Name: Zuzana Wang

Country of origin: Rožňava, Slovakia

Degree: BSc Marketing

If you could describe your experience at Lancaster University in 3 words, what would they be? Inclusive, tailored and student-focused.

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Campus life

Before transferring to Lancaster University in my second year, I was concerned that people would have already formed their friendship groups and I’d feel left behind.

However, I quickly realised that while some people had formed close friendships, there were so many others who were open to meeting new people and building connections. I found that many students were just as eager to make friends as I was, and everyone was incredibly welcoming. It reminded me that everyone’s journey is different, and there’s no ‘right’ timeline for making friends.

What helped me the most was stepping out of my comfort zone. I joined societies, attended events, and made an effort to strike up conversations with people in my classes and accommodation. Not every attempt was successful, but the ones that were made it all worth it. I also reminded myself to stay optimistic and be patient, building meaningful connections takes time, but it’s always worth the effort.

I joined the Marketing Society, and although I couldn’t attend every event, the ones I did attend were really insightful. The society provided a great opportunity to connect with like-minded students, learn more about the marketing industry, and gain practical insights through workshops and events. I appreciated the chance to network and engage with peers who share similar interests.

The best outcome of joining the Marketing Society was the sense of connection it provided. It reminded me of the importance of balancing studying with extracurricular activities and gave me a glimpse into the vibrant community life at Lancaster.

While there isn’t a specific Slovak society at Lancaster, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with Slovak and Czech students through a poster I saw on campus one day, inviting Czechs and Slovaks to meet up.

It was a wonderful experience to meet people who share my background and speak my main language. As an ethnic Chinese person who grew up in Slovakia, I often felt out of place. But here, I found people who understood my story and had similar experiences, and it was incredibly meaningful.

Hobbies and interests

"Travelling and exploring new places have become my ways of learning, relaxing, and growing."

Travel is one of my biggest passions. I’ve explored cities like Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow and have been to the Netherlands and Croatia.

These trips have helped me unwind, discover new cultures, and gain new perspectives. Travelling is also a great way to step out of my comfort zone and appreciate the diversity of the UK and beyond.

When I’m not travelling, I’m often in Lancaster’s cosy cafes such as Brew, Journey Social, Holm, and Tuck, which are my favourite go-to spots. They’re perfect for studying, relaxing and enjoying new food. The ever-changing menus and welcoming atmospheres make each visit unique, and it’s a great way to balance work and downtime.

Another passion of mine is cooking! I often cook a variety of dishes for friends, and I find it’s a fun way to share different cuisines. I also love for my friends to bring food, so we all try something new – we often rank the dishes and have a small prize for the winner!

It is relatively easy to buy the same or similar ingredients to what I can get at home. Mostly, I shop in Sainsbury’s, as it has a great selection for everyday groceries. For more specialised or harder to find ingredients, I visit the Asian supermarkets and the weekly market in town, and there are only a select few items I have not managed to find.

Welcoming friends and family

When friends or family visit me at Lancaster, I love giving them a full experience of both the campus and the city. I have had friends visit for weekends and specific celebrations, and my parents are coming for my graduation. Each time, I like to offer options and decide on activities together, but there are a few must-see places I like to include.

First, I show them around the campus, including where I lived last year when I was in university accommodation, my favourite study spaces like the library and Learning Zone, the lecture halls, and seminar rooms to give them a feel for where I spend most of my time.

Next, we explore Lancaster city. I take them to the city centre and visit Lancaster Castle. I also introduce them to my favourite cafes and restaurants, where we can relax and enjoy some great food together. These spots have become such a big part of my routine, and I love sharing them with my friends and family.

If time allows, I also suggest some day trips to nearby cities like Manchester or Liverpool, or even a visit to the Lake District.

Settling in and overcoming homesickness

"Moving abroad is challenging, but it’s also a powerful opportunity to grow."

Although I’ve lived away from home since I was 16 years old and have become used to living independently, moving abroad still comes with its own set of challenges.

I miss my home and family, but I’ve found ways to cope and make the most of this experience. Moving abroad can be mentally exhausting, and everyone deals with it differently. For me, filling up my schedule with hobbies and spending time with friends has been key.

