Blurb!

Issue # 2011
blurb!
a UKEC publication
students
speak!
reflections on
life abroad
explore.
dream.
discover.
(don’t
f
to pa orget
ck th
is!)
THE ULTIMATE
STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE
postcards from the UK
budget like a pro
in case of emergency...
ts
den
by stu
s!
ent
d
u
t
s
for
i miss home!
a note from the editor
contents
about
On that note, here’s a bit of tried-and-true advice I wish someone had told me
before I went to the UK. Firstly, don’t be afraid to talk to people from different
cultures or native languages. Once you get past the initial differences, you will find
a lot more in common with them than you might have expected to. Join a club (or
multiple clubs, if you wish). Don’t think of membership fees as a waste of money,
like I did at first – think of them as an investment into new friends, unforgettable
memories, and a social circle that expands outside your hall mates and classmates
(whom you won’t always share a lot in common with).
will be more disappointed by the
things that you didn’t do than by
the ones
you did do. So throw off the
bowlines. Sail away from the
safe harbor. Catch the trade
winds in your sails. Explore.
Dream. Discover.”
-Mark Twain
This journey you are about to embark on will easily be one of the most challenging, frustrating, and demanding – mentally, emotionally, physically – but it will
also be one of the most rewarding, memorable, and precious ones of your life.
I want to add: Don’t be afraid to go all out, try new things, reach for your goals,
and stretch your limits. But truth is, we’re all afraid. So instead, I will say: Make
the most of this journey, and do it afraid. Make mistakes if you have to. But move
on. And keep moving on. In the words of Mark Twain, “Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Editor-in-Chief
Crystal Cha
Subeditors
Mabel Tan
Kingston Lee
Contributors
Yap Kit Weng
Melissa Kong
Special Thanks to the UKEC
Executive Committee 2010/11
Heart
P/S - I’d like to thank the amazing people at UKEC who have given me the privilege
of putting this issue together, as well as those who have helped in its making along
the way. You have worked relentlessly and made my role an easy one – people like
you give me hope that there is a bright future for our beautiful country.
2
About UKECharisma
8
About CEKU 9
Want your voice to be heard?
In case of emergency... 10
More handy tips 11
A taste of home 11
About Projek Kalsom & Connectwork
12
The ultimate student survival guide 14
Students speak Read about the experiences of those who have
gone before
16
Money matters How to make the most of your pound
20
Postcards from the UK
22
Adventure checklist Don’t leave for home without checking some of
these off your to-do list!
24
I miss...
26
Nak makan? 26
Know what to do when the unexpected happens
Find out about these other initiatives by UKEC
xx, (typically British way of signing off!)
BA Multimedia Journalism graduate, Teesside University
7
A taste of the familiar at the Malaysian Hall
Bon voyage!
Crystal Cha
By Malaysian students, for Malaysian students
What else you should know about life abroad
editorial team
Best of UK
“Twenty years from now you
Finally, be prepared for change. Your perspectives, habits, preferences and interests will evolve along the way, so try not to make predictive or assumptive judgments or you might find yourself having to eat your words later. (Eg. “I don’t have
trouble waking up in the morning”; “I promise I will write every week”; or “I’m
sure I won’t miss home that much” - all statements I had to swallow, by the way.)
Stay open to change. As you try to balance your new life in a world vastly different
from the one you were raised in, be prepared for changes in relationships as well.
Learn when to make an effort, and when to let go. Learn when to compromise,
and learn when to stand up for yourself.
We welcome your feedback! Write to
us at [email protected].
About UKEC Get involved in volunteering
UKEC & Masduke
This issue of Blurb! you are holding has been three and a half months in the making, but looking back, it seems like all that time has flown by – much as your time
spent studying abroad will too. In spite of the bouts of homesickness, gloomy
days, and exam stress that are inevitable parts of the ride, you will find your stint
there speeding past. The last thing you want to do is find yourself at the end of this
exciting journey wishing you’d done more with the opportunity you’ve been given.
