Testimonials

From Dubai to Leicester: my international Law journey

Starting my Law degree at DMU Dubai and then transferring to Leicester for my final year has given me a truly international student experience.

That was one of the main reasons DMU stood out to me. I could study the same high-quality curriculum across two very different cultural settings, while gaining a wider perspective on law, culture and the world around me.

Moving to the UK was intimidating at first. I was relocating across continents, joining a new campus and adjusting to a different way of life. But the international community at DMU is vibrant and welcoming, and it did not take long for Leicester to feel like home.

The support from academic staff has also made a real difference. Law can be demanding, especially when working through legal research and coursework, but I have always felt able to ask questions and seek guidance.

This experience has reshaped my skill set. Studying across two academic cultures has helped me become more adaptable, open-minded and culturally aware. These are qualities I know will matter in my future legal career.

My advice to other students is not to let the fear of change hold you back. Moving to a new country or campus can feel overwhelming, but the growth waiting on the other side is worth it.

Finding my community through student life

Moving to a new country can be daunting, and for me, meeting new people played a big role in overcoming homesickness.

That is why being part of the DMU community has meant so much. One of the greatest benefits of studying here is being surrounded by such a diverse group of people. It has helped me feel more settled, more connected and more confident.

Becoming a Student Ambassador has been one of the most valuable parts of my experience. The role has allowed me to meet many people, build lasting friendships and develop practical skills that will support my future career. It has also helped me feel more involved in university life beyond my course.

My academic experience has also helped me grow. On my course, lecturers use group discussions, presentations and debates, which make learning engaging and encourage us to share ideas. This has helped me build confidence in my own voice.

I have also felt supported by my academic tutor, who understands the unique experiences and challenges that international students can face.

My advice to future international students is to get involved early. Meeting people and taking part in opportunities at DMU can make a real difference to your experience.

Finding support far from home

Coming to the UK from the Solomon Islands meant being far from home, far from family and far from everything familiar.

At first, that was not easy. I missed home deeply, and settling into a new country came with emotional challenges as well as academic ones. What made a real difference was the support I found at DMU.

The Wellbeing Team has been exceptional. As an international student without family in the UK, having people I could speak to and rely on helped me feel less alone. Healthy DMU was also instrumental when I first arrived, supporting me through homesickness and helping me settle into university life.

That support has allowed me to focus on my course and grow in confidence. I chose DMU partly because of the block teaching method, and it has helped me manage postgraduate study in a way that feels structured and manageable. Being able to receive feedback from tutors before moving on to the next block has strengthened my learning.

My course also connects closely with the issues I care about, including climate justice, human rights, armed conflict, social justice and gender. It has helped me think more deeply about global challenges and the kind of contribution I want to make in the future.

For me, DMU has been more than a place to study. It has been a place where I found support, confidence and a sense of direction while being far from home.

More than a degree

When I first found DMU, I did not know much about the university. I was looking for an LLM Criminal Justice course, and DMU offered exactly what I wanted.

Looking back now, it has become one of the best decisions I have made.

I came to the UK from Pakistan without anyone to guide me through choosing a university. That made the decision feel even bigger. But from the moment I became part of DMU, I found a supportive environment, friendly lecturers and people who helped me believe in myself.

The block teaching method has been excellent for me. Being able to focus on one module at a time has reduced stress and helped me stay more engaged with my studies.

But the biggest change has been in my confidence. DMU has not only given me a degree, but also a life I never imagined for myself.

One of my proudest experiences was standing as a candidate in the DMU elections for Team Leader International. I did not win, but it became one of the greatest experiences of my time here. It helped me make friends, build confidence and become more involved in university life.

I have also been shortlisted for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals SDG 11 programme in Berlin, with bursary support from DMU.

For me, DMU has been a place to study, grow and dream bigger.

Following my passion for psychology

I chose to study psychology at DMU because I wanted to explore how I could support others in educational, professional, social and psychological settings.

Originally from Poland, I was the first person in my immediate family to attend and graduate from university. I have always believed in lifelong learning and that people can achieve their goals at any stage of life with dedication and determination.

During my time at DMU, I made the most of university life, from lectures and workshops to developing my research skills. I particularly enjoyed exploring new research methods and learning how to use psychological research tools.

One of my highlights was a DMUGlobal trip to Paris, where I visited museums including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and the Musée d’Histoire de la Médecine. I also had the opportunity to work as a Research Assistant through the Frontrunners scheme, which gave me valuable experience alongside my degree.

Throughout my time at DMU, I felt comfortable, included and supported.

Since graduating, I have progressed to a PhD in the Department of Mathematics Education at Loughborough University, working on a collaborative research project with academics across different institutions. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in academia, combining research and community engagement to help improve the lives of children, young people and vulnerable individuals.

My advice to future students is simple: follow your interests and passions, work hard and go for it.

From international exchange to postgraduate study

I first came to DMU through an international exchange programme, and studying here has been a valuable and rewarding experience.

I developed an interest in psychology at school because I was fascinated by how people think, behave and interact with others. I chose DMU's Psychology course because it offered an engaging and academically challenging learning experience.

One of my favourite modules was Personality and Social Psychology, where I explored personality, intelligence and social behaviour. The lecturers made learning interactive, and I found the course well structured and interesting.

I also really valued the support available at DMU. Whether I needed academic guidance, learning resources or help from student support services, there was always someone willing to help. This allowed me to focus on my studies and make the most of university life.

As an international student, I found Leicester a welcoming and convenient place to live. The city has a strong student community, accessible accommodation and plenty of facilities. Having Asian supermarkets nearby where I could find familiar Chinese ingredients also helped me feel more at home.

Leicester is also more affordable than many larger UK cities, which made my student experience more enjoyable.

My experience studying Psychology at DMU inspired me to continue my academic journey here by studying an MSc in Health Psychology. I hope to develop a deeper understanding of health behaviour and psychological wellbeing, while gaining the research and practical skills needed for a future career in psychology.

Learning one block at a time

One of the things I have appreciated most about studying at DMU is the block teaching format.

For me, focusing on one module at a time has made a real difference. It has helped me stay organised, manage my workload and properly understand each subject before moving on to the next. Instead of trying to balance several modules at once, I can give my full attention to what I am learning.

That structure has supported the way I study and helped me build confidence as a postgraduate student. My course combines academic knowledge with practical application, which was one of the reasons I chose DMU. I wanted a course that would help me connect what I learn in class with real-world situations and future career opportunities.

The modules have encouraged me to think critically, solve problems and become more independent in my learning. I have also valued the support available from lecturers and university services, which has helped me feel confident throughout my studies.

As an international student, I have felt welcomed by DMU and by Leicester. The city is multicultural, student-friendly and affordable, with familiar food options as well as new experiences to explore.

DMU is helping me prepare for my future by giving me knowledge, practical skills and confidence. For students thinking about coming here, my advice is to take advantage of every opportunity and make use of the support around you.