Heraclitus once said, “Everything changes and nothing stands still.” The idea of doing a degree in two different countries sounds fascinating but it sure has its ups and downs. After an amazing two years in Malaysia, it was time a big change, all the way to England. Its already been a semester in the UK and yet it feels like yesterday when I first boarded my flight to Malaysia, over a couple of years ago.
Countless flights and hours of commuting between Malaysia and Singapore, it was time to fly to London, instead. The weather was no longer a tropical 30 degrees throughout the year but rather sombre at 0 degrees. Lectures were no longer at the same class room every day with the same classmates, but in a number of different buildings with students from numerous faculties. Going around the city was no longer just a convenient car ride but it was time to take the bus(and rely on its schedule!). The labs no longer were just for the few of us doing EEE in Malaysia but for hundreds of students in ECS in the UK. Meals went from a conveniently cheap take-out at Malaysian restaurants to having to plan the day and ensure enough time for cooking those!
There are numerous differences that I could go on and on about, but to sum it up its not easy to make such a big change mid-way through your degree. Obviously, its not easy to settle in a new country at first anyway but after two years, Malaysia became a great home away from home and to let go of it was not easy. To start again in the UK was by no means easy but its so important to give it time and embrace the change. Sure it’s hard to not have as comfortable, small and convenient environment as it was in Malaysia, where you pretty much know everyone in the campus, from the lecturers to the office staff. But its essential to look at the bright side and discover the new things that you experience in a bigger university environment.
Numerous clubs and societies, from Tennis to Rock-Climbing(!), something for everyone. The Union Southampton runs a great many events every day to cater to all kinds of students. Always wanted to learn a new language? You can either choose one as an elective module, or take a free language course at the Winchester School of Arts.
In conclusion, it’s perfectly normal to feel intimidated at first when you’re making such a huge transition, but its important to let go and take advantage of the thousands of new opportunities that lie in front of you, if you’re willing to take the chance!