6
A photo collage of what’s in store
Need-to-Know
Dear student,
Blurb! is an annual publication
produced by the United Kingdom
and EIRE Council of Malaysian
Students (UKEC) dedicated to
equipping first-time students to the
UK and EIRE with practical tips and
helpful information to ensure they
have the best experience abroad
possible.
Malaysian Societies at a glance (Almost) everything you need to know before
heading abroad
A snapshot of lIfe across the UK and EIRE
How to cope with homesickness
Craving a taste of Malaysia?
3
malaysian societies at a glance
about UKEC
The United Kingdom and Eire Council of Malaysian Students
Image
UKEC stands for the United Kingdom and Eire Council of Malaysian Students, but
it’s essentially a student body – run by Malaysian students, for Malaysian students.
We organize and host all sorts of events – from the annual UKEC-GRADUAN
Careers Fair in UCL to the Projek Amanat Negara conference to the UKEC-Rakan
Muda Amazing Race in Manchester! In addition to this, we also have student-led
initiatives – find out more about these projects and how you can contribute in the
pages that follow!
The heart of UKEC, however, isn’t in the number of events we organize – it is in
engaging Malaysian students and encouraging student activism amongst the
Malaysian student communities here, so that we do as much as we can to build a
better Malaysia, regardless of where we are.
Blurb! is our means of connecting with the nervous Malaysian student, anxious and
eager to start a new journey abroad, but at the same time scared of the prospects
that lie ahead and leaving home for the first time. We’ve been there and done that,
and we hope that through Blurb! you’ll have a better idea of what to expect and
will find it to be a useful guide as you start your exciting new chapter in life as a
college or university student here.
If you want to find out more about UKEC and what we do, check out our website at
www.ukeconline.com. To stay updated on all our events, sign up to our newsletter
at www.groupspaces.com/ukec or follow us on Twitter @UKEC! We can also be
found on Facebook (United Kingdom and EIRE Council of Malaysian Students) and
Youtube (www.youtube.com/ukectv).
If you have any questions, feel free to send us an email at [email protected];
we’d be more than happy to answer!
4
5
got som
ething
to say?
cakap
lah!
CEKU is a UKEC publication, which serves as a platform
shaping futures
3. The projects will go on for 2 weeks
each, one starting in mid-July and the
other at the beginning of August. The
projects this year are taking place in
Selangor.
4. Food and accomodation is provided,
so you need only pay for your flight and
spending. You will be asked to fundraise
a hundred pounds to demonstrate your
commitment to the project and to raise
awareness about it.
5. Applications for next year’s
projects will be open early next year.
For more information, visit www.
ukecharisma.wordpress.com or e-mail
[email protected].
UKECharisma. Find your
passion. Lead. Live. Learn.
be the girl with
the heart of
gold
6
.
Volunteer with us
in Malaysia this
summer. Apply now.
cares
.
Volunteer with us
in Malaysia this
summer. Apply
now.
1. UKECharisma is an organization
that provides support and training for
students to lead and run volunteering
projects in Malaysia every summer.
2. This year we are running two
projects: one on Health Awareness and
the other on Education. Details are
available at our website (below).
be the boy who
Who are we?
UKECharisma is an organisation founded
in January 2011 with the support of
the United Kingdom and Eire Council
of Malaysian Students (UKEC). The aim
of this organisation is to encourage
student volunteerism. The organisation
provides a platform for student-led
community projects that will be
carried out in Malaysia. UKECharisma
emphasizes on sustainability in its
projects, so as to ensure long-term
benefit.
Who are our members?
A group of enthusiastic individuals have
been selected to be part of the pilot
projects in July 2011. The participants
will get a chance to meet other
individuals with a similar passion for
giving back to society as well as learn
new skills. Projects typically have 20
members, and are led by two project
leaders chosen by the UKECharisma
Executive Committee. Each participant
has to fund raise 100 pounds if selected
- the costs of accommodation and
transport in Malaysia will be paid for by
UKECharisma.
Our projects
This year, the projects focus on
education and health awareness, and
will each take place over a period of two
weeks over summer. In the education
project, volunteers from UKECharisma
will work hand in hand with students
from secondary schools in Malaysia.
