In The Beginning…

Two weeks left for the term one to begin in Aston and man does not have his visa yet. However, by adequate information provided by Aston visa advice unit and the supports from PFL Ghana, I applied for and got my visa exactly one week after submission of my application at the British Embassy-Ghana.

With a help from a taxi to the airport and hugs from my family, I set off to the check in point of Brussels airlines. On board, I was checking my time to be aware of the duration of the flight, which I roughly know. Interestingly, upon arrival in Brussels, my transit point, my Ghanaian time could no longer help. I was rescued by available time at the airport. The morning came and on board another flight to Birmingham. “Your traveling documents, your CAS, passport,….”, were sounding all over the counters at the UKBA.  My requirements were not different. I produced the required documents and all were checked.

I then move to the baggage area. There my bags come looking so tired. Surprisingly, they all arrived deformed, wheels off and handles nowhere to be found. Just said to myself, “Chineke, I don die finish”. I carried the bags using the ‘self support mechanism’ and looking forward to the ‘meet and greet’ services provided by Aston.  Just in time, there arrive charming and cheerful looking people in blue T-shirts full of smiles and enthusiasm. “Hello, you welcome! Waiting for Aston Uni.?”, asked one of the Aunties.  Before “yes” was replied, they took my luggage to my rescue.  Finally, on my dream Uni. Campus, and through the great support provided by the Aunties, I settled without any hassles.  Before the assisting Auntie left, the programme for the week was in my hand. Just guess the outcome of the programmes…

                                                                    

There are institutions that award various scholarships to students but I think Aston University is one of the Institutions that go the extra mile.

It is a fulfilling experience for me to win two scholarship awards from Aston for the 2011/2012 academic year. May 20, 2011 was a remarkable day for me where I got an e-mail with the caption “Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship results.” Could the outcome of my application be favourable or not, I was curious to know. To open the message, I read “The Scholarship panel met last week to consider all Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship applications. I am pleased to inform you that you have been awarded a scholarship for the 2011/12 academic year. Please find enclosed a copy of your confirmation letter stating the terms of the scholarship. I will post the original later today.” This looks like a dream but was a reality. Immediately an amount of £7,240 was credited to my tuition fees.

Regarding my second awards, I was just eating in a restaurant when I received a call, “Good afternoon. Please, I am speaking with Mr Yevudey?” “Yes please”, I answered. And she continued gently, “We are pleased to inform you that you have been nominated for a £4,000 awards from the Aston-PFL Scholarship for the 2011/2012. We will send you a letter of confirmation via e-mail , thank you.” This sounded like a spam but it was right there in my student's account. I got the confirmation e-mail in few minutes.

If you would like to know more about available scholarships in Aston , their requirements and deadlines, just click on the link below: “Yes You Can.”

http://www1.aston.ac.uk/international-students/finance/internal-scholarships/

Notwithstanding the financial supports of the institution, I chose to study in this institution due to its high reputation for academic achievements, and graduate employment.

Aston’s aim to promote ethnicity and cultural diversity, I think is a remarkable initiative that is promoting  a rich environment for academic and personal development.

In addition,  the Institution is not only concerned about the academic life of its students but also their social lives. This the institution has put in place through the Students’ Guild, where all sorts of events are organized that appeal to me. Other students’ groups and societies have various social programmes that make life here in Birmingham a complete and interesting one. It was really a good time during the fresher’s week, which was full of variety programmes. Wow, fresh memories from the welcome party, pajama party, Pub Crawl and UV Bubble party, and all. I think you need to come around to share in this dynamic environment….Best regards!