By Rali Fileva, Student Life Assistant

On the 1st of October 2020, I arrived in the UK, ready to begin my studies at UWE Bristol. Until then, I had lived in Bulgaria with my parents, surrounded by friends who had always been just around the corner. Moving to a new country was a dream come true—a chance to grow, explore, and build a new life. I landed on a gloomy, rainy day, but my heart was full of hope and excitement for what was ahead.

But the reality was not exactly what I expected.

My new house in Filton didn’t feel like home. My housemates were much older, with completely different lifestyles, and I struggled to connect with them. On top of that, COVID-19 restrictions made socialising nearly impossible. My once bright and curious mindset started to fade, I felt isolated, disconnected, and like I didn’t belong. I started to wonder if I had made a mistake in coming here.

In one of my rare in-person lectures, I met people who, at first, seemed like a lifeline - people I could talk to and spend time with. But that connection quickly turned toxic. I found myself in a situation where I wasn’t being treated well, yet I stayed because it was better than being completely alone. I started picking up unhealthy habits, just trying to hold onto the only people in my life.

Then, one day, everything changed.

Walking past OneZone, I saw a poster on a noticeboard. It was for a Board Games & Pizza Night hosted by the Student Life Team. I had always loved board games, so I decided to go and check it out. That night turned out to be one of the best decisions I had ever made.

For the first time since arriving in the UK, I met people who genuinely wanted to talk to me, listen to me, and support me. They made me feel heard, valued, and most importantly, like I belonged. That one small event sparked a chain reaction in my life. I started attending well-being sessions, got involved with other services at uni like the CfM and the CfS, and I slowly built genuine friendships. I finally found my place at UWE.

That experience made me realise what I truly wanted - to give back what I had received. No student should have to go through what I did. No one should feel as lost and alone as I once did.

Now, I work for the same team that helped me at the beginning - the Student Life Team. I get to create events where students can connect, have fun, and support one another. I make sure that students who reach out to me leave feeling better about their university experience. I’ve gone from being the student who needed support to the one providing it.

University life is more than just studying - it’s about the connections we build, the support we receive, and the sense of belonging we create. If you’re feeling lost, know that you’re not alone. There are people who care, who want to help, and who will welcome you with open arms. Sometimes, all it takes is stepping into an event, having a conversation, or simply saying yes to an opportunity.

So what are you waiting for? Come join us at our events, meet new people, and be part of a community that’s here to support you.

Student Life will be recruiting shortly for 2025-2026 Student Life Assistants, keep an eye on our comms!