The team will go to selected primary
schools in Kuala Lumpur and promote
the interests of the pupils in the English
Language. The aim of this project is to
boost the level of confidence of young
students in communicating in the
English Language as well as expanding
the usage of the English Language
outside the curriculum taught in
schools.
The health awareness projects will see
volunteers getting a chance to assist
the staff and participate in activities at
the Spastic Children’s Association of
Selangor and Federal Territory (SCASFT).
Participants will therefore get the
chance to further understand about the
challenges and the needs of individuals
with cerebral palsy and spasticity.
The ‘Education’ project will be carried
out from 16 – 29 July 2011 and the
‘Health Awareness’ project from 31 July
to 13 August 2011.
For more information, please visit
our website at www.ukecharisma.
wordpress.com or send us an email at
[email protected].
t
find ou
t
more a
.or
u
k
e
c
.
www
g
for Malaysian students to contribute to intellectual thought
while advocating for common hopes and beliefs, playing
a facilitative role which establishes its relevance as an
avenue for student voices to be heard. Primarily an online
journal featuring articles and blog posts written mainly by
Malaysian students studying in the UK and Eire, CEKU also
publishes periodical issues which include summaries on the
initiatives and activities that have been carried out by UKEC
and CEKU during the term.
This year, CEKU has published three issues; our most recent
issue was published in July. Each issue features an opening
entry by a prominent Malaysian activist or journalist, with
Zain HD, Marina Mahathir and Karim Raslan gracing the
front pages of the publication’s January, April and July
issues respectively. Another recurring column for this year’s
CEKU publications has been reviews on the government
initiatives which are pertinent to Malaysian students
studying abroad, such as the Economic Transformation
Programme and TalentCorp.
CEKU has also organised two competitions in line with
promoting healthy discourse and an open exchange of
ideas with regards to Malaysian issues. The entries of
the top three winners of the CEKU Photography and
Creative Writing Competition and the CEKU Bookmark
Caption Competition, which invites participants to submit
interesting facts about Malaysia with an accompanying
rationale, can be found on the CEKU website, www.ceku.
org.
A research project on Democracy and Decision Power in
Malaysia was conducted over the year; results and a full
analysis can befound on our website. This research project,
held in collaboration with UKECari and the Center for Public
Policy Studies (CPPS) sought to find out the opinion of the
Malaysian students here on how well Malaysia has fared in
terms of creating a democratic multi-racial nation with fair
decision powers for all.
CEKU also has a weekly column with The Malaysian Insider,
where four of the magazine’s regular writers represent it
every Tuesday, sharing the thoughts of Malaysian students
in the UK and Eire with our fellow Malaysians back home
and in other parts of the world. CEKU welcomes all to be a
part of the heart and essence of the publication; the voices
that define this magazine.
Have something to say? Visit www.ceku.org!
7
more handy tips
in case of
1. Scan/have soft copies of ALL your important documents and make sure your parents
have a copy too - these will come in handy in the event that any of your original
documents are stolen or lost.
emergency...
2. Make sure your bring your x-ray scans! (It may be required at immigration.)
3. The emergency contact number all over UK and Ireland is the legendary triple 9 (999.
Alternatively, for the UK alone, you can call 112. If you are in any need of ambulance,
fire brigade or the police, help is only 3 numbers away!
misplaced your wallet or got pickpocketed while
on holiday? here’s what you need to know in case
one of those unfortunate incidents happens!
i lost my passport!
5. For travellers (avid or even infrequent ones), look up the Young Persons Railcard
(Students 16-25 years old) to get 1/3 off all your train rides!
1. Lodge a report at the nearest police station the moment you realise your loss.
2. Go to the High Commission of Malaysia (see address on next page) and fill out the necessary form.
(Bring along your MyKad, birth certificate, photocopies of the above documents, a passport-sized photo.
Optional: Bring a photocopy of the lost/stolen passport with you to help hasten the processing time.)
3. Once the temporary passport has been issued, all future correspondence will be directly with The
Immigration Office in Kuala Lumpur.
4. Use the temporary passport to return to Malaysia.
5. In Malaysia, you will be required to attend interviews and an ‘Angkat Sumpah’ (Swearing-in) session to
determine that you actually are a Malaysian citizen.
