Yanyan Dong, a PhD student from Shandong in China, has spent seven transformative years at Bath.

During this time, she's completed a pre-sessional language course, graduated from MA International Education and Globalisation, and is now studying for a PhD in Education.

She highlights how Bath became her second home, offering academic excellence, a supportive community, and a safe, inclusive environment that nurtured her personal and professional growth.

Journey to Bath: Discovering a second home

I have been at Bath for seven years and am now a final-year PhD student in the Department of Education. My research focuses on the construction of identity and lived reality of host national teachers in international schools.

I am originally from Shandong Province, China, where I completed my undergraduate studies within the Chinese higher education system. My academic journey led me to Bath in 2017, when I decided to pursue a master’s degree in International Education and Globalisation.

The city of Bath has become my home away from home. I originally sought a master’s degree to gain confidence, enhance my qualifications and language skills, as well as expand my career opportunities. One of the main reasons I chose the UK was because of its globally renowned education system and the opportunity to complete a master’s in just one year - an intense but rewarding experience!

After consulting with an agent in China about my desire to study in the UK, I was recommended five universities, including the University of Bath.

While I received offers from other institutions, Bath stood out. From the outset it was the most responsive university and offered lots of help and support early on. This made me feel welcomed. Looking back, I am certain that choosing Bath was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

A supportive community

My master's course felt fresh and innovative, which immediately captured my attention. As I delved deeper into my lecturers’ expertise, I became increasingly aware of the course's impact and significance.

Being at Bath has made me feel like a valued member of a wider community, not just within my department but across the entire University. Whether seeking academic advice from a professor or support from the student services, I have always felt comfortable reaching out for support.

This strong sense of community became especially important during inevitable challenging moments, particularly as an international student far from home. The warmth and genuine care from the university helped me navigate these difficulties.

Bath has offered me more than just academic knowledge; it has helped me grow as a person. I’ve learned to be more mindful of the importance of community, human connection, and how we can each contribute to building a better world. My experiences here have deepened my commitment to improving global education and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life.

From Nervous Beginnings to Confidence

When I first arrived in the UK, I was filled with nervousness – it was the longest solo journey I had ever taken.

Although I had studied English extensively in China, the prospect of communicating in a completely different cultural context made me anxious. However, I soon realised that my worries were unnecessary!

The University provided comprehensive support, making my transition as smooth as possible. From airport pick-ups and accommodation arrangements to campus tours, everything was thoughtfully organised. They even helped me with practical matters like setting up a bank account and choosing a SIM card for my mobile phone. All of this made it much easier for me to adjust to life in Bath and the UK as a whole. Whenever I had any questions - about life in the UK or the University - there was always someone available to help.

As an international student entering the Western education system for the first time, I was accustomed to the academic structure in my home country, but here, the approach was quite different. The challenges were particularly evident in areas like report writing and developing critical thinking. Fortunately, I was offered extensive support in these areas, including free academic writing courses that helped me develop many new skills that I hadn’t encountered before and allowed me to gradually adapt to the new academic environment.

At the start of my pre-sessional language course, I was particularly worried about passing the mandatory English test, which caused me a lot of stress. However, the University stressed the importance of enjoying my time here as well as studying hard. I went on organised trips to places like Stonehenge and Bristol, which allowed me to strike a balance between classroom learning and exploration, making my time in the UK more enjoyable. In the end, I passed the test and smoothly transitioned into my postgraduate studies.

Bath: A safe and inclusive city

Bath has been an incredibly safe and inclusive place for me, as both a young Asian woman and an international student.

I always feel secure, even walking alone from the train station to my flat at night. The city is full of kind and helpful residents, always ready to assist - whether you're asking for directions or looking for café recommendations. Living here has given me the confidence to explore freely, knowing I am in a safe environment.

Some of my favourite places in Bath include Alexandra Park, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views overlooking the entire city; and the many independent, pet-friendly cafés like Cassia.

What I love most about Bath being a campus university is how convenient it is to access everything I need for both academic and personal wellbeing. From the Olympic-sized swimming pool to the serene lakeside paths - which are perfect for a peaceful walk to clear my mind - the campus offers it all.

The top floor of the library is one of my favourite spots for quiet study and reflection, and I also enjoy the convenience of studying at the Virgil Building, right in the heart of the city.

A choice I would make again

For anyone considering studying at the University of Bath, I would encourage you to look beyond just traditional rankings.

Bath's consistently high student satisfaction speaks volumes about the experience it offers. I truly believe it was my destiny to end up here, and I feel incredibly fortunate that my agent recommended Bath to me.

Looking back, my time at Bath has been a transformative experience, both personally and academically. I have gained invaluable knowledge and personal growth, and it has ignited in me a deep desire to give back in any way I can, particularly in the field of education and helping others.

Choosing Bath was one of the best decisions of my life, and I hope to return one day, perhaps even to live in this wonderful city again.