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<\/a><\/p>\nI also became acquainted with my new flat mates, each of whom had also traveled from other countries such as Hong Kong, Canada, Italy, and America, to study in the UK. The accommodation itself was simple but practical with its main appeal being about a 15-minute walk from campus (10 minutes if I was late). Previously my commute to Uni involved a 45-minute bus ride, but as a result of being within easy walking distance, I found my desire to attend classes increased dramatically.<\/p>\n
The first month of study was a first of many experiences for me, with a major one being solely responsible for looking after myself. Previously, I would cook about 2-3 times a week for the family, therefore I had no real concerns about looking after myself while overseas. However, I failed to fully comprehend the amount of effort and time required to plan for a full week of home cooking, especially when it\u2019s just for me. To go through the whole process of preparing, cooking, and cleaning up after making a simple Spaghetti Bolognese for one, just to eat it in under 10 minutes was surprisingly taxing after a while. I have no shame in admitting that I have now developed a fondness for frozen pizzas as a result.<\/p>\n
One of the most significant memories that will always stay with me was how the sun started to set around 4pm. It was such a surreal experience, waking up at 8am, attending two classes and then all of a sudden, the suns going down. I didn\u2019t realise it at the time, but the limited daylight had a negative impact on my productivity. My body started to feel tired earlier, using the setting sun as an indicator to get ready for bed, despite only being about 4pm.<\/p>\n Being a popular international university, the University of Birmingham is constantly home to a vast variety of international students. As a result, I found myself having to concentrate a little more in every conversation as I simply had no idea what accent I was going to be faced with next. I often found that some of the British accents were far more difficult to understand. However, as a result I believe I have become a much better listener.<\/p>\n Obviously, you can\u2019t go to the UK without doing a bit of travelling, which is exactly what I did. After settling in to a good routine, I immediately started cramming my weekends with travel plans, trying to make the most of the rolling green hills and picturesque mountains that litter the countryside of not just England but Scotland and Whales as well. The Snowdonia National Park in Wales was a particular favourite of mine, after having spent some time exploring the Lakes Idwal and Ogwen, and eventually tackling the infamous Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa). Originally, I had no intention of hiking up Snowdon, but I was eventually convinced to try it by some family friends and told to follow the Llanberis Path which was said to be the easiest of them all. Now, just to clarify, I like to think my fitness level is pretty good, and I\u2019m certainly no stranger to a long hike, but I have never experienced one quite like this. If I had tried it on any other day, I\u2019m confident that I would have made it to the summit, but unfortunately on this particular day it was not the case. The Welsh weather was out in full force, with constant pelting rain and gales of wind freezing my already soaked gear. Not to mention the low hanging clouds prevented me from seeing 10 metres in front of me, let alone the beautiful surrounding mountain ranges. It was when the unpredictable wind knocked an unfortunate fellow hiker off balance and to her knees that I decided to cut my losses and turn around. It wasn\u2019t until I got back to the halfway point that I discovered the summit had been closed for the day as the determined few who had made it earlier that day had only done so essentially on their hands and knees\u2026and all of a sudden, I didn\u2019t feel too bad.<\/p>\n Overall, I can\u2019t wait until to go back. There are so many things that I missed due to lack of time (and money), but that just means I can use them as an excuse to go back. Not to mention working overseas has suddenly become a very real possibility for me thanks to this experience, and I look forward to seeing where my future career takes me.<\/p>\n Find out how you can apply for exchange via the QUT Student Exchange\u00a0website<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n