*The whole process can take up to 1 - 2 years so it may be worthwhile being just that little bit extra
cautious when handling your passport!
**When you lose your passport and need your visa replaced within the UK, you need to apply for a
Transfer of Conditions (ToC) and Biometric Immigration Document. For more details and to download form
visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk.
i lost my MyKad & driving license!
4. When using the escalators in London, keep on the right if you do not want to defy
gravity manually. The left side of the escalator are reserved only for those who want to
walk up the escalator (ie. in a rush).
6. For those nearer to Manchester or Dublin, there are other Education Malaysia offices
in the area!
For more information and assistance:
Education Malaysia
30 - 34, Queensborough Terrace
London W2 3ST
Tel: 020 79851252
Fax: 020 7221 5615
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.masduke.net
Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia
Website: www.jimlondon.net
1. Report the loss to the nearest police station and obtain an official report.
Dublin - The Malaysia Hall Dublin, 31, Leeson Park, Dublin.
Manchester - Education Malaysia, 12th Floor, Portland Tower, 53 Portland Street,
Manchester, M1 3LF .
a taste of home
craving a taste of the familiar? look no further than the Malaysian
Hall at Masduke for friendly faces and all the comfort food from
home you’ve been dreaming of.
2. File a report at the Consular Office, High Commission of Malaysia by submitting the following: A copy
of the police report, a valid passport or other documents that can be used as proof of citizenship (if your
passport is lost while abroad), a personal letter confirming the loss. (If you are submitting the above
documents by post, please include a self-addressed envelope with a 1st class stamp affixed.)
3. Wait for an official letter from the High Commission of Malaysia confirming your loss.
4. When you return to Malaysia, apply for a replacement MyKad / driving license at the National
Registration Department (JPN) / Road Transport Department (JPJ) using the letter from the High
Commission of Malaysia.
*A penalty fee for the replacement document may apply.
what is Education Malaysia*?
Based on the mission statement, the objectives of the department are:
H igh C o mmi
s s io n
o f M a l ays
ia
45 B
elgrave Squar
e
London SW1X
8QT
Tel: +4420723
58033
*Formerly known as the Malaysian Students
Department for the UK and Eire (MSD)
• To manage students affairs with regard to their financial needs, good behaviour as “little ambassadors”, and well-being through various programmes jointly
organised with them.
• To monitor their academic performances and guide them where and when necessary by various means, like counselling, outreach activities and organising
academic seminars/workshops.
The Malaysian Hall, placed under the jurisdiction of Masduke, is meant to provide living
accommodation for Malaysian students.
Besides the bedrooms, the halls are equipped with facilities for Malaysian students’
activities. There is also a canteen serving Malaysian cuisine, from nasi lemak to laksa,
which is open not just to students but to Malaysian tourists or UK residents. There is also
a surau within the venue.
Room prices
Undergrads and > 13 years old:
Postgrads and Non-students:
Single - £7.64 per night
Single - £15.28 per night
Double - £6.46 per person per night
Double - £11.75 per person per night
• To be an enabler in helping the students to be knowledgeable, highly skilled, of exemplary behaviour and highly competitive.
8
• To administer efficiently the affairs of the Masduke and Malaysia Halls in trying to meet the needs of the clients, i.e., the students and sponsors, in particular as
well as facilitating the requests of the Malaysian community residing in the UK and EIRE at large.
9
i miss...
UKEC
by Melissa Kong
2nd Year Chemistry,
University of Oxford
Homesickness & How to Deal with It
There’s no place like home. As strong as
we’d like to think we are, we’re all susceptible to the occasional bout of homesickness. Whether you’re missing family
or food, homesickness can be depressing
and sometimes overwhelming. But rest
assured, homesickness isn’t incurable,
and doesn’t have to involve hopping on
the next available flight home.
