Moving abroad can be a challenge: Here’s what I learned travelling from Denmark to Nottingham
My NTU Story: Student Blog
By Deniz Kocamanbey, January 2026
My first day in Nottingham
Hi I'm Deniz Kocamanbey! I'm from Denmark and am studying BA (Hons) Architecture, first year.
The day of my flight to the UK, I was buzzing with excitement! My stomach was full of butterflies. When I landed in Nottingham with my mom, I remember it was raining and the sudden reality hit me that my mum was going to leave in just nine days. I'm very close to my mom, so this was an emotional moment for me.
To anyone feeling homesick: crying in the first few months is completely normal!
Coming from Aarhus, a very calm and familiar city in Denmark, I initially experienced a bit of culture shock when I arrived in Nottingham. It was very different from what I was used to. But as I began exploring, I began noticing Nottingham's vibrant and welcoming nature full of hidden gems. I quickly fell in love with it - perhaps even more than Aarhus!
My advice on making friends
When I arrived at my accommodation, I met my flatmate who is also an international student. I remember going to her room and crying because I was so homesick, knowing she would understand. Looking back, it feels a bit embarrassing, but it taught me that it’s okay to show vulnerability, even around new people.
Making friends is a big part of university life. At first, I met all kinds of people: some kind, some not so much. As an introvert, my advice is to take things step by step. People have different priorities; some focus on studies, some don’t. It takes time to find your people, and that’s okay.
While everyone is different, I’m actually grateful for these experiences because they helped me grow. They taught me the value of taking my time when getting to know people and building friendships naturally, without rushing or putting too much pressure on myself.
On the first day of university, I found comfort connecting with students who spoke the same language as me. In the first week, you might even get lots of social media followers or contacts, but only a few will become close friends - and that’s completely natural.
My tips for new international students
Here are a few things I wish I had done before arriving in Nottingham:
- Student Discounts & Apps: Research student discounts and download apps like Boots and Tesco Clubcard. They are all “must-haves” which will save you money and will make your daily life easier.
- Connect Online: Reach out to current students via ntu website if you have questions about life at NTU. Chatting to them can be very helpful and can make you feel calmer and more prepared for your student journey.
Overcoming feeling homesick
There were definitely emotional moments along the way, but they helped me learn so much about myself. One of the biggest lessons I want to share with future international students is to always prioritise what feels right for you. Follow your own interests, not what others expect - whether that means taking quiet time for yourself, choosing not to go to parties, or exploring the city at your own pace.
There will be times when you find yourself sitting alone at lunch, in the library, or in a lecture, and that’s completely okay. Those moments can actually become opportunities to reflect, recharge, and grow. Whenever I missed home, calling my family or looking through photos on my phone made me feel grounded again. These small comforts can make a big difference.
Nottingham can really make you feel at home
Explore Nottingham as much as you can! Whether it’s trying a new restaurant, visiting a park, or checking out a museum, the city has so much to offer and there are so many amazing places. I personally found the exploring part quite helpful with missing home. I found a Turkish restaurant that reminded me of where I'm ethnically from.
I also love cosy bars like the one inside a cathedral that I would go to with my friends! NTU Newton café also sells Danish pastries - little comforts that made me feel at home. The campus itself is very beautiful and colourful and the more I explored it, the more I fell in love with it.
Getting involved with societies, especially nationality-based ones, and attending events also can help you meet new people and enjoy university life.
Being an international student is your strength
Looking back, I’m thankful to my mom for giving me the strength, confidence, and independence to follow my dreams. The qualities that have supported me throughout my journey at NTU.
One of the things that truly makes international students stand out is our resilience. Every new experience we navigate, every challenge we rise above, becomes part of the foundation that shapes our future success. Each step we take today builds the path toward the goals we’re working so hard to achieve.
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