Audric Aurellio Simadi Putra
BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance, 2022
Indonesia
Two of my favorite things so far have been visiting Bristol Cathedral and walking around Millennium Square, with the square being especially lovely after sundown when the nightlife picks up.”
My story starts rather ironically, because I was not initially planning to study in the UK. I had my heart set on the USA — Los Angeles, specifically. My father, however, encouraged me to think more carefully about what would truly suit my academic goals. He told me I could choose either the US or the UK, but that I should make the decision wisely. At the time, the civil unrest taking place in the US made it seem increasingly unstable, so I eventually decided that the UK would be the better option.
I researched a number of universities and even received a scholarship offer from one of them. What attracted me most to UWE Bristol was its strong reputation for student support services. I realised that many universities did not offer the same level of assistance, and I knew I would benefit from that support, especially during my first year. This ultimately led me to apply for the International Year One Plus course, which I completed online because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The course proved challenging but highly rewarding. I was effectively combining a foundation year with my first year of university study, which demanded a great deal of work. Fortunately, the lecturers were always willing to help whenever I struggled, and their guidance allowed me to keep progressing successfully.
While the foundation component felt manageable and similar to secondary school, the university-level modules were far more demanding and unlike anything I had experienced before. Studying online added another layer of difficulty because I had to manage the time difference between Indonesia and the UK. At times, I became confused about my timetable and missed classes, which caused me to fall behind.
When this happened, I contacted student services for support. They helped me catch up step by step and offered practical advice on improving in the subjects I found difficult. Knowing that support was always available made a huge difference to my confidence and academic progress.
Another challenge was adapting to university academic standards. Referencing correctly, avoiding plagiarism, and meeting stricter academic expectations initially felt overwhelming. Over time, however, I became much more comfortable with essay writing and academic assignments, and I now feel far more confident in producing work to the required standard.
I have recently arrived in Bristol to begin my second year. Travelling from Jakarta was exciting rather than nerve-racking, especially as I travelled with a friend who is now studying at the University of Nottingham. We experienced a minor setback during our transit in Abu Dhabi when we discovered we needed to quarantine briefly in a government hotel before continuing to London. Thankfully, the airline staff helped us rearrange our flights free of charge.
I am currently studying Accounting and Finance with the ambition of moving into financial technology in the future. After graduation, I hope to gain work experience in the UK before eventually returning to Jakarta. For now, my main focus is making the most of my studies and experiences at UWE Bristol.
So far, I have enjoyed Bristol immensely. Compared with London, it feels calm and welcoming. I have explored places such as Cabot Circus, Bristol Cathedral, and Millennium Square, which is especially beautiful in the evening.