Projek Kalsom is a motivational programme for
Malaysian Form 4 students from less fortunate backgrounds
that runs for a week during summer, organised by Malaysian
university students mostly from the United Kingdom. It is
a collaborative project between Kelab Kalsom and United
Kingdom & Eire Council for Malaysian Students (UKEC). Kelab
Kalsom and UKEC are actually old friends - our relationship with
UKEC goes back to 1995 when the organisation was officially
established.
Firstly, do something to make you feel
closer to home. Write letters or emails
to your family and friends back home.
Bring their photos with you to university.
Set aside some time and schedule Skype
video chat dates with your loved ones
so you catch up with them. Establishing
a routine of regular communication with
people back home will help ease the feeling of missing them.
Projek Kalsom is our pride and joy. Currently in its 17th year,
Projek Kalsom continues to grow from strength to strength
and is now run with the full support of the Malaysian High
Commission in London, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of
Youth & Sports. Projek Kalsom has a strong tradition of training
future leaders of Malaysia by encouraging good organisational
skills and leadership qualities in all matters that require such
seriousness while at the same time having an air of informality
and fun during the Projek Kalsom itself.
To the Form Four students, Projek Kalsom has become an
important moment in their lives where they are inspired to
pursue their greatest dreams. To this date, both facilitators
(the university students) and Form Four students still keep in
contact as the bond between mentors and mentees go beyond
Projek Kalsom. Many of these Form Four students then go on to
tertiary level education at colleges or universities.
Every university is abuzz with activity!
Take the opportunity to engage yourself
in the wealth of things your university has
to offer you. From boxing to the Pokémon
Society to musical theatre, there is something for everyone. The best place to find
Visit www.projek-kalsom.com for more information!
out about all these activities is through
your university’s Student Union. This is a
great way to meet new people and distract yourself from feelings of homesickness.
Talk to someone about how you’re feeling – friends, teachers, whoever you feel
comfortable opening up to. Some universities have Peer Supporters – these are
students you can approach if you’re in
need of someone to talk to. Universities
also provide counselling (both group and
individual) and support services (like selfhelp resources and workshops) to all their
students to help overcome homesickness.
If you want to reach out to Malaysians in particular, then join your university’s Malaysian
Society – most universities have them. Malaysian Societies are good platforms through
which fellow Malaysians can support each
other, like a home away from home. If
your university doesn’t have a Malaysian
Society, why not set one up? Send UKEC an
email at [email protected], and we’ll
help you with the process.
compiled by Yap Kit Weng
1st Year Accounting and Finance, LSE
Connectwork interviewed Yvonne
Tew (pictured above) and Datuk
Zaid Ibrahim (below) during Projek
Amanat Negara in April this year.
10
is an initiative under the
UKEConnect portfolio, and makes up the
team behind UKEC’s production house,
UKECtv. Connectwork’s predominant line
of work is in producing interviews, both
written and on video. To date, Connectwork
has come up close and personal with
various Malaysian personalities, including
the likes of YB Khairy Jamaluddin, Dato’
Seri Johan Raslan, Datuk Dr. Mahani Zainal
Abidin, Datuk Seri Nazir Razak and Datuk
Zaid Ibrahim. Connectwork also shoots
vox pop pieces with the Malaysian student
community. Connectwork also produces
promotional videos for UKEC events, as well
as videos of the events themselves.
Illustration above by Lee Zhi Wei. You can find more
fat penguin doodles at afatpenguin.tumblr.com.
nak makan?
Nothing beats the taste of home.
If you want to try your hand at
cooking some Malaysian dishes
yourself, check out these websites
for some delicious recipes. Ingredients are easily available at your
local Asian supermarkets – these
days, they are so well-stocked
that you can find everything from
pandan to pak choy!
interviews and broadcasting
Connectwork
Last but not least, remember that you’re
really only at university for a very short
while. Time flies, and before you know
it, it’ll be summer and you’ll be heading
back to the heat and humidity of home.
So concentrate on making the most out
of your time while you’re away from
home, because trust me, you’ll be back
soon enough.
Check out Connectwork’s video interviews
online at www.youtube.com/ukectv, and
read Connectwork’s written interviews at
www.ceku.org (and click on the Connectwork
tab in the upper right hand corner).
kuali.com/recipes - Comes with a
useful search browser so that you
can filter recipes by ingredients,
cooking method, course, type of
dish and occasion.
