STUDY // Study Abroad - two weeks in

Hello there!

It is crazy to think I have been living in Canada for almost three weeks now. I still do not know how this happened. I know I say that a lot but it’s true. Obviously I can do a flow chart saying how exactly it happened (see below) but I didn’t ever think it actually would happen you know?

Anyway, I thought I’d do a post letting you know how it feels to have successfully completed two weeks of classes. My ‘successfully’ I mean not annoyed the lecturer/failed everything to get kicked off the module. I wouldn’t say it has been all that successful at all – and that kinda sucks.

So, two weeks of classes and I am already kind of at that point where it’s all too much. Yes, I know – two weeks! Usually it would take me at least a month or two to get to this stage (and we all know that stage) so it makes me feel kind of sucky. I thought my university worked me quite hard. We’re top 20 in the UK, I have been getting first class marks for the past two years and apparently that isn’t quite enough for a top 30 university worldwide. Who’d have thought (I sure hope that sarcasm is evident – I’m never sure anymore)?

I’ll be honest; I knew it was going to be really tricky. I knew the work was going to be hard. Like I said, UBC is in the top 30 universities in the world! How on Earth am I studying here for a year? I feel like I need to bow down to the students here and chant ‘I’m not worthy’ at them because with my A Level grades they wouldn’t even have looked at my application.

So, I’m here. I applied for classes and I was a little freaked out that I’m in so many 400 classes (which are final year classes for the 4 year undergrad degree). I took it in my stride. One of the modules is really interesting and I understand it. The other one is full of grad students who have 2-3 years more experience in the subject than I do and I feel completely out of my depth. What is even worse is I always have another lecture after this one so cannot ask my lecturer any questions. I know comparing myself to a grad student is completely and utterly ridiculous but it’s really difficult not to when they are right there. I know I shouldn’t feel too bad but hey!

Labs are definitely interesting. A new partner every week and getting graded on your technique? Oh, and I had no lab partner the other day – that was something new (that I don’t particularly want to experience again!) That is the complete opposite of what I’m used to and it’s pretty freaking scary. I’m fortunate my grades for that part are pretty high so far – I don’t know how!  I will get that 9/10 framed and put on my wall. However, it means you really have to stand up for yourself and do things for yourself. You really need to prove that you can do it otherwise you come out with a bad grade and no-one needs that (especially when these grades count!)

Oh, and then there is physical chemistry. Let’s just say what seems so simple in the lecture is physically impossible (see what I did there?) when it comes to assessed problem sets. I have been trying to answer the same question for the past two hours and still haven’t gotten there yet. You see the issue.

So basically, there is lots of work to do and seemingly no time to do it in. Two lab reports a week, 3 problem sets assigned in the same week, midterms are coming up soon and random tests are given too. You cannot forget reading and pre-labs either. It seems like any work you do is not enough and it’s pretty damn demotivating. I’m so glad I don’t have Netflix otherwise no work would be done ever!

This all sounds so negative but it really has been brilliant so far.

I have explored Vancouver a little bit (although not as much as I would have liked). I have met some absolutely wonderful people. I am studying on such a beautiful campus it’s crazy. You know when it looks beautiful in the pouring rain you love where you are. I’ve had a couple of nights out/nights in. I’ve sat in some really interesting classes. I have finally been to a Homecoming game. I am living in Vancouver – one of the most beautiful places on the planet. How is that not amazing?

I think what I’m trying to say here is studying abroad is really difficult – and I’m only two weeks in. Fortunately I have had so much to do that I haven’t had a chance to feel homesick. I’m pretty sure I’m still in the denial phase. I have already handed in 3 assessments and will have handed in 8 by this time next week and it has still not hit me. I kind of hope it never does because, whilst I’m not taking full advantage right now, I’m not breaking down either. You hear about people getting so down and upset and I just haven’t felt that yet. I’m just so grateful that there is a small group of us from my home university here so there is always that bit of home close by. Sure, we’re busy pretty much all the time and it kills me they are going out and I’m staying in with a lab report but at least it’s something. I know if I ever need a boost a Facebook conversation will start up and I’ll be laughing in no time.

So yeah, studying abroad is really hard. I cannot just pop home for the weekend. I had to go to Fido three times to get my phone sorted out. It takes me 45 minutes to get Downtown (which is freaking ridiculous – why is it so far?!). I have to pay $6 for a block of cheese. I cannot watch New Girl, The Mindy Project or Almost Royal. I sweat about all these little things but it really doesn’t matter in the long run. I’m here in Vancouver with some pretty amazing people and that is just great. I’m so lucky to be where I am right now and wouldn’t give it up for the world.

Ask me that in 2 weeks (hahahahaha!)

So that’s my first ultra personal post like ever! Are you thinking of going abroad to study? Are you abroad studying right now? Do you have any tips?

Let me know!