Best Decision of My Life: Pursuing My PhD at Manchester Met

This guest post is written by Halima, a linguistics PhD student in the UK studying abroad at Manchester Metropolitan University.

I’m Halima, a final year PhD student at Manchester Metropolitan University. I went on a journey as a Manchester study abroad student three years ago. All I can say is that it was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. Pursuing my degree in Manchester as a PhD candidate within the linguistics department has not only given me the opportunity to research a topic that I am passionate about, but also provided me with the unique guidance of an expert (my supervisor) in the field.

The overall experience that I am having at Manchester Met is exceptionally promising and positive. From the moment my feet touched the Manchester Met campus, I felt at home- I could see the harmony and feel the support given to Manchester study abroad students by the staff.

I can still recall the time when I had to register at the University. I was on my own in the UK studying abroad, and was feeling a bit frustrated with the whole process. This is because I not only come from a totally different culture and speak a different language, but I also come from a different university operational system.

My first impression was that the university staff members that support Manchester study abroad students were lovely and friendly. They were very welcoming, patient, and helpful. I cannot emphasize this enough- this is something I’ve experienced continuously throughout the years I’ve been pursuing my degree at Manchester Met.

Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University are My First Paths of Adventure

I’d never been to nor lived in any European country prior to being in the UK studying abroad. Therefore, pursuing my degree in Manchester was my first adventurous trip. I feel at home in Manchester and it will always have a special place in my heart.

I’ve encountered (and became friends with) many people from all over the world. Manchester’s vibrant and multicultural spirit allowed me to widen my cultural sensitivity. It’s taught me to approach different people with absolute inclusivity, and as a result, I am able to learn more and more about different cultural and social practices that I was unaware of in the past.

Often referred to as the cradle of the industrial revolution, I have come to see Manchester not only as a place to live, but also as a place that is marked in human history. There are endless museums and historical sites to visit, as well as leisure centers and shopping malls. Simply put, as a Manchester study abroad student, you will realize that there is always something for everyone. 

Pursuing my degree in Manchester is a unique adventure in itself, as I came to know and was introduced to various courses and different fields of research, thus widening the scope of my own research. Through getting involved in discussions with people coming from multiple fields, I have also been able to see the wider implications that my own research has in real life.

Manchester Metropolitan University Aids My Personal and Professional Development

Throughout the three years I have been a Manchester study abroad student, I have acquired different skills such as time management, self/emotional management, and communication skills. I also attended many free workshops that I found on Skillsforge (a university platform where you can track your progress). 

The workshops’ aims and goals were different, yet linked. They vary from developing knowledge and intellectual abilities to improving engagement, influence, and impact. Attending these different workshops while in the UK studying abroad was a great opportunity that provided me with the support I needed to efficiently do my research, keep organized, and effectively present my work to different audiences. 

Interestingly, Manchester Met also provided inclusive work opportunities through jobs4students services. My top tip is that flexibility is at the core of being able to take advantage of these work opportunities. As the nature of my course requires flexible working, I have been managing studying and working to a schedule that is convenient for me while pursuing my degree. 

Through getting involved in roles advertised by jobs4students, I had the opportunity to learn and develop specific skills that I could bring to the workplace- aiding both my personal and professional development. Moreover, the university appreciates and supports the employment of all international students in the UK studying abroad. 

My biggest fear before undertaking the UK’s highest degree level (PhD) was the possible inability to communicate with the people around me. Nonetheless, my language proficiency was not an issue. Jobs4students provided me with the chance to practice my English while undertaking different roles with both native and non-native speakers. I quickly became more confident in my language proficiency with this immersion. The jobs4students program also advertises roles requiring multilingual translators/interpreters, language competition judges, language facilitators, and content producers. Because of this, I had the chance to assist in projects involving both the Arabic and French languages. 

Finally, the frequent personal contact I had with my supervisors while pursuing my degree promoted not only my academic voice, but also my personal growth. Attending regular meetings with my supervisors has proven beneficial, as the amount of knowledge I received has been exceptionally valuable. I have learned from their experience in academia and am therefore learning to find my own academic voice as a Manchester study abroad student.

About the Author

Halima is a final-year PhD student of linguistics at Manchester Metropolitan University. Manchester, United Kingdom, is the first European city that she’s lived in and represents the beginning of her study abroad adventure. The support and guidance she’s received from the faculty and staff at Manchester Metropolitan University are aiding her self and professional development, and helping her to find her own academic voice.