My journey begins in the True North Strong and Free

Finally here!

Compared to the extremely lost and exhausted girl who hauled 2 heavy suitcases and a ridiculous amount of hand luggage out of Vancouver airport a couple weeks back, I now have a much, MUCH better grasp of things. Is everything in order? Not exactly, but I do have faith that is getting there. I promise. I have sorted out my classes, got my bearings around campus, bought some books, food and even a piece of cutlery or two. Time has flown by these past two weeks and I have a feeling it won’t be slowing down anytime soon. It’s been a busy time and a steep learning curve with so much going on everyday. Nevertheless, I thought I’d try and catch you up on my life over here by sharing things that I have learned thus far.

1) First, it is (unfortunately) true what they say; Vancouver is VERY expensive- let that be said upfront.

2) Sushi (however) is relatively cheap and sold everywhere! (win!)

3) There are two beaches near campus- and as it turns out the one that ISN’T a nudist beach is extremely difficult to find (note: you don’t have to be nude at Wreck Beach- but you can’t be too squeamish about seeing a bare butt every now and again) (also, on a vaguely related note: another thing surprisingly difficult to find here: basic breakfast tea)

4) Campus at UBC is beautiful. No ifs ands or buts about it.

5) The stereotypic North American house parties with keg stands, beer pong, red cups and nachos really DO exist (as do Frat parties, which seem to be always going on, though I’ve yet to experience one)

6) There is a lot more uni work here than in the UK (but it means you need to keep up throughout the term, which may reduce the likelihood of freaking out come end of term and midterms)

7) It's amazing how far a pot, bowl, spoon and mug can take you.

8) When I’m not mistaken for Canadian, or when I say I study in Scotland, I've been told (on quite many occasions, might I add) that I sound Scottish..? That's new.

9) Toilets are washrooms (this term is used all the time), plasters are bandaids, kettles are waterboilers (??), macaroni and cheese can also be called KD, Tim Hortons is everywhere, and the skytrain is actually underground for a significant part of its route.

10) And finally, and almost most importantly; the people here really are super helpful and nice which makes easing into life here so much easier for us nervous exchange students.

So that’s the most of it. It’s not a huge amount, but it’s a start and every day I learn something new. What I can say is that the bits I have thus far discovered and seen of Vancouver and UBC, truly are fantastic- everything from the beautiful scenery both on and off campus, to the friendliness of the people, have made me very happy with my choice of coming here. And so what I’m still sleeping in my sleeping bag? It won’t be long before I get my sheets and bed sorted, and I'll probably learn a lot of unexpected things along the way. 

                                                     UBC Campus

Sunset from our balcony

Vancouver- city scenery

Final countdown

’It was the best of times, it was the worst of times’. Sitting here in the midst of my half packed suitcases and neat little piles of clothing still awaiting their final placement I can’t help but be reminded of those immortal words of Mr. Dickens when thinking back on the past few days and trying to picture the next couple ahead of me. In less than 24 hours I will be leaving my home country (yet again) for a year that I’ve been assured will be full of adventure, in a place far, far away; Vancouver. 

This is both exhilarating and petrifying all at once. Exhilarating because I have only heard good things about Vancouver; the nature is amazing, the campus at UBC is beautiful, there’s tons and tons of things to do, the people are great- I could go on and on. On the other hand, it’s pretty scary having to uproot my entire life (in a sense) and try making a new one for myself thousands of kilometres away from home. You go through seeing all your friends at home for the last time and pack all your dearest belongings and trinkets with you, and you can’t help but feel a bit melancholy (so then you watch some baby animal videos to feel better). 

You’re scared you won’t make any friends, you’ll struggle with your studies, and all around you’ll have a bad time. I think every exchange student can relate to these concerns, and I think it’s completely understandable. However, I have been assured by every person I’ve ever met that has gone on exchange, that it is one of the best things you can do- and as such these fears I mentioned before seem unnecessary. 

Also, I’ve done this before - moving to another country where you didn’t really know anyone or what you were doing; most recently when I moved to Glasgow just two years ago. At first that too was a bit scary before you lay all the ground work; figured out where your classes were, found the food store, made some friends, and joined some clubs. But then I did all those things and it all turned out great. So I know that I am capable of doing it again. It’s just these last few days before leaving, and (no doubt) the first few moments after arriving that are the worst; not knowing what you’re doing, and just waiting and anticipating where this adventure will take you.

In the mean time, you pack and try not to stress too much about it (baby animal videos) - because it will all work out, and (as they say) be The. Best. Time.