Spending a semester abroad at the was one of the most transformative experiences of my undergraduate journey. Immersing myself in a new academic system and culture pushed me to grow both personally and intellectually. Every moment, from touring the UK/Europe to forming lifelong friendships, offered something new and worthwhile.
Academically, I only took four electives, which is less than the typical five-course load at Queen鈥檚. At Warwick, courses are called 鈥渕odules鈥, a minor distinction that led to a few funny misunderstandings at the start! Although the academic coursework was more autonomous than I was accustomed to, it allowed me the freedom to organize my schedule and learn at my own pace. I chose to live on campus in a residence known as Rootes, and it improved my entire experience. The environment on my floor was friendly and sociable; we would cook together in the communal kitchen and go on spontaneous outings. The campus itself was full of energy and diverse student life. The open and unique layout of the Faculty of Arts building made it my favourite place to study. The Warwick Esports Centre was an unanticipated gem, where I frequently spent evenings playing games on consoles or racing friends on F1 simulators.
England has a rich cultural heritage. I tried local favourites like jacket potatoes and the full English breakfast. I took in the rich history that is evident everywhere, from the Welsh hills to castles like Warwick Castle, which was only a short train journey away.
The university offered good wellness resources as support. I had an obligatory check-in meeting with a personal advisor at the beginning and end of the semester. Even though I didn't eventually require any assistance, it gave me a sense of security to know that I could ask for help whenever I needed it. That small touch made my exchange transition much smoother.
My exchange challenged me in ways that helped me grow personally. I arrived feeling nervous and unsure about living in a new country, but by the end of the semester, I was more confident, outgoing, and open to new experiences. Meeting people from all over the world and adapting to unfamiliar situations pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me become more independent.
Some of my most memorable experiences were the everyday ones: trivia nights at The Dirty Duck, playing late-night pool at the student centre, or travelling to several European countries during weekends and breaks. Being able to visit European countries like Italy and Portugal gave me a chance to explore different cultures, try new foods, and make the most of being close to Europe.
For future exchange students, I highly recommend joining clubs; some universities even have one specifically for exchange students! Also, live on campus if possible; it makes adjusting so much easier. Overall, my exchange program was everything I hoped for and genuinely one of the most exciting, eye-opening experiences of my life.
