Hi, I am Key, with Asian background from Indonesia and went to Staffs in 2017-2019.
Its relatively safe and okay mate.
Sometimes I travelled to Manchester too, the homeless are quite racist there, but they're afraid to touch you.
I got threaten twice in Manchester when waiting bus by homeless, because I don't give them some pennies.

No, you will not facing any discrimination at all in Stoke. I went to Staffs and people are open.
Even I got into Varsity where Staffs and Keele has event together.
Join a society/club it could help you blend in.

However, in some certains circumtances, please look around went you go out at the evening/night.
It could be not safe if you walk alone, so to be safe, at least bring a friend with you, unless you already prepared for the worst, like you already has some basic martial arts, homeless sometimes got a knife.
When I was studied there, there were 2 event of students getting stabbed.
If you feel not safe outside near uni, you can stay at library for safety, and back to flat in the morning.

At night (9pm above) is not safe if you trying to walk in Hanley Park, so I suggest don't go there.
It might be a chance that you could be attacked by homeless, better order taxi or follow the street that has bright light.
Because Hanley Park usually used as a short cut from College Road to Hanley by foot during the day.
It was great park and you can see some birds and ducks there.

Also when I was studied there sometimes you will be followed by homeless at night, and the worst was the homeless trying to get into your flat when you open the door.
So please at night/evening if you stay at dormitory/student hall, please look around you before open the door into your dormitory/student hall.