If you’re a keen journalist or looking to
hone your broadcasting and editorial skills
or simply want to pick up some new skills,
then
Connectwork
is for you! You can
apply to join the team
by sending your CV
to Salihah Sarah at
s a l i h a h _ s a ra h 1 1 5 @
ukeconline.com.
11
some of Asia’s most famous chefs
here!
If cooking isn’t really your thing,
you can still get your fill at Malaysian restaurants located throughout the UK and Ireland – use these
guides to help you locate the one
closest to you, or check your local
directories to find out where you
can get your fix of Malaysian food.
london-eating.co.uk/cuisines/
malaysian.asp - The complete
guide to all Malaysian restaurants
in London.
rasamalaysia.com/recipes/malaysian-recipes - Perfect if you’re
looking for simple delicious Nyonya recipes.
birmingham-eating.com/cui sines/malaysian.asp - Malaysian
restaurants in the Midlands to
check out.
asianfoodchannel.com - If you
prefer watching how to cook instead of reading recipes, then
pick up some kitchen secrets from
findarestaurant.ie – Provides a
search function for all Malaysian
restaurants in Ireland.
11
(cut o
ut & k
eep!)
the ultimate
STUDENT
SURVIVAL
GUIDE
by Crystal Cha
3rd Year,
BA Multimedia Journalism,
Teesside University
&
Mabel Tan
1st Year, BA Media Studies,
Teesside University
all you need to know about surviving (and
thriving) on this great big adventure of living
away from all the luxuries of home!
stay well fed - pt. 2
Important food tips to remember!
The Internet is your best friend: When it comes to learning
your way around the kitchen, especially if you’ve never had
to so much as boil a kettle of water before, Google is an
invaluable help. There are plenty of resources and recipe sites
out there to aid you in your cooking adventures!
Get started at: www.studentrecipes.com and www.
beyondbakedbeans.com.
Don’t forget to stock up! When you come from a land where
supermarkets open till 11PM and 7-11s are in abundance at
every corner, it’s all too easy to forget to restock the kitchen
before the shops close in the evening, for a bank holiday, or
a heavy blanket of snow makes walking to town a drag. It’s
a good idea to stock up on canned / dry food (eg. pasta) to
ensure you never have to go hungry even if you can’t make it
to the grocer’s.
stay well fed - pt. 1
Food is a crucial part of student life, whether it’s
getting you through the cold of winter or fueling
your brain for all-nighters. Unfortunately, eating
out in the UK/Eire is pricey, even at simple fastfood restaurants, but armed with these cooking
tips, preparing your own meals won’t have to be so
daunting!
One of the keys to surviving in a
foreign country is surrounding
yourself with a good network of
friends to laugh, cry, study, party,
go on trips, and make unforgettable
memories with! But how do I meet
new people? Here’s how!
Basic cooking skills to master*:
Join a club or society: Chances are, the people
you meet here are the ones you’ll spend a lot
of time with because of your common interests.
Frying eggs: Whether you like ‘em sunny-side-up or foo yong
style, eggs are a staple of the student diet because they are
affordable, simple to cook, filling, and nutritious.
Cooking rice: The first thing an Asian palate will notice in a
Western country is the stark absence of steaming, fluffy rice.
But you don’t have to splurge on a rice cooker to enjoy rice boiling rice in a pot over the hob or in a microwave will produce
the same results as the conventional method!
Take part in university social events or trips:
Many of these events are free, so you have
nothing to lose!
Host a party: If you’re hesitant to go to other
people’s parties, why not host your own?
and it doesn’t have to be just another crazy
drinking party. Throw a board game night, or
international food night, and have everyone
bring a dish from their home country. Be
creative!
Don’t just stick with people from your
country: Even though it may be easier to talk
to someone from a common background,
you’ll be missing out on some great
friendships and opportunities to learn about
another culture and see the world through
different eyes.
