Hejhej and welcome back to my little corner of the "blogosphere".

 

I'm going to take a break from the picture posting, and share something in a new format - a list! A compilation of 10 things I've been reflecting on, that would have been helpful to keep in mind when I was preparing for this adventure!

 

I'm the first to admit that there is a lot to keep in mind, especially during the planning and application process. A lot of important dates and deadlines, ticket information, insurance and course registration matters, to name a few. Deciding to study abroad means giving yourself a whole lot of practical stuff to take care of.

 

 

That being said - it has all been done before! I had a lot of support from friends and acquiantances that went to NTU before. They were extremely patient and helpful when answering my questions. Don't be afraid to ask! Be it another exchange student, your home university or your host institution - it's in everybody's best interest that your exchange is an enjoyable one, and most will be happy to make that happen!

 

Just the other day, I was approached in Burger King at 06.30 in the morning (Yes...no further comments). I was asked to join four other people at their table. Turns out they were all international students at NTU and we ended up getting a ride back to campus together! At first I was a bit shy and hesitant to say yes, but I decided to give it a shot and instead of eating my post-party meal alone, I made new friends! You will find that people make an effort to get to know you, and it's definitely NOT weird if you do the same. Dare to introduce yourself! Say hello! Ask if you can join, and invite other people to the activities you are planning. Everybody is a long way from home without their usual social circle, just like you. They will appreciate your efforts. I promise!

 

I've written about homesickness before, and I firmly believe that it is part of the exchange experience. Some days everything will remind you of home. Even though you swore you wouldn't be sentimental, at some point you will probably fall victim to a strange stomach ache and fight the urge to call home because it's 3 in the morning there (damn time difference). For me, this happened when the everyday routines started to fall into place here in Singapore. Time flies so fast though, so stay positive about your surroundings, persist and work through it! You will be back before you know it.

 

Speaking of going back home, sometimes it will feel like a terrible idea! You're just getting used to stuff here, and you're having fun?! It's not fair that you would have to go back and adjust AGAIN?

 

Well, the reality of going home is something that most of us have to accept. I think it's key to be mindful and consciously work to live in the present. Don't think too much about what happened before you came, of what will happen after you leave! It's completely fine to focus on what you're doing now, or the next couple of days or weeks. I'm not going to tell you to make the most out of every single day, because honestly, I think that's a lot of pressure... Just be mindful and appreciate what's around you!

 

Your priorities, likes and dislikes are likely to change in this new environment. I for example, started buying a lot of pink and super-sweet stationary things. There is just so many cute things here! I also got a cap that I wouldn't have thought of getting back home (it's too warm for my signature beanie though) and for a couple of weeks I was TOTALLY going to but a ukelele and learn to play it... 

 

Apart from these more superficial things, I've also had a lot of time to reflect on my behaviour. When you're put in social situations or conflicts for example, and you can't handle them the way you normally would, it makes you very aware of your habits. My exchange has opened for a lot of interesting realisations and I appreciate the opportunity to develop my self-awareness.

 

I can't count all the times I've been surprised and confused since coming to Singapore. Depending on where you are going of course, you will notice different things. Just let it unfold and keep an open mind! Locals may laugh (or sigh) at your strange behaviour, but in time you will learn to navigate the bus, supermarket queues and whatever else might be different from what you are used to.

 

Like putting on sunscreen, partying on Wednesdays (OK, I did that before too.. but hey), posting on Instagram a lot more and creating new WhatsApp group chats every week. I've also started reading more Swedish poetry and listening to more Swedish music. Who would have thought?

 

Yes, you still have to do laundry. Just a reminder. Especially if you only brought like 9 t-shirts...

 

 

No matter where you are in the process, going on exchange can feel overwhelming. Don't let it make you forget how long you've been dreaming about this! Don't let it stop you from enjoying the ride, and know that whatever feels like an impossible hurdle will soon be behind you and pretty much forgotten. There are so many unforgettable experiences in store for you, go get them! I promise it will be worth it.