From Fresher to Finalist

In the blink of an eye, I’m graduating in a month. I think 2021 me would be proud of 2025 me - for the growth, resilience, and memories made. Whether it was pulling an all-nighter with friends in the library, living abroad, or the little everyday moments - I’ve truly come a long way.

The Fresher Phase: Adaptation

I arrived at Warwick after a 13-hour flight and a 3-hour bus from Hong Kong. I still remember landing on a Sunday and rushing to Tesco at 3:55pm—only to find the shelves half-empty and even the salt and pepper sold out, after realising everything shuts at 4. Coming from a city with 24-hour convenience stores, that was a cultural shock in itself.

Back then, I mostly lived on microwave meals - very different from the fresh takeaways and my dad’s home-cooked meals I was used to. But four years later, I’ve mastered the art of grocery shopping and even (kind of) became a MasterChef.

The first few months were tough. I struggled with the cold, short days, homesickness, and finding common ground with my flatmates. At times, I questioned why I chose to study somewhere so far from home.

But as spring arrived where flowers bloomed, days grew longer, masks came off, I slowly began to find joy in this new chapter. I started going to society events, met people from all walks of life, and realised how varied and flexible student life could be. One day I was collecting surplus produce in Coventry Market for Enactus, the next I was on a day trip to Oxford, or helping plan a Graphic Design and Marketing Society event.   

Second Year: Rediscovery

By second year, things began to settle. I built routines, made close friends, and developed hobbies that made uni life feel more like home. But while things felt more stable, I also started to feel a bit lost. 

Everyone around me was applying for internships, but I wasn’t even sure what I wanted to do. The initial excitement had worn off, and I felt stuck. So, I decided it was time for a change.

Third Year: Growth

I spent my third year on exchange in Copenhagen and Madrid—one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I cried on the flight there out of fear and nerves, and cried again on the flight back, this time because I miss it so much already.

Exchange felt like a levelled-up version of my fresher year, but with a new language, new friends, new challenges, all packed into five months in Copenhagen, and five in Madrid. The cultural differences hit harder this time, and no one really talks about how lonely it can feel after all the socialising ends. But, I adapted again and grew more. 

I experienced all four seasons in Copenhagen, from vibrant green to golden autumn to snowy winter. I sipped oat lattes by the canals with new friends and ran a 10km race through streets of Madrid. This exchange year gave me time to reflect, grow, and focus on internship applications, which eventually led to a summer role in London, as a glimpse towards corporate life beyond lecture halls. 

I also gained stories from travelling to 27 cities with friends from all over the world. That year taught me resilience, adaptability, and cultural understanding. Without a doubt, it was my most unforgettable year. 

Final Year: Gratitude 

Coming back for final year felt surreal. Time had flown. Everything felt familiar yet slightly different. I’ve been cherishing the little moments with friends, knowing soon we’ll soon be scattered across the country, and maybe even the world. Meetups will become “are you free the second Saturday in three months?”

As graduation approaches, I feel nothing but gratitude, for the people, the experiences, the challenges, and the growth.

Final Thoughts

Living life to the fullest means different things to different people. But one thing’s clear to me now: go at your own pace, follow your heart, and trust your path. No matter how uncertain or different, it will unfold in its own time. I’m still learning and growing, but to me that’s the best part of it all.