If you work in education, or you’re still studying, September is an exciting time.
Some of our students will be returning to continue their studies and will already know our campuses and the local area. That’s vital, because a strong sense of community and purpose helps students to feel settled quickly.
For others going to university for the first time – often the first time they have lived away from home – it may take them a little longer to get used to their new surroundings.
Part of our job as a university is to help all our students settle into university life. We have activities taking place to help with this in the week before term officially starts, and throughout the year. Collaboration and interaction is a key part of university, and that’s true for social life among our students, as well as for study. After all, friendships made at university can last for life, and can lead to partnerships and innovations that have an impact on the world.
Moving to a new home can be tough, even if you are only moving a few miles. Those moving to a new country may have extra issues to contend with.
Our international students play a full and important part in the life of our University campuses, and within our local communities. Yet, sometimes the actions and words of our leaders have seemed to make it harder for overseas students who want to take up a place at UK universities. And some misguided people cast doubt on all types of migration, for whatever purpose.
Make no mistake. Reading is fundamentally and proudly a UK institution. Yet, talented and highly educated international students and academic and professional staff are vital to our success and vibrancy, and to that of UK higher education more broadly. Those from overseas bring diverse perspectives, experiences, expertise and cultures that enrich our campuses and classrooms. This global mix creates a dynamic learning environment that prepares all students for an interconnected world. There are countless examples of global research collaborations, fused together by UK universities, that have gone on to become world-beaters. As an immigrant to the UK myself, I have a very personal experience of the difference this can make to people’s lives.
Apart from the richness of perspective they provide, international students contribute significantly to the UK economy. At a time when the UK is just emerging from years of financial difficulties, made worse by high inflation, international students who are attracted by the world-class education on offer at universities like ours support the UK and local economies in Reading and Wokingham. Their tuition fees and spending power helps local businesses and helps us to invest our activities to support teaching, research and engagement work.
Here at Reading, we are proud that thousands of us – myself included – bring international backgrounds and experiences to join our University community. I can’t wait to meet the new people who will be joining us in the coming weeks.
A global outlook has been part of our identity as a university since our foundation a century ago. By looking outwards, we can find solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing our planet and our society. For a university, as with wider society, an open and welcoming outlook is not just beneficial. It’s essential.
Professor Robert Van de Noort is the Vice Chancellor of the University of Reading
