Exchange Diary (CityU Students)

February 14, 2018

The first day of my five months exchange at the University of Adelaide, and I already know I am going to miss this so much at the end of it. This week is Orientation Week, the most exciting period where classes and assignments have not yet started, and your sole purpose is simply to make friends, explore the university and city! But it is not as easy as it sounds for sure! I realized that you have to be brave and confident, that there should be no room for shyness and regrets. If you see someone who you think you might vibe with, you have to make a move. Honestly, it has been two weeks now, and four of my closest friends right now were made on the first day, and I could not be happier about it! A good friend circle is important to have, be open to meeting new people, be friendly, be nice, and use all that communication skills that were once examined back in university!

February 15,  2018
15th February 2018, the second day of orientation week, filled with activities and lots of prizes. For most of the day, we participated in the Amazing Race Adelaide, where we had to navigate our way through the city and complete various tasks. It was definitely not a piece of cake- running around in the 34 degrees heat of Adelaide and doing 15 push-ups in front of the famous Adelaide Oval. The day required intense cooperation and thinking, but at the same time it was so much fun. Coming back home after an action-packed day, I remember thinking how perfect it would be coming back to see familiar faces of my family and eating together, till it hit me that they were miles away, and I came here alone to fill clean sheets of a brand-new book. But being far from my family and friends, and even further away from my comfort zone makes me appreciate them, and all the opportunities here even more, leaving me less nervous and more excited.

February 16, 2018
February is one of the most happening months here in Adelaide. Of the many festivals and annual fairs this month, one of the most popular ones is the Adelaide Fringe Festival! Filled with shows, rides, and authentic food from all over the world, the Fringe reflects the true Aussie spirit. We went there today, and it was absolutely astonishing. It truly warms my heart to see how friendly people are in Adelaide. Be it the person you just bumped into, the cashier at the food stall, the person in the lift, or the one standing next to you at the line, imagine having a nice and sweet conversation with every single one of them. Although it is not so much of a developed concept in Hong Kong, we can start breaking the barrier perhaps caused by gluing our phones to our eyes, and instead simply start by smiling to the person who just made an eye contact! You never know, it might be a start of a great friendship.

February 17, 2018
The Student Exchange program organized by City University is an opportunity that I say cannot and should not be missed by any student. If you are interested, you should apply. I remember when I first heard of this opportunity, I wanted to take it. But at a point, I was carried away with emotions of insecurity and doubt, till I realized I cannot give up such an opportunity due to fear. It is about taking risks, and stepping out of what is comfortable. Today was a trip to the beach, and it was one of the most beautiful sights I have seen, the limitless blue sky filled with gigantic white clouds, the infinite blue water, and cold but soft-as-pillow white sand. I realized that moment that coming on exchange might be one of the best decisions I have ever made.

February 18, 2018
Coming on exchange, I have started doing things I have never really done before. When you come alone to a country you have never been to before for around half a year, you have a lot of free time, at least until now I do. You have time to try things that you did not have time for before, be it cooking, traveling, or watching the sun set. Apart from making new memories with new people in a new country, this experience is making me appreciate all the things around me, be it something so small or something big. On another note, my lectures are going to start next week, and I am more than excited for it. At the end of the day, no matter how much fun you are having, as a student, education should always be one of our top priority.

Labels: 2017/2018 Semester B