find employment - Hard to find work as an international student - Hard to find a placement as part of degree- Difficult looking for a graduate job/ concerns about future - Little information is given by the university about graduate jobs and internships

Activities, sports or societies – Yes 12.0% | No 88.0%

- No time - Too expensive, especially for sports - Few societies for other campuses - Room booking issues means members are put off- Lack of activities for Postgraduates

Anything else? Yes 4.2% | No 95.9%

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- Racial discrimination by British students not interacting with international students

- Difficult to study when don’t have access to a personal computer- Not aware of counselling services- Should have an SU office on Jubilee - Food is too expensive on campus- Don’t like holiday hours in the library- Need to improve the Student Service Centres - Would be useful to have some parking for people that live a distance from campus

All Students:

- Finance – Yes 29.6% | No 70.4%- Wellbeing and welfare – Yes 29.1% | No 70.9%- Academic pressure/ procedure – Yes 39.1% | No 60.9%- Accommodation/travel – Yes 15.0% | No 85.0%- Social life – Yes 13.6% | No 86.4%- Employability – Yes 13.1% | No 86.9%- Activities, sports or societies – Yes 12.4% | No 87.7%- Anything else – Yes 2.7% | No 97.4%

Comparison:

- Finance – On average international students have slightly fewer challenges with regards to finances than compared to all students with 25.3% of international student respondents having difficulties compared to 29.6% of all student respondents

- Wellbeing and welfare – Both international students and all students have a similar proportion of people experiencing wellbeing difficulties with 29.26% of international students experiencing welfare challenges and 29.1% of all students experiencing welfare difficulties.

- Academic pressure/ procedure – On average international students have slightly fewer challenges regarding academic pressure with 37.6% of international students experiencing difficulties compared to 39.1% of all students experiencing academic difficulties.

- Accommodation/travel – Both international students and all students have a similar proportion of people experiencing challenges with accommodation and travel with 14% of international students experiencing difficulties and 15% of all students experiencing accommodation and travel difficulties.

- Social life – A higher proportion of international students experience difficulties with a social life, with 15.2% of international students stating they have experiences social life challenges, whereas 13.6% of all students stated they have social life challenges.

- Employability – On average international students have more challenges with regards to employability than all students have. 21.5% of international students experience challenges regarding employability compared to 13.1% of all students experience problems in this area.

- Activities, sports or societies – Both international students and all students have a similar proportion of people experiencing difficulties with regards to activities, ports or societies

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with 12.0% of international students experiencing difficulties and 12.4% of all students experiencing challenges with activities, sports or societies.

Top things students want to change about UniversityThe following information is true as of January 2016. Students were asked what they would change about university if they could change 3 things.

Want SU to offer events and support to suit these students (tailoring)Quality of teaching - and wanting more time with lecturersSense of belongingHall foodAccommodation qualitymental healthTravelCommunication opportunities (spread the word about events more)Study spaceFinancial supportFinding accommodation

Emotional DifficultyThis information is true as of July 2016 and has been included to demonstrate any issues that have come up around mental health and wellbeing. Students were asked “in the last 12 months have you experienced any emotional difficulty?”

For the student population as a whole 45.78% said they experienced emotional difficulty, in comparison: 39.10% of international students said they experienced emotional difficulty.

Reasons for international student emotional difficulty based on qualitative analysis of survey:

Welcome week lack of inclusivity, some international students may feel loneliness or a fear of missing out if they are having trouble accessing or going along to welcome week activities.

More needs to be done for mature students. The comments show they feel stressed for time, perhaps more weekend activities could help.

Facilities:

International help – Students feel that there should be space in the international office for counselling.

Harder for second language international students to feel like they are fully supported by counselling.

Funding:

“I think SU could offer competitive scholarships as what I've found is that many PGRs are struggling financially, scholarships are not easily available and being self-funded is extremely hard”

The data that showed international students rank society alumni projects as below other causes – may be difficult for them to get involved with societies. Postgraduate hours / second language speaking / intimidating environment.

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Other Previous ResearchFindings from Welcome 2016 (collected in Oct 2016). We asked international students to give their feedback about the week, and what they thought of the Welcome Mentors recruited to support them during the week.

International students also gave feedback on what events they particularly enjoyed or found useful during the week:

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As shown above, there students have express some confusion regarding their ‘International Welcome’ that took place prior to the main Welcome Week. In the hope that in future years we will be able to expand the Welcome programme, we collected the following information on the UoNSU’s Thought Forum (an online discussion group that encourages up to 150 students to chat about a range of student topics)

How can we encourage more integration between local and international students from a range of countries?

