Prisca Ifunanya Page

There are things this course is teaching me that no one warned me about.

Before starting Tourism and Hospitality Management in the UK, I had certain expectations about what the course would be like. I assumed it would focus mainly on theory, customer service basics, and industry knowledge. While those things are part of it, I quickly realised there is much more emphasis on personal development than I expected.

One of the biggest surprises has been how much attention is given to attitude and behaviour. It’s not enough to simply understand concepts how you apply them matters just as much. Professionalism, punctuality, and communication are treated as essential skills, not optional extras. That shift in mindset has challenged me to become more intentional in how I approach my studies and interactions.

Another thing I didn’t expect was how reflective the course would be. You’re encouraged to think deeply about experiences, analyse situations, and understand why certain approaches work better than others. This has helped me develop stronger critical thinking skills and become more self-aware.

Studying in the UK has also exposed me to diverse perspectives. Interacting with people from different backgrounds has broadened my understanding of service and cultural awareness.

Of course, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. Adjusting to a new academic environment, managing expectations, and staying motivated can be difficult at times. But those challenges have also been some of the most valuable learning moments.

This course is teaching me that growth often happens outside of comfort zones. I’m learning to embrace the process, even when it feels uncomfortable, and trust that every experience is shaping me into a better version of myself.

There are things this course is teaching me that no one warned me about.

Before starting Tourism and Hospitality Management in the UK, I had certain expectations about what the course would be like. I assumed it would focus mainly on theory, customer service basics, and industry knowledge. While those things are part of it, I quickly realised there is much more emphasis on personal development than I expected.
One of the biggest surprises has been how much attention is given to attitude and behaviour. It’s not enough to simply understand concepts how you apply them matters just as much. Professionalism, punctuality, and communication are treated as essential skills, not optional extras. That shift in mindset has challenged me to become more intentional in how I approach my studies and interactions.

Another thing I didn’t expect was how reflective the course would be. You’re encouraged to think deeply about experiences, analyse situations, and understand why certain approaches work better than others. This has helped me develop stronger critical thinking skills and become more self-aware.

Studying in the UK has also exposed me to diverse perspectives. Interacting with people from different backgrounds has broadened my understanding of service and cultural awareness. It’s taught me that hospitality isn’t one-size-fits-all it requires sensitivity and adaptability.

Of course, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. Adjusting to a new academic environment, managing expectations, and staying motivated can be difficult at times. But those challenges have also been some of the most valuable learning moments.

This course is teaching me that growth often happens outside of comfort zones. I’m learning to embrace the process, even when it feels uncomfortable, and trust that every experience is shaping me into a better version of myself.

What lessons have you learnt from your studies?

Tourism and Hospitality is more than travel, hotels, or customer service.

Many people misunderstand Tourism and Hospitality Management, assuming it’s only about traveling or working in hotels. But as a student in this field, I’m learning that it’s much deeper than that. At its core, hospitality is about people, experiences, and how environments are intentionally created to make others feel comfortable, valued, and respected.

I chose this course because it aligns with my interest in people-focused work and meaningful interactions. It challenges you to think beyond yourself and consider the needs, expectations, and experiences of others. That mindset alone changes how you approach both professional and personal situations.

One of the biggest lessons I’m learning is that service is not about forcing politeness or memorizing procedures. It’s about awareness, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. These are skills that can’t be rushed, and they require constant reflection and practice.

As a student, I’m still growing into this field. I don’t claim to know everything, but I’m committed to learning and improving. This journey is shaping how I see work, responsibility, and professionalism, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn in an environment that encourages growth.

Tourism and Hospitality Management is teaching me lessons that go far beyond the classroom lessons I know will stay.

Studying hospitality is quietly changing how I see people not in theory, but in real life.

Before I started Tourism and Hospitality Management, I thought service was mostly about rules, procedures, and doing your job well. I assumed professionalism meant being efficient and polite. While those things matter, studying hospitality has taught me that people are far more complex than any checklist or standard.

One of the biggest lessons I’m learning is that everyone arrives with something you cannot see. In hospitality, you’re trained to look beyond the surface. A guest who seems impatient may be tired, stressed, or overwhelmed. A customer who appears quiet may simply want to feel acknowledged. Studying this course is teaching me that empathy is not optional it’s essential.

I’m also learning that people remember how you make them feel more than what you say or do. Small moments matter. A welcoming tone, active listening, or genuine attention can completely change an experience. Hospitality teaches you that respect is communicated through behaviour, not just words.

I’m still learning, still observing, and still developing these skills. But one thing is clear: hospitality is about people first. It teaches you to slow down, notice, and respond with intention.

If you’re studying hospitality management, working with people, or simply learning how to communicate better, I’d love to hear your experience.

What has working or studying hospitality management taught you about people?

Something I just realized so late.

You’ve been doing research your whole life and probably never realized it.

Research isn’t just for professors in labs or students writing long papers. I used to think that too until a lecture yesterday completely changed my mindset.

Here’s the truth 👇
Every time you’re curious, observing, or trying to fill a gap in what you know, you’re doing research.

Think about it:
An entrepreneur who wants to start a business and goes to the market to ask questions that’s research. What pushed them? Curiosity.

During COVID, medical practitioners searched endlessly for solutions to fight the virus that’s research too. Why? A knowledge gap.

As an international student in a new country, checking your map to see when the bus will arrive so you don’t miss it yes, that’s research as well.

Anytime you ask “Why?”, “How?”, or “What’s the best way?” and then look for answers, you’re already doing research whether you call it that or not.

Research isn’t distant.
Research is daily life.
Research is you.

Did this change how you see research?
👍 Like if this makes sense
💬 Comment with a real-life example of “research” you’ve done today
🔁 Share this with someone who thinks research is only for academia.

I was rushing for class. Already late. Heart pounding. Bag heavy with books, dreams, and deadlines.

I was running to catch the bus the kind of run every student knows too well. When my flask slipped out of my backpack without me noticing.
I picked it up and saw the scratch.

And honestly? It hurt more than it should have.

Not because it’s just a flask but because it was a gift. A reminder of home, support and sacrifice.
One of those small things that quietly carries love through a tough student journey.

That scratch now reminds me of late mornings, tight schedules and the pressure of studying abroad and showing up anyway even when things don’t go perfectly.

Student life isn’t neat.
Dreams get scratched.
But we keep going.

And yes… I still caught the bus.

If you’re a student, tell me in the comments: what’s the one small thing that keeps you going on hard days?
Save this if you’re in your “still trying” season .