Just do it! Take a cue
from Nike and just
say ‘Hi!’ It’s that simple.
eat
r
g
s
x
it wa g you! xx
in
know
Using a microwave: When all else fails, microwave meals,
although not the healthiest option around, are easily
available everywhere and can save a lot of time especially
when deadlines are running close.
linga franca turn
lingo
So we Malaysians have the best ‘rojak’
language of them all; supposedly
inculcating British influence since the
days, but too much Hollywood drama
series have made us too US-oriented!
Here are some key words that you need
to grasp so you don’t give locals there
“the look” when
they say it to you!
Slang term: Crisps
Meaning: Potato Chips
Slang term: Chips
Meaning: Fries
That way, you can set the ambience,
Making pancakes and pasta: For ultimate food budget savings,
stock up on the carbs - they cost next to nothing, are filling and,
most importantly, simple to cook. Pancakes from scratch are
made simply with eggs, milk, flour, and sugar, while pasta can
be as simple as garlic and olive oil, or as elaborate as you want
to go.
Slang term: Rubber
(don’t reach out for your pepper spray
just yet ladies!)
Meaning: Eraser
Slang term: Fit
Meaning: Sexy / Hot (not referring to
having good stamina)
Slang term: Buff
Meaning: Good looking/ Pretty
Slang term: Heavy
Meaning: Great
live in peace with house,
hall, or room mates
Nothing spoils the university experience than
dreading to go home daily because you don’t get
along with your housemates. But nothing’s more
memorable than when the people you live with go
from strangers to a second family. Here’s some things
to keep in mind when moving in with the people
you’ll be spending the whole year with!
Decide on living arrangements beforehand or as early as
possible: Get in touch with the people you’ll be living with
before you move in if you can, and decide together on things
like purchasing common equipment for the house (eg. kettle,
toaster), if you will be splitting for groceries, and so on. Make the
effort to accomodate and compromise wherever possible.
Establish open and healthy communication: If there’s a problem,
don’t be afraid of confrontation or talking it out. Don’t wait
until tensions bubble over and erupt into a nasty argument that
will be unpleasant for everyone living in the house. Also, avoid
leaving passive-aggressive post-it notes around the house - not
only might they be ignored, but they’ll be more likely to further
flare tensions.
Distance gives perspective: When you’re up to your neck with
housemates you can’t stand, taking a deep breath, going for
a walk or bunking the night in some other friend’s house can
help you calm down and think of a more rational solution than
blowing up at them.
12
become a social butterfly
Set aside time to bond: Movie nights and
outings together all help increase mutual
understanding between you and your
housemates.
Respect the other person’s preferences:
If you want your preferences to be
respected, don’t forget to consider
everyone else’s. No one likes living with a
self-centered person.
Set schedules for chores and study
time: A rota for household cleaning and
designated study times for those who
need quiet can be extremely helpful in
keeping peace.
This too shall pass: Finally, remember
that these living arrangements are only
for a season, so make the most of it, and
remember that some things are just not
worth getting flustered over!
stretch
your
pound
The word ‘student’ is almost
synonymous with ‘budget’, so don’t
forget these handy tips that will help
you save a pound or two!
Carry your student card with you everywhere
you go: Almost all retailers /restaurants offer
significant student discounts.
StudentBeans.com: There are tons of
printable vouchers and great offers available
at this site, like 2-for-1 cinema tickets!
Ditch the brands: If you’re not brandconscious, then you can find clothes and
accessories (guys & girls) for a STEAL (yes,
even after conversion!) at Primark stores
everywhere. The best part is, when you return
home, no one else will have the same clothes
as you.
Go for supermarket brands: For basic
household products and groceries, in-house,
economy brands, like Sainsbury’s ‘Basics’
and Tesco’s ‘Value’ range offer much better
value for the same products as their fancilypackaged counterparts.
Visit your student union! Depending on your
uni, there are often freebies and giveaways to
be had at the student union, especially during
events.
Poundland! One of the first places you should
visit for foodstuff / household items at a
pound apiece.
13
M
y highlight has been learning to
be independent. I wouldn’t have
learned to do that if I were to study
locally and live at home. I learned that
you should just do what you really
want to do and not always what you
are expected to do. My family, being
typically Chinese, expected me to
work in a bank, become a doctor or a
pilot; but I would actually like to own
my own chain of prestigious hotels.