People are suggesting events such as festivals to celebrate each different culture, that could include traditional music, dancing and costumes (I know Sheffield SU does this and they are VERY popular); also, other events such as competitions, parties and other ‘team building’ events to encourage socializing and integration amongst different cultures. One person also points out that international students are very friendly amongst themselves, while local students don’t put in as much effort since they don’t go through the exact same thing. One person suggests a food festival (because who doesn’t like food, right?) and immediately after that there is a reply encouraging the food festival idea.

Not from the UK?

We had two replies from students originally from Malaysia and China, respectively. Both say the enjoy life here a lot, they like the weather and the scenery, different as it may be to their home countries, and the multi-cultural environment at the University and just the different style of life that the UK has. We have a new reply from a Malaysian student who previously studied in the Malaysia campus and it was part of their degree to move abroad at some point. They chose is in order to broaden their perspective and ‘see the world’. They are having a positive experience overall and claim having to adapt to a different culture has made them more mature and become ‘a better version’ of themselves. There is a polish person who chose the UK because it offers more job opportunities than their home country and because studying in English is also beneficial for future employment in other countries. Like everyone else that replied, they are enjoying it very much.

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The following information was true as of January 2016 and has been included to give insights into feelings about university specifically from the international student perspective.

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Comments regarding enhancing communication opportunities:

Encourage exchange programmes Encourage more society involvement by international students (students explain that

this has really helped them to communicate more) Organise ‘friend making activities’

‘It’s too easy for students to stay in a big group – in their comfort circle’ ‘many local student just give up trying to know other people and even do not ask you to join

them’ ‘I think the problem is that sometimes certain UK students don't like to interact with non UK

students, maybe doing conversation clubs would help’ ‘inter-course sports!!! as we have different nationalities in every course. so we can mix up

on that day’ ‘Students who don’t speak English as first language tend to stick together, especially

if they arrive a week early’ ‘I feel really awkward in events put on to help us talk to the locals – it’s easier to let it

happen naturally through group work’ ‘Need locals who are willing to break the ice’ ‘Offer an optional international / local student buddy programme – will allow

interested parties to meet’ ‘Set up an exchange study society with English students as well’ Culture corner ‘Stop separating international and local students from day one’ Offer ‘Family Link’ for students who are under 25 too – they need to set up a local

family too Avoid labelling events as ‘international’ and ‘UK’ ‘I try to talk to local students after lectures, but they all disperse very quickly’ Teambuilding events Bar events or trips – not nightclub events

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Tips regarding what is the ‘norm’ for UK culture, and employability support also requested.

Events that international students would like to celebrate with the SU

Chinese new years UK New years Spring festival Mexican Parties Christmas Aidlifitri & Aidiladha

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Thanksgiving Lunar new year Burns night Easter Eid Diwali St Patrick’s day Holly week Carnival International women’s day As many English cultural events as possible L’escalde Ramadam Canada day Afro-Caribbean events

International Students Network

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What kind of events? These were the most popular words mentioned in the answers of international students:

Be assigned to a buddy Help students settle into a new study style / pattern in the UK Provide advice on how to sort a phone number or where to shop for groceries Career consultations More guide document – before arriving and while arriving Accent understanding classes / language exchange Financial support advice More vocal regarding Brexit Culture sharing opportunities.

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UoNSU Insight Team

‘what to avoid in the UK’ classes – talk about things that might be considered offensive in Britain

Talent showcase Visa guidance Reuse/sell/buy website sharing Help advise on transport options Trips around the UK Help students meet other students not from their own nationality. Help break the ice

as often very shy. Bank account opening support Local internship opportunities Accommodation off campus – hints and tips Include games at events where you can win prizes to work as teams and remember

faces / facts about people

Issues affecting international studentsThe information in this section is true as of December 2017.

Accommodation In 2014, the following information was collecting regarding accommodation issues: 1

in 5 using the SU accommodation contract check service. 1 in 2 students don’t negotiate housing costs or challenge deposit deductions due to low confidence and pressure from landlords. 1 in 2 students take on additional debt to pay accommodation upfront costs. Perception that catered halls were poor value due to the food quality. Pressure to sign housing contracts is highest in Lenton. 1 in 5 students staying in warm buildings to avoid going home. International students finding it difficult to secure a UK guarantor. Low communication of Landlords about the deposit protection scheme.

In comparison to other Russell Groups, UoN international students are not as satisfied with the cost of accommodation, the availability of financial support and bursaries, and the opportunity they have to earn money whilst studying.

