STUDY // Semester 2: Four Weeks In

Hello there!
Can you believe we are already approaching the end of week 4 and I haven't posted a study abroad update yet? Can I get a 'that's crazy yo' (please and thank you). This has been the most hectic few weeks full of nights out, lab reports and hockey. Do you know what? I don't think I'd have it any other way.

I got back to Van and, for some reason, felt incredibly jet lagged. For some reason I thought it was a brilliant idea to go on hike with Will and his friend James. It was snowy and icy and not the easiest walk in the world. Note to self, never trust Will when he says 'it's an easy walk'. By that he means 'easy walk on ice and rocks and 1,000,000 steps'.

First week of classes was pretty ordinary. I have all new lecturers teaching me completely different modules which are all really interesting. The one thing I do love about the system at UBC is that I get to study pretty much whatever I like when it comes to chem modules. I'm doing a lot of organometallic and analytical this semester which is quite exciting! I have 8am starts twice a week with 6pm finishes. It sure is not the easiest timetable I have ever had. I feel constantly exhausted!

The first weekend back I ended up shopping in Downtown Van with Emily and Liv. You cannot beat a girl's only shopping trip - especially when my student loan has just made it into my bank account! Chocolate cake batter ice cream is AMAZING. I want some more right now please.

Then labs started and my world became entirely consumed with spectra and data and integration of peaks and random equations that make no sense what-so-ever. I have handed in 4 reports so far this semester - only 12 left to go!

I don't know how I have managed it with earlier starts and a heavier course load, with harder modules, but I have managed to go out every week so far. I don't particularly have the time, or money for that matter, but I have really been trying to make an effort in doing things that do not involve work. Sure, it's fantastic to do a year abroad but if I am not taking advantage of it - what's the point? I have said yes to going out once (just once!) a week which I hope to keep up for as long as possible. With lab reports, problem sets, quizzes, pre-reading and a research paper to do it may not happen. We'll see.

Oh, and excitingly, I booked a trip to Hawaii over reading break! Sure, I have my research paper, three mid terms and 4 lab reports to do over that week but I'll be on the beach so it'll be fine. Okay, it'll have to be fine.

So, overall, my first month back in Vancouver has been pretty fab. I'm not letting myself get so stressed. I'm heading out more and even trying to make more friends because - obviously - a girl can never have too many friends. I'm going to need it if I'm going to pass this semester!

It's pretty fair to say that my second semester has been much more successful than my first. I feel like I know what I'm doing, I have more work and am still not as stressed as I was and am just loving it. Sure, it's a lot of work but I'm sure it'll be worth it!

Are you on a year abroad or looking at applying for next year? Let me know!