Brayden – University of Guelph – Canada
Semester 1, 2024
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Bachelor of Business (Finance)
On the 3rd of January 2024 I began my solo journey to Toronto, Canada. After over 20+ hours of flying and another few hours of driving I had arrived at the University of Guelph.
Settling In
Despite never having been more excited for an experience, the first week was extremely difficult. It was freezing cold, I knew nobody, and the maps app on my phone barely functioned due to the temperatures complicating the navigation of a completely new city/campus.
University Life
Living on campus in an apartment full of exchange students was the greatest experience of my exchange. After we all got over our respective travel hangovers lifelong friendships spanning all corners of the globe were formed.
On campus we were spoilt with some of the best dining halls in the country, premier sporting facilities, and some bars/clubs seemingly immune from inflation in the 21st century.
Aside from the extracurriculars, I used all four of my university wide electives to my full advantage. Specifically, I learnt Brazilian Portuguese, Sports Management, Cultural Anthropology, and Macroeconomics.
Time to Travel
While passing all units is definitely a priority, so is maximising experiences. As an exchange student in a country notorious for its kindness and hospitality, it wasn’t long before weekend trips to outer town, outer state, and outer country areas became the norm.
Looking Back
There were certainly times where I would ask myself, why am I here? But looking back I would not change a thing. The exchange experience is something that I firmly believe is fundamental to the development of a resilient, learned, and cultured perspective.
Find out more on how you can apply: Student Exchange
