From Lebanon To Birmingham: Abdallah’s Student Experience In The UK
Aston Villa’s 150th Anniversary fixture was full of surprises…
“By the second time I visited the office I had made up my mind that I was going to study there [in the UK]”
From Aston Villa's impressive victory over West Ham to reconnecting with a Global Study UK alumnus, the event was a truly memorable experience!
Our team had the privilege of attending this legendary game at Villa Park Stadium in Birmingham, thanks to an invitation from Ross Wainwright, Centre Director at ONCAMPUS Aston. Amid the electric atmosphere of roaring crowds and Aston Villa’s decisive goals, we crossed paths with Abdallah Elhachah – a Lebanese student who began his academic journey with Global Study UK in 2023.
Abdallah’s story is one of ambition, resilience, and transformation. After completing his Foundation programme in Engineering and Physical Sciences at ONCAMPUS Aston, he is now excelling as a first-year BEng Mechanical Engineering student at Aston University. But what truly sets him apart is his vibrant energy and determination to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way.
Curious to learn more about his inspiring journey, we reached out to Abdallah after the match. He eagerly agreed to share his experiences and insights as an international student thriving in the UK.
Keep reading to discover Abdallah’s journey from Lebanon to Birmingham, and the role Global Study UK played in his life-changing decisions!
“I wish I could tell my past self not to stress so much because it all works out in the end!”
Inna Budzak (IB): What inspired you to study abroad, and why did you choose the UK? Is there any specific event, person or story that encouraged your decision?
Abdallah Elhachach (AE): “UK was not part of my plans initially. I was in my last year of high school, applying to universities in Lebanon and Turkey – since my mum is from there. My father was moving to Saudi Arabia for work, so I also considered Saudi universities. The UK was a very spontaneous choice actually, my mum saw a Global Study UK (GSUK) post on Facebook and encouraged me to try it out, as I had nothing to lose. When I contacted GSUK my agent was no one other than Madame Hoda Mourad herself (Regional General Manager in Lebanon). She convinced me to go to the UK and took great care of me during the entire application process – by the second time I visited the office I had made up my mind that I was going to study there.
Now that I look back maybe the UK was meant to be from the very beginning. As an only child with parents who worked a lot, growing up I spent a lot of time reading. I took an interest in British History, and dived into some really niche British events and historic characters like Horatio Nelson – there is a statue of him on Trafalgar square. So you can consider that a bit of foreshadowing for the future.”
IB: Was Aston University your first choice? How did you decide on this university?
AE: “I attended the Global Study UK fair to check out my options. I was feeling a bit lost at that time so I spoke to many university representatives – including Aston – and asked them lots of questions. Then later after speaking with Madame Hoda we actually applied all over the UK, including Dundee all the way up in Scotland, Southampton at the very South of the UK and even Queen’s Belfast University in Northern Ireland! I got offers from all of them but decided on Aston in the end.
A great thing about Aston is that the engineering course is not all about coursework and exams, there is lots of practical work and hands-on projects during the degree. And actually I completed my very first project within the first semester. I got to design, engineer and build a go-kart, racing the final model through the campus. These types of practical experiences really set you apart in the job market, so I’m really looking forward to doing a placement as well!”
IB: What was the most helpful part of the application process with global study UK?
AE: “Clear guidance! My counsellor did most of the work for me, we came and told them what we were looking for and that was it, she informed me about all the documents I needed to prepare and took care of the whole application. From the moment I heard about the GSUK to the day I landed in Birmingham it took only 2 months.”
IB: What stood out to you about working with Global Study UK?
AE: “The dedication. During my application I had an issue with the student visa and later on I was struggling to book accommodation – those 2 months were very stressful. Thankfully Madame Hoda helped me solve all these challenges. She chased UKVI about the visa making sure I got it on time. And she spoke with the accommodation office to help me secure a room. In the end everything was resolved quite smoothly. On top of that, I got a discount on the tuition fees for my foundation year, which was great as well.”
“Now that I look back maybe the UK was meant to be from the very beginning.”
IB: Has your foundation programme at ONCAMPUS Aston met or exceeded your expectations?
AE: “Yes. What I found really helpful was the modules on scientific writing and academic referencing. I learned a lot with these for my assignments and use that knowledge for my degree now.
Another great thing about ONCAMPUS is that it’s very easy to get support when you need it and you can connect with your Personal Tutor and lecturers. This helped me mentally and prepared me for my first year at Aston. I even connected with the Centre Director Ross Wainwright who helped me set up a Society for ONCAMPUS students.”
IB: Can you share a memorable moment or achievement during your studies?
AE: “It has to be the setting up of the Society for ONCAMPUS students. During your foundation year you cannot become a full member of the Societies at the University. So my friend and I decided to create our own Society designed specifically for ONCAMPUS students. Ross helped us achieve this, endorsing the idea and supporting us from the very beginning. The whole process also helped me develop many soft skills and connecting with lots of new people.
