Lu Yunqi describes her positive experience at St John’s as an international Student, where she has made many cherished memories.
Hello everyone, I’m Lu Yunqi, or you can call me Lucy, a postgraduate student majoring in finance from China. In this article, I will share my experiences at St John’s College from the perspective of an international student.
After 30 hours of flights and layovers, I finally arrived at St John’s in September, 2023. Little did I expect that I would spend such wonderful moments here. Walking into the reception, numerous Johnians guided us through the check-in process. One called Eleanor kindly helped me carry two 23kg suitcases up to the third floor to find my room. Their generosity at that moment was something I truly appreciated, making me feel a sense of warmth in this unfamiliar place.
Upon arrival, the college had already prepared pillows, blankets, and most essential items for us. We received a welcome package to better understand Durham and John’s. The orientation week included various activities, such as exploring the college and attending lectures, and ensured that as an international student, I quickly adapted to life here with the help of college.
St John’s organizes a formal almost every week, offering not only free and fantastic food but also captivating speeches. The first formal left a lasting impression, especially the speech by our college principal, who shared his personal connection with China. He expressed admiration for those learning a second language, acknowledging the challenges involved. Recently, at the formal dedicated to art, music & culture, the college invited Aowen Jin, a Chinese alumna from twenty years ago, to share how her time at John’s shaped her perspectives. These speeches have motivated me as an international student to overcome language barriers and explore new horizons with determination.
Joining a sports club is an excellent way for international students to make friends and integrate into the community. St John’s offers a variety of sports activities, and the atmosphere is always welcoming. Let me share a unique experience from the squash team. After applying for a language partner and being matched with Amy, we discovered over coffee that she was also a Johnian. Surprisingly, the person organizing language partners was also from John’s, indicating the college’s inclusive and kind environment. Amy, the captain of the squash team, invited me to experience this new sport together, and I fell in love with it. The team members, who were more experienced in squash, taught me the basics with great patience and kindness. Amy and I became good friends, exploring coffee shops, tasting Chinese cuisine, and sharing British teas and snacks. I am grateful for Amy’s friendship.
Daily meals in the college dining hall, participation in formals and parties, introduced me to many friends. Among the Chinese students at John’s, we often cook Chinese dishes together and enjoy hot pot. John’s is seen as a warm place, where everyone feels a sense of home. Additionally, the college organizes the MCR for postgraduates to gather, watch movies, and celebrate holidays. I remember encountering Raaga, an Indian girl, in the cafeteria on a sunny day. We decided to explore Durham’s panoramic view together from a small hill, exchanging holiday blessings before vacations and receiving gifts from Lee and Raaga upon their return from Thailand and India. Living at John’s College consistently brings delightful surprises, and the diversity at John’s has enabled me to form friendships with people from around the world, resulting in beautiful memories. Within the close-knit community of John’s, there is always an abundance of activities, friends, and cherished moments.
The college is actively working to make every international student feel at home. Special dinner nights, like Indian Food Night and Chinese Food Night, are organized in the dining hall. Currently, plans are underway for a Chinese Lunar New Year dinner, showcasing the college’s commitment to accommodating the dietary preferences of Chinese students.
My months at St John’s have been filled with care from various college departments for international students, the kindness of every Johnian, and the formation of many friendships. I’ve gathered numerous cherished memories during my time here.
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