UQ Program: Bachelor Journalism/Arts
I’m a Bachelor Journalism and Arts student, 3rd year and went on exchange to City University London. As a journalism student I found studying at a London university one of the best things I could’ve done. I learnt a different standard of Journalism and also got to meet editors from the Guardian and BBC; as well as attend important press conferences. To learn a bit more about the country I was in I took a beginner course in British Politics. The tedious paperwork half of being an international student was fairly easy to overcome with a few emails to various people. The hardest part was remembering to be organised. Know what documents you need to take with you, understand how credit transfer works and be prepared for the unexpected!
The personal experiences I gained from this exchange are the most important things I took out of it. Before I went I was often told “you’ll learn who you are” and as corny as that sounds it’s true! I lived in the Halls of residency and it was the best decision I made. I met some amazing people from all over the world (and now have many couches to crash when I travel in the future), the friends I made will be there for life. Being based in London also meant many weekend trips to Europe! (ryanair, easyjet and hostelworld are three names you won’t want to forget!)
Going on exchange really is a test to your strength as a person. You’re excited for the experience but once you get there you realise, I’m in a foreign city, in a foreign country, I don’t know where anything and I don’t have anyone to help me; but this feeling passes. I quickly learnt to locate the nearest supermarket, how to navigate the tube and to get drunk BEFORE heading out.
5 TOP TIPS:
1. Know where the student nights are, e.q Wednesday nights go to Ministry of Sound. You’ll get cheap entry and cheaper drinks.
2. Don’t be addicted to coffee, you’ll end spending nearly £10 a day
3. There are four major airports and they’re all ridiculously annoying to get to. Opt for the train where you can!
4. Go to Shoreditch for the best live music and Camden for the best clothing.
5. Australians are everywhere, try to avoid them! (you’ll get more out of the experience)