#UoBWomen: Into the unknown as a first-gen student
Written by Nataliia Chubenko
Hi everyone! My name is Nataliia, and I am a third-year English and Creative Writing student at the University of Birmingham. I am also an international student from Ukraine.
March is Women’s History Month—a time to celebrate the achievements of women across the world and reflect on the progress we have made toward gender equality. It is also a moment to acknowledge the challenges women continue to face and to empower each other to keep pushing forward.
Starting University
On this special occasion, I want to share my own journey as a first-generation immigrant studying abroad and building a life in a new country. It has not been easy. When I first arrived at the University of Birmingham, I had no friends or family here, and the cultural differences were overwhelming. I remember feeling incredibly nervous, unsure of how I would adapt. And that is okay—starting something new is always daunting, but I have learned that there are countless ways to find support and make friends at our university. For example, I met some of my best friends by getting involved in university societies, including Writer’s Block and the Ukrainian Society. I also made great connections through social events organised on campus and in my student accommodation. If you are new to campus, I highly recommend keeping an eye out for these opportunities—they are a great way to meet new people and make lasting friendships!
This is me in 2021, a few days after my arrival to Birmingham:
Working on my professional development
As time went on, I started settling in. By the end of my foundation year, I made a conscious decision to start working on my future. From the moment I arrived in the UK, I knew I wanted to stay after university, build my career, and continue my life here. However, I was also realistic—I understood that securing a Skilled Worker visa would take a lot of effort and determination. Therefore, I focused on my CV, applied for every opportunity I could, and sought out experiences that would help me grow professionally.
Now, three years later, I can proudly say that I have built a strong portfolio of experiences. But along the way, I faced challenges—especially as a woman in professional environments often dominated by men. I have had moments where my abilities were questioned, where men in my teams were given priority for important tasks, and where I felt like I had to prove myself twice as much. I will never forget last summer when a fellow intern—someone my age—was genuinely surprised when I mentioned applying for graduate schemes. He said, “You know it’s really hard to secure one, right?” as if I had not done my research or was not prepared for the challenge.
Well, here I am now—with multiple in-person interviews and an assessment centre visit lined up! Wish me luck!
Keep going
This journey has not been easy, but if there is one thing I have learned, it is that resilience and determination matter. I started from zero—arriving in a new country with just two suitcases and no connections. But I refused to let that define me. No matter what obstacles come my way, I know I am capable of achieving great things. And so are you.
To all the women out there—whether you are stepping into a new environment, facing professional challenges, or simply doubting yourself—remember: you belong here. Keep pushing forward, take up space, and never let anyone make you feel otherwise.
Here’s a recent snap of me, happily celebrating Christmas in the UK, surrounded by all the people I love and cherish deeply, confident that my future holds the best for me and I am on the way to achieve all of my goals.
Browse what's on for International Women's Day and Women's History Month.