We asked International students what they really think of Coventry

They're in your lectures, they're in your halls, they're even in your favourite chippy. 34 percent of Coventry University's student body comes from outside the UK so you're probably friends with a few of them.

We sat down with four students from four corners of the globe, to ask them what it's like to be an international student in Cov.

Long, Second year, Financial Investment, Malaysia

Most frustrating part of beginning a new life in Cov?

Some lucky people met lifetime friends in their flats. My Raglan house mates became lifetime enemies. Two out of the five people totally ignored our cleaning timetable. They were very messy, their unwashed dishes caused many, many tensions.

As a plus, one of them played loud music all the time and lowered it only if we threatened to call the security. I couldn’t wait to move to my own house in second year.

Did you notice some “cultural differences”?

I was shocked when I realised that most of shops close already around 6pm, even earlier on Sundays. In Malaysia they close usually around 10-11pm.

Emma, Second year, Media Marketing, France

Did you notice any cultural differences?

Yes a lot! First of all I’m French so for me food is life and I still don’t get the pudding or the beans on toast. I realised very quickly that I could not compete with English in terms of drinking.

Also the English people’s ability to go out almost naked in the cold will always amaze me. And finally in France we start pre drinking around 11 whereas, here people are already drunk and in the club for two hours.

What do you enjoy most about Coventry? How is the quality of life?

I really enjoy the fact that Coventry is a student city with uni buildings everywhere. Even when you walk in the streets, the average age is like 20 years old which is pretty rare for a city I think.

The city is quite small so you can walk everywhere which is a big change for me. I live on the outskirts of Paris and I was used to taking the subway or the bus all the time so I definitely don’t miss that part.

Do you feel there are loads of stereotypes against you?

Yes people think I only drink wine and champagne and get actually surprised when I drink something else. And yes I do love bread. And no, je ne veux pas coucher avec te ce soir.

Kira, Third year, International Relations, USA

What do you enjoy most about Coventry? How is the quality of life?

I firmly believe it’s who you surround yourself with that make a place a home. And Coventry is truly my home thanks to the incredible friends and lecturers I have. I’ve stirred my fair share of the pot and I’ve lost people along the way, but my incredible support system is what drives me.

Any negatives? What do you miss about home?

I miss loads about home. The food, nature and being able to drive most of all. It’s difficult. At any given time, if I am at home or in Cov, half my friends are in a different time zone. It sucks having to stay up til 3am on FaceTime to my friends, but that's just how it works.


Did you notice some “cultural differences”?

You’d think it wouldn’t be so bad because I speak English, but it’s actually crazy how the little things get to you: Doritos and Skittles taste different and I can’t find Arizona Ice Tea anywhere. The subtle changes add up over time.

I don’t understand what benefit a roundabout is, just use a double intersection! So much easier and much less merging. And, I’m sorry, but I will never, ever, ever accept that zebra is pronounced, “zeh-bruh”. It's a hard pass from me.

Kacper, Second year, Business Marketing, Poland

Is there something you wish you knew when beginning your studies in Coventry?

The small size of this city made me care too much in the beginning what other people think of me. I acknowledged the fact that you can run into someone you know anytime, everywhere. But you know what? After a few weeks, I realised I was done pleasing other people. Fuck that. I am calm and myself again.

What do you enjoy most about Coventry? How is the quality of life?

Everything is really close. Dance studio, uni, gym, clubs, you don’t have to walk more than 20 mins usually. Use your time wisely. Be productive.

Do you feel there are loads of stereotypes against you?

Yes deffo. On nights out people assume automatically that as a Polish guy I must drink a loads of vodka. To be fair, Polish people really do like to drink loads of vodka.