One of the best events we organised so far was Culture Day, where we booked a lecture hall and had students prepare PowerPoint slides about their own culture and country. We had some pizza and voted for the best presentations! I am very proud of this achievement, and hope that we built something lasting that future students will also get to enjoy.”
IB: What was the biggest adjustment you had to make when living in the UK? Did you face any culture shocks?
AE: “Even though I was very independent back home, after moving to the UK I had to make lots of adjustments to become fully independent. Living abroad on my own for the first time, I had to learn how to manage my own stuff, cook, clean, keep track of my groceries, sorting issues with the bank and other challenges – it’s a very character building experience.
In terms of culture shocks I didn’t really have any – Lebanon is just as diverse as the UK so I was used to that. Also I grew up watching lots of old British TV shows – like Doctor in the House and Mind your Language with Barry Evans – so I had an idea of what to expect.”
IB: How did you find the experience of meeting new people and making friends?
AE: “It’s very easy for me to make friends, I enjoy speaking to new people and striking conversations with strangers. I met many Aston students when I arrived here and still keep in touch with them to this day. This year we pushed for Aston University to host a Welcome event for ONCAMPUS students as well to make it easier for them to meet each other and settle into the student life.”
IB: If you could give your past self an advice before moving to the UK, what would it be?
AE: “Don’t stress – go with the flow. As I said it took me only 2 months to plan the whole academic journey and I faced some issues with visa and accommodation. I wish I could tell my past self not to stress so much because it all works out in the end!”
“From the moment I heard about GSUK to the day I landed in Birmingham it took only 2 months.”
IB: Do you have any specific tips for managing academics, social life, or living in a new country?
AE: “Absolutely, I have a few! For new students I’d say – make friends, as much as possible! Keep a journal or diary, to help you keep track of all the experiences and help you reflect on valuable moments and lessons” – Abdallah shows me his journal, with an entry from a meeting with his Personal Tutor – “Also make use of your weekends, plan ahead, and most importantly get out of your room, go outside and walk a lot!”
IB: What’s one thing you’ll always remember about your time in the UK?
AE: “You will most likely forget all the boring lectures and seminars after you graduate – speaking for myself here [chuckles]. But I will definitely not forget the projects I worked on, like founding the ONCAMPUS society, winning an award for student representative of the year, and building my go-kart car! Oh and also getting drenched in rain whilst waiting for the bus in Birmingham – that was one big emotional journey!”
IB: What are your plans/dreams for the future now that you’ve officially started your undergraduate course?
AE: “Not the slightest clue, which is normal – I am open to the future and I am taking proactive steps to figure it all out. I am referring to the careers centre at the university to help me explore my placement and career options. Considering all the skills I developed so far I am very versatile and could go in many different directions. I am excited for all the future possibilities.”
IB: What’s your favourite place in the UK/Birmingham, and why?
AE: “Birmingham is a very underrated city, it doesn’t have London’s glamour or big buildings like in Manchester or Liverpool, but it’s unique in its own way. My favourite area is around the canals. I was there yesterday actually. Did you know that Birmingham has more canals than Venice? It’s actually referred to as the Venice of the UK. I also like the area around the library, with its modern and older architecture. And I also like the Jewellery Quarter, which used to be the main Jewellery hub in the UK where they made pieces for monarchs like Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria!”
IB: Can you sum up your study abroad experience in three words?
AE: “Transformative, enriching, eye-opening” – Abdallah laughs realising he actually used 4 words, but we agree that they are most suitable.
IB: Last question, I must ask – are you actually a football fan? Were you happy with the score from last Friday’s match?
AE: “I am not a die-hard Football fan I’ll admit. But I do enjoy it! I watched the Euro Cup and was devastated when Turkey lost against Portugal. We lost 3-1 and one of those was our own goal, I wanted to cry! But yes, when Ross asked me if I’d like to watch the Aston Villa match I didn’t think twice before agreeing! And of course I cheered for the home team! So I was happy with the score!”
Conclusion
From excelling academically to making an impact socially, Abdallah’s story is a perfect example of the endless opportunities that studying in the UK can unlock.
His journey illustrates how a strong foundation, determination, and the right support can lead to remarkable achievements.
Abdallah’s leadership and drive have already earned him recognition, including an award for his contributions to the ONCAMPUS Society, which he helped establish. As the Society’s Vice-President, he continues to inspire his peers, leaving behind a long-lasting impact. Meanwhile, he’s diligently working toward his dream of a career in mechanical engineering.
We have no doubt that Abdallah’s future holds extraordinary success, and we’re proud to have been part of his journey. Stories like his remind us of the incredible potential of students who choose to study abroad – and how they go on to shape the world in meaningful ways.
Good luck, Abdallah – we’re excited to see where your journey takes you next!
