Starting life at a new school can be daunting, especially when moving to a different country. For many international boarders, the initial nerves come from adjusting to a new culture, making friends, and even speaking English daily. However, at Worksop College, those worries quickly fade thanks to the warm and welcoming community that ensures every pupil feels at home.
We spoke to Matilda, a Year 12 boarder from Bulgaria, about her experience settling into life at Worksop College and what makes it such a special place for international pupils.
Finding a Supportive Community
"Like most new international boarders, I was quite nervous when I first arrived at Worksop College. I was anxious about my English accent sounding different and worried that I wouldn't be able to express myself fully. But my worries disappeared quickly thanks to the supportive community, which never once made me feel unwelcome or out of place.
What made the transition easier was knowing that I wasn’t alone. All the new international boarders were facing similar challenges, and this helped us bond quickly. Something I and many others found helpful was bringing photos or other personal items to decorate our rooms - this small touch made our space feel more like home."
Life in Boarding
Boarding at Worksop College is designed to provide a homely and comfortable environment. Each house has its own unique feel, but the sense of community remains the same across all of them.
"The rooms in all the boarding houses are really cosy. In Gibbs, we change roommates every half term, which teaches us to get along with different people and personalities. It also helps us make friends with more girls in the house. While it’s always nice to have some alone time, having a roommate is great too - you get to try different British snacks together, and sometimes you stay up talking for hours before bed."
Evenings in the boarding houses are filled with laughter and connection.
"My favourite time is the evenings, when the atmosphere is always fun and light. We often gather in one of the boarding houses to play games, watch something together, or just chat for a while. Weekends are also really busy with trips around England, swimming, golf, board games, karaoke, and so many other activities that keep us entertained and prevent us from feeling homesick."
Support from Staff
At Worksop College, staff play a crucial role in helping pupils feel at home. Whether it’s academic guidance, emotional support, or simply providing a listening ear, the team is always there to help.
"What makes Worksop College truly special is the staff, who genuinely care about us. My physics teacher, Mr. Breheney, has always been there for me, offering support, guidance, and advice whenever I need it. Miss Sanderson, the Assistant Housemistress of Gibbs, fills the house with positivity and laughter, making it a really happy place to live. My tutor, Mr. Jordan, ensures that I stay academically strong while also challenging me to reach my full potential."
Advice for Future International Boarders
For those considering studying abroad at a boarding school, Matilda has one piece of advice: just go for it!
"It’s an amazing way to challenge yourself and grow. You learn so much - not just academically, but also about yourself and the world around you. Being able to share clothes, snacks, and experiences with people your age teaches you so much about empathy, care, and independence. It’s an experience like no other."
