Finding comfort and familiarity in Bath

Hello again, Mercy here.

You might be wondering why I chose to write about food in my last two blogs. The reason is simple. As an international student, everything around me is constantly changing. The university is new, the style of learning is new, the accommodation is new, and even the weather is something to adjust to. In the middle of all this change, I have realised how important it is to have something familiar, something constant.

For me, that constant is food.

Imagine navigating a completely new environment and then also having every single meal feel unfamiliar. It can be overwhelming. Being able to cook and eat meals from home creates a sense of comfort and stability. It is a small but powerful way of holding on to a part of yourself. Of course, it is not always easy. Sometimes we cannot find the exact ingredients we need, and that is okay. We learn to adapt. There are international shops in Bath and nearby cities such as Bristol and Swindon where you can find ingredients from home. In my first year, I travelled to Bristol every few months to buy some food items. At other times, I have been surprised to find what I need in Tesco. Food is part of who we are, and being able to carry that with us into new places is something special.

At the same time, the kitchen in student accommodation becomes more than just a place to cook. It becomes a place of connection. Cooking often starts conversations about spices, flavours, and traditions. It opens the door for people to ask questions, share stories, and try something new.

Some of my favourite memories have come from these shared moments. I learned about the importance of cardamom in tea from my Indian flatmate, who we called the Chai Master. I have also been introduced to rum cake, poppy seeds, and many other foods simply by being in the kitchen while someone else was cooking.

In that space, cultures meet.

Food becomes a way of sharing who you are while also learning about others. It is a simple but meaningful part of the international student experience, and for me, it has made adjusting to life in a new country much easier. Food helped me navigate homesickness, and it might help you too.