Sonia: Study abroad

I went on exchange to the University of Warwick in Coventry, England. I decided to leave Melbourne two months before my start date to explore Europe and get a feel for my surroundings. As clichéd as it sounds, my half-a-year abroad was truly the highlight of my university experience. I not only got to immerse myself completely into British culture, but got the opportunity to meet some fantastic people who are now some of my closest friends.

Q. Why did you choose to go on exchange?
I wanted to get outside my comfort zone, and what better way to do that than moving halfway around the world for six months!

Q. Why did you choose to go to Warwick University?
I had read up about Warwick and saw what an amazing university it was. I also liked the idea of being able to travel (I’m a bit of a travel junkie) to Europe during my free time.

Q. What was the biggest obstacle you overcame on your trip?
I think the day-to-day activities that I depended on my parents for (without even realising!), and had to do myself in the UK was the biggest obstacle. It was also hard getting over the home sickness. And knowing that your friends and family are continuing with life without you was kind of weird to get used to.

Q. Tell us about us one quirky activity or memory from your trip.
Our Warwick semester ended in the first week of December, and I remember decorating my friends’ flat straight after Halloween with Christmas decorations, so we had lights and a mini Christmas tree set up all throughout November! We would watch Christmas movies and sing Christmas carols at night, and even had a Christmas dinner with Secret Santa all together before we finished for the term. Even though we were a month ahead, it really made me feel like I was a part of a family with these friends I had just met two months ago!