Academic Issues PGR satisfaction regarding opportunities to teach is decreasing. It is significantly

lower with international students. UoN students mostly feel that their course feedback is taken seriously but

satisfaction score (82%) is decreasing compared to last year and other Russell Group unis. UK students tend to be less satisfied than international students with the way their course is marked (and fedback) and organised

International Welcome Suggestions in the past have been to merge International Welcome and Welcome

week to prevent formation of segregated communities, however, bear in mind that international students need longer to settle in than home students would (new country, new legislation, new food, new education etc). More opportunities to participate in events should be made available, allowing for international students to participate when they are ready to. Offer more events towards the end of the week

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UoNSU Insight Team

once settled. Global buddies mentoring scheme will help international students to settle in.

Areas of welcome process that UoN could improve on for international students is setting up a bank account and the welcome/pick up from the airport. In addition areas such as making friends from the UK, and settling in on the first night could be improved.

IntegrationStudents suggested the following for increasing integration with local/home students:

Ideas for international style events that integrate communities and celebrate various cultures (Chinese New Year, UK New Year, Mexican parties, Diwali, St Patrick’s Day, International Women’s Day). Other ideas are team building activities.

Having a 'buddy system' between home and international students Allocating student hall rooms in a way which ensures there is a mix between local

and international students in every corridor (+multiple suggestions for more events aimed at integration taking place in halls).

Promoting group activities in a non-culture related environment e.g. courses and sports (without labelling it as an 'international' event)

The 'Globe' society in the SB campus is very good at bringing students together and that more societies should follow its lead (+ have cultural societies organize events that are open for everyone to attend).

'SPICE' event in the school of Pharmacy as being very good for this; music/food festivals have the most support, or cooking classes with specific themes.

SU Services and Events Mature students are more likely to engage with events that are family friendly, 6-

8pm weekdays. Mature students are more likely to be based at Jubilee and Derby. (PGs and international students would like to focus on ‘meet and greet’ style events at these campuses too)

UK based students often less satisfied than international students, yet the latter are less likely to participate in societies and sport clubs.

Latent demand for group involvement is high, at some point during University, 90% of students consider taking part in a society, 74% in a sport club. Latent demand is often higher amongst international students

International students find it hard to find part time employment whilst at University. This could be linked to challenges around visa limitations.

Satisfaction with the SU has steadily increased by 13% over 3 years (accounting for natural peaks and troughs in mood during the year). UG finalists increased 14%, Internationals 15% and PGs by 15%.

Students with low awareness of what the SU does tend to have confusion around the following areas: belief that the SU is a UoN department, not a charity, and that members must register and pay. Awareness is lowest amongst Jubilee students (PGs and international students).

Jubilee: 2 in 5 students never attend a club/society. High proportion of international and PG students at Jubilee.

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UoNSU Insight Team

Contact between students and part time officers is very low at 4.2%. Highest coverage is the international officer, lowest is ESJ. Role clarity is clearest for the students with disability officer, lowest with ESJ.

International students are quite happy with the social opportunities at UoN. They also have high, untapped latent demand to participate in student group activity.

International student satisfaction and perception of transparency is higher than UK student satisfaction.

Students who took part in the Global Buddies programme experienced less emotional difficulty and greater impact of the SU on university experience than those who did not take part, as did the mentors on the scheme. Buddies found their mentor helpful, supportive and good at communication. With more time and logistical planning, the impact of this project can be enhanced (e.g. offer more events, or opportunities to get to know the local area).

About 90% of international students are based at UP, Jubilee and QMC – ideal locations for international events. Jubilee in particular. There is demand for alcohol free events. 1 in 3 international students do not drink.

Main barriers to participation of international students to societies, sports and volunteering was cost – especially joining sports clubs is expensive due to having to have a sports membership.

Understanding of SU remit is lower with international students. This may also lead to lower awareness of SU activities, which would explain reasons for lower society, sports and volunteering involvement

International students felt like the SU has had a positive impact on their wellbeing during the Welcome Week by helping during registration, enabling students to performing religious activities and supporting them during homesickness. International students report feeling safe, and complimented the work of welcome mentors.

Throughout the year, international students report less feeling of stress and pressure than UK students.

A quarter of international students experience food-related difficulties, which could be due to cultural changes. This mainly occurs between Jan to Apr.

For students only in the UK for a short time, they are unsure what they can / can’t take part in

The first term is when international students want to receive the most help. Additionally, we can see that in order of importance, students want to receive: Academic Advice, Accommodation Advice, Transportation Help, and then Help with Practicing English (where relevant).

University Services Whilst most students weren’t aware of the group sessions run by the counselling

service, this was particularly true for international students. Lack of time prevents many students attending. Run the workshops / group sessions over weekends and evenings.

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· web viewinternational officer support document. written and compiled by sophie fox, december...

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