Meet Dilay

Funding my studies

With the help of my agent, I applied to the Newcastle University International Study Centre, for a Foundation programme to prepare me for my first year of university. It covered accounting practices, basics of business management and even essential study skills.

After this programme, I went through a series of exams and assessments and got accepted into the University. I received a Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarship, which funds half of my tuition fees. My parents funded the other half, as well as my living expenses, including accommodation and food.

Lower cost of living than big cities

The city was what drew me in first. I knew I didn’t want to study in a big city, as I felt I wouldn’t adjust to my new life as quickly. Also, the cost of living here is less than some other places in the UK.

I had never been to the UK before studying here, so I was basing my expectations based on trips to France and Italy. The weather surprised me the most. In my native country, Kazakhstan, it gets cold during winter, as low as -20 or -30°C. During summer, it is really hot, between 30°C and 40°C.

Opportunities related to my study

I love how versatile the course is. It gives students an opportunity to see whether they like doing external reporting accounting or prefer the internal management of finances. I have also accessed learning resources to become more confident in writing and presenting.

I believe the most influential event was the information session about National Treks. From this, I was able to apply to National Treks, and visited companies in London to learn how they operate. We even networked with Newcastle alumni. This trip helped me be more certain about my career choices. 

A diverse social life

When I have spare time, I love trying out different societies. I have joined the Baking Society, Accounting and Finance Society, and Pilates Society. I am also planning to join the Fashion Society.

I'm also involved with the Russian Speaking Society. Their socials are some of the best – we go ice skating, do quiz nights and organise big dinner events. Everyone is from different countries but speaks the same language, so it's easy to make friends. 

What’s next?

I see myself working in the finance field in a role related to sustainability. My decision stems from my background.

My parents are heavily involved in business, and meanwhile at school we would always talk about sustainability. My hometown is one of the cities in Kazakhstan that provides oil to the whole country, so we have a lot of factories, we don’t have good vegetation, and the air smells like chemicals in the morning. It gives me and many locals allergies, especially during the summer.

Last year, I spent time discussing my career plans with my tutors. It helped me realise which aspect of business, accounting and finance I enjoy the most. I also think completing the Foundation programme before my degree played a big role in this.