Name: Minyue Wang

Country of origin: Xi’an Shaanxi, China

Degree: Linguistics, PhD.

College: Graduate College

If you could describe your experience at Lancaster University in 3 words, what would they be? Exploring, dreamy and growing.

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Campus life and societies

"Joining societies helped me stay active, meet people, and feel part of something bigger."

I joined the Swing Dance, Table Tennis, and Badminton societies. These activities gave me a chance to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy life outside of my research. My favourite society activity has been the training sessions with the Table Tennis Society, which has been a great way to unwind and connect with others.

I also participated in events celebrating Chinese traditional festivals like Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival. These gatherings were a comforting reminder of home and a chance to celebrate with fellow Chinese students.

I enjoy sports, cooking, exploring nature, and learning new things. I enjoy meeting new people and exchanging experiences with others.

If friends or family visit, I would give them a general tour of campus, from my accommodation to the Sports Centre, lunch in one of the restaurants on campus in front of the ‘duck lake’ next to the Postgraduate Statistics Centre building (PSC), and a walk along the woodland trail. We’d end the day watching the sunset from Bailrigg House.

Lancaster’s campus is more vibrant than I imagined. I was surprised by the variety of events and activities, especially the Supper Club, which brought people together over food and conversation.

As a PhD student, I usually study in my office and sometimes in the library. I find studying in my office is more comfortable for me.

Settling in and overcoming homesickness

For me it is people that helped me overcome my homesickness. I also found that working hard on my PhD project has helped me to stay busy, so that I don’t miss home too much.

I made friends with my flatmates, people from other countries and fellow PhD students and we’ve spent time together, celebrated birthdays and stayed respectful to each other’s cultures.

I also call my family and spend time with other Chinese friends when I want to feel more connected to home.

My biggest concern before starting at Lancaster was whether I would fit in with the UK culture and society. But I have found the locals friendly, and meeting new people and speaking English was not as scary as I originally thought. I think my role as an International Student Ambassador has also really helped me to build my confidence with speaking English to new people.

Food, culture and comfort

"Cooking dumplings and noodles brings a taste of home to Lancaster."

It’s easy to find ingredients for Chinese dishes in Lancaster. I shop at oriental supermarkets, Sainsbury’s, Aldi and Marks and Spencer’s. When I cook with friends, I love making dumplings, noodles and other Chinese staple foods.

On campus, my favourite place to eat is Sultan’s, the food is delicious and affordable, and the owner is incredibly friendly.

Exploring Lancaster and the local area

"The city centre market brings back memories of daily life back home in China."

As a city with quite a strong historical and natural atmosphere, I enjoyed wandering the city, visiting tourist attractions, and having brunch at restaurants in town. I have visited the castle, the canal, local nature reserve and Williamson Park. I have really enjoyed my time exploring the city and the natural world.

I would say the market in the city centre every Wednesday and Saturday reminds me of home. At home, we usually go to bigger markets like this every day in China, to buy the fresh vegetables, fruits and meat. Chinese people regard food as our prime need; therefore, grocery shopping is an essential part of daily life. Going to markets allows you to personally select your groceries and I find that it is one of the most relaxing and nostalgic parts of my week.

I used to visit a community farm where the staff introduced me to their produce and walked us through the process of making different types of compost. I was amazed by their dedication, not only did they grow a wide variety of crops, but the farm also managed to sustain a community.

"Grasmere in the Lake District was like stepping into a postcard."

I took a trip to Grasmere with friends, and we travelled by train from Lancaster and then the bus from Windermere. We tried the famous gingerbread and fudge, walked up one of the fells and had a picnic on the top. The view of the Lake District in autumn in October was beautiful.

Lancaster support

To improve my speaking and writing skills when I first started at Lancaster University, I attended discussion groups and English Language one-to-one sessions. The staff, especially Helen and Ruth, were incredibly helpful, friendly and kind, making the sessions both effective and enjoyable.

Career development

During my studies at Lancaster University, I have gained valuable skills and knowledge that will prepare me for a successful future career. The rigorous and friendly atmosphere and the interesting courses I have completed have equipped me with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will be essential in the workplace.

Why linguistics and why Lancaster?

The most exciting part of my course is that I get to not only enhance my knowledge but also learn about attitudes to life and research from professional and world-leading professors in linguistics who are friendly, passionate and inspiring. It’s a great honour to study with and learn from them. I also enjoy connecting with other PhD students and professors through different types of events and I really appreciated the department's emphasis on real-world data analysis with quantitative and computational methods.

I am impressed by how accessible the staff are. Students can ask their lecturers questions via email, during breaks or during 'office hours'. And the seminars are very helpful in acquiring practical skills.

Firstly, linguistics at Lancaster University is ranked third in the QS world rankings; secondly, there are world-leading professors in our department who are very professional and accessible; and finally, the atmosphere of studying and researching here is healthy and supportive. There are so many resources and people you can go to for academic help. Lancaster University is a great place to study and to dedicate your research.

Lancaster provides the support, community, and opportunities to help any student succeed.

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Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by our bloggers and those providing comments are personal, and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lancaster University. Responsibility for the accuracy of any of the information contained within blog posts belongs to the blogger.