At university, most people are in the same boat. Many are living away from home for the first time, often hundreds of kilometres away. This shared experience makes it easier to build relationships and make new friends. Joining societies and clubs has been one of the best ways I’ve met amazing people and stayed active. It doesn’t mean abandoning old friendships but rather creating meaningful new connections while staying true to your roots.

When I feel homesick, I try to focus on activities that bring me comfort and remind me of the positive aspects of being at Lancaster. One of my go-to strategies is to stay busy, whether its studying, exploring new places in town or planning a day trip to nearby cities like Manchester or Preston. Keeping my mind occupied helps me shift my focus and appreciate the opportunities I have here.

I also make an effort to connect with friends, both old and new. Calling or messaging my family and friends back home always makes my day, and spending time with the friends I’ve made at Lancaster reminds me that I’m not alone. Sometimes, just having a chat over coffee or going for a walk with someone can make a big difference.

I remind myself that homesickness is temporary and part of the journey of living abroad. It’s okay to miss home, but it’s also important to embrace the present and make the most of this unique experience.

Exploring Lancaster and the local area

I love Lancaster’s preserved architecture; it gives the city unique character. The city is safe, easy to navigate, and full of character, which is perfect for students.

I’ve taken day trips to Manchester, Preston, Kendal, and Blackpool: all easily accessible by train. In Manchester, I love visiting the Arndale Centre, the Bird & Blend tea shop, and I Am Pho for amazing food. These trips have been a great way to explore the UK and make lasting memories.

Career support and real-world preparation

"My dissertation gave me hands-on experience with real data and real impact."

Lancaster’s career services have been really helpful. I used their CV writing support when I was building my CV for applications, and I’ve also attended career fairs to explore different industries.

Marketing combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, including group projects, case studies, and independent research.

My Marketing Research Project for my dissertation has given me hands-on experience in analysing data and presenting findings, which are key skills in the marketing industry.

My degree aims to simulate real-world environments while offering a wide range of options for research, advertising, digital marketing, consumer behaviour, any much more.

Why marketing and why Lancaster?

"For me, marketing is the perfect mix of business, creativity, and passion. The lecturers are passionate, approachable, and always ready to help."

I selected my degree of choice before coming to Lancaster. From a young age, I was involved in my family business and have always been inclined towards that. However, I am also very creative; I love to write and create (crocheting and DIY). Marketing encompasses all of these; I learn about business and I’m still able to show my creative side. I also love to travel, and marketing is very versatile, which I hope will also help me with my travel dreams! Marketing is a combination of everything I am good at and what I envision for myself.

I love that my marketing degree combines theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The modules cover a wide range of topics from consumer behaviour to digital marketing strategies. My favourite part has been working on the Marketing Research Project for my dissertation, where I’ve been able to apply what I’ve learned throughout the years to a real-world scenario, working with a real company. It’s been challenging but incredibly rewarding.

The teaching methods are interactive and student focused, encouraging collaboration and critical thinking. Many assignments encourage students to find their own topic and use the topics from lectures, and then apply them in the assessments, which helps with deepening the knowledge and shows the application of the textbook theories.

I’ve also found the lecturers to be approachable and supportive; they’re always willing to answer questions, provide feedback, and offer guidance, both academically and professionally. Their expertise and passion for the subject make the learning experience even more engaging.

My advice to anyone looking to study their degree abroad is to step out of your comfort zone, join societies, attend events, and don’t be afraid to talk to new people. Everyone’s in the same boat! Build a routine, explore campus, find your favourite study spots, and stay active. It’ll help you feel grounded.

Stay in touch with loved ones back home but try not to overdo it. Balancing those connections with immersing yourself in life at Lancaster is key.

And finally, stay optimistic; moving abroad is a big adjustment, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to grow, learn, and make unforgettable memories!

"Study something you love - and Lancaster will help you turn it into a career. I am a firm believer that you should study something that you enjoy but that is also practical, and marketing is both of those for me. It offers a perfect balance of theory and practice, preparing students for the wide range of jobs in the marketing industry. I also love the flexibility to choose modules to match my interests. Lancaster’s focus on employability, through career services and industry connections, ensures that you’re well-prepared for your future career.”

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.