Even before beginning my university career, I knew I wanted to go on exchange, and it has genuinely been something I have been thinking about for the past five years of my life. Now, I cannot believe that this exchange is coming to an end. I have learned so much from European geography about who I am as an individual.
The University of Glasgow itself was a dream come true. It required no convincing for me to get to campus and study, because the buildings were so beautiful and I loved walking through Kelvingrove Park every day, even during the colder months. What I also really enjoyed about Glasgow is the class structure – it was perfect for an exchange student. I took six courses, 10 credits each. The courses here have much less workload as there is only a single assignment (if that) during the semester, and less class contact time compared to Auckland, so I had a lot of free time during the semester to get to know all the other exchange students and even go travelling on the weekends. I took a course on Glasgow Architecture, Medieval Scottish Kings and French, which all have nothing to do with my degree, so I was excited for a bit of change. Since I went in the Spring semester, there was also a whole month of spring break before the exam revision period, so I could travel around Europe during that time!! I am usually such an academic perfectionist, but I took this opportunity to prioritise the people here and explore whenever possible. Although I had to cram study during exam period, I am very glad I did! I would never have this kind of time or freedom in Auckland, so I will forever be grateful for this experience.
Here are some general tips specific to the University of Glasgow:
- Carry your student ID with you everywhere because there’s a student discount literally everywhere.
- Stay in uni accommodation!! A bunch of exchange students get in, so you can keep close to most people.
- Follow many University Instagram accounts, watch for events and freebies, and download the UofG life app to see how busy study spaces are.
- Get the Young Scots card for free bus travel.
Exchange is a fantastic opportunity where you can meet so many different people from across the globe, and travel heaps. Still, I have to say it is glamorised to a certain extent. It’s essential to remember this if you are considering going on an exchange because it can feel like you’re the only one going through a hard time (but this will soon be something to bond over!!). I knew that being away from New Zealand would be difficult. Still, it was so much harder than I had expected and it was hard to come to terms with that because I knew how badly I wanted to go on exchange. BUT the greater the challenge, the greater the lesson! I have gained so much resilience, flexibility, a deeper appreciation for connection but also the ability to find joy in my independence. I could write a 1000-page essay about all of this, but in short, I have gained so much from both the good and the bad from this exchange, and I would genuinely not change a thing about my experience.
As the only NZ exchange student, I had to say goodbye to everyone I met but I am so grateful for all these deep and rich connections I have made. Now, as I return to Auckland to continue my studies, I carry this experience and lessons with me. To anyone considering an exchange: take the leap!! It will challenge you in the best possible ways.
Thank you for reading, and feel free to ask me any questions 😆