After a year of exams, assignments and a monstrous Individual Project, my 1st academic year at Southampton has come to an end. From academics to my interests in music and sports, the year was packed with activities to indulge in and I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience. As of now, most of my colleagues and friends from Malaysia have Balik’d to their respective Kampungs. For most of them, it has been their first experience of living so far away from home and they’ve been eager to head back.
As for me, Bangalore will have to wait! I have decided to stay back and experience working in a place so different from my home. And so after a short holiday to Athens and Sicily, I am now back in Southampton. I have moved out of halls and into temporary private accommodation. Only a couple of weeks in and private rented has already been a different exposure to halls. The Unilink Bus Pass has expired and I have had to buy a cheap bicycle to save on transportation costs. Technical problems regarding Wi-Fi and water has to be attended to and I can no longer rely on Resident Services to look into the matter while I relax. But it has been wonderful to get out of the sheltered zone of student-life and attempt at being more independent in this city which has been my home for next to a year now.
My workplace is located about 25 minutes (3.5 miles) away by bike and I absolutely love the ride there! The journey takes me through the lush green residential areas between the M27 and A27. The paved cycle path and intermittent traffic makes the ride there comfortable and safe. If you can, cycle to work! You’ll love it. Work keeps me occupied for most part of the day and so far it’s been challenging. But I have colleagues who are easily approachable and always willing to offer guidance. I also met a University of Southampton alumnus and had an enlightening chat with him.
During my free time and on weekends, I usually meet friends and occasionally travel to nearby areas. Watching The Euros with a refreshing pint of ale keeps me occupied too. Immensely occupied. I recently met with friends and had an absolutely delicious meal to celebrate Eid. I also visited the Isle of Wight and its picturesque Whitecliff Bay and Culver Down. Just this past weekend, I also got to see the Westbury White Horse and had a picnic with friends in the surrounding hill. It’s just an hour away from Southampton and I recommend going there for a pleasant hike or picnic.
It’s still early days into my internship and there is a challenging job ahead. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. There has been a lot to learn and explore outside of university life and I am really looking forward to the rest of summer!