Yes, your family’s advice is important,
but know what you want - what your
goals are. Although the course I’m
currently in isn’t exactly in line with
my goals, I am thankful nonetheless
because I think it will still help me get
where I want to be.
O
ne highlight which gave my self-esteem a boost was getting the
British Petroleum Student Award 2011 based on my first year
results as well as a short written essay. I was never an overachiever,
hence this quite a highlight in my academics. Other highlights would
be getting the opportunity to travel to other European countries as
well as Britain itself; experience the culture and food of others,
admire their architecture, and learn their history. Being a Muslim,
the hardest challenge was sharing a house with local girls who
drank alcohol and partied hard; but with compromise we managed
to live together peacefully. I learnt that even though it can be a
hard to find a common ground when you hold completely different
beliefs, if we stick to our own principles as well as understand the
principles of others, this mutual understanding enables us to live
in harmony with each other.
students
speak
Experience is a dear teacher, or so the saying
goes. There’s nothing like hearing firsthand
stories of the people who have once stood in
your very shoes, about to embark on an exciting new journey on studying abroad.
“What is the highlight of
your time abroad so far,
and what is the most important lesson you have
taken away from living
abroad?”
Finn Tan, 1st year, Accounting
and Finance, University of
Warwick
I
f I had to single out one experience,
it would probably be the privilege
of experiencing the rich tradition
here at Oxford - from wearing subfusc (formal academic dress) to
formal dinners, to gifting carnations
to people sitting for their exams, to
watching tortoise races. Since living
abroad, I’ve begun to realise how
much your family and your country
mean to you. I’ve found myself a lot
more loving (and tolerant) towards
my family and also particularly
patriotic, proudly identifying myself
as Malaysian when in the UK, and
I’ve realised what really matters to
me and not to take that for granted.
Julian Lip Yi Tan, 4th year,
MEng, Engineering Science,
University of Oxford
Nur Shahidah Deen, 2nd year, BA Finance, Accounting
and Management, University of Nottingham
B
eing a medic student, studying and
spending time in the library were pretty
much how the bulk of my time was spent
abroad. However, one memorable incident was
when it started to snow during winter. It sounds
silly, but a few friends and I immediately ran
out from the room, and along the way, I took
a tumble, crashing (or should I say crushing?!)
my headphones on the floor! It didn’t matter,
as snow-fights were the one and only thing in
our minds. I’ve learned that it’s important to
be brave in contributing ideas and thoughts to
our group members/classmates/university and
even society in general; this is something I find
to be a challenge to Asian students especially.
Blurb! posed this question to students who
have studied or are currently studying in the
UK, and here’s what they had to say!
M
y highlight of my time abroad
would be my involvement in
the United Kingdom & Eire Council
for Malaysian students (UKEC),
and the opportunity it provided
to meet and interact with national
leaders including Dato’ Sri Mustapa
Mohamed, Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim,
Khairy Jamaluddin and many
others. Cultural differences are
amusing and interesting. However,
I’ve discovered that when I have to
live with those cultural variations
for a long period of time, they may
not seem to be that interesting.
Hence, the most important lesson
is to be able to fit into the society
by adapting those cultures without
neglecting your own belief and
principle.
Syawal Hafriz, 1st year,
BSc Government & Economics,
London School of Economics
Terrence Yap, 1st year, Medicine,
Galway University, Ireland
M
y highlight was definitely
travelling. I sincerely believe
the quote, “The world is a book;
those who do not travel read only a
page”. One can learn and experience
so much while travelling; it definitely
gives you another perspective on life.
I’ve also learned that examination
results are not the most important
thing. Studying abroad is not about
locking yourself up in your room
studying 24/7 nor is it about scoring
a First all the time (although it does
not mean that you should not try). It
is about meeting new people, doing
things you have never done before,
learning new stuff and experiencing
life away from home. Ultimately, the
piece of certificate can only give you
so much - it is the experience that
counts.
S
pending time with the Irish and learning
their culture and values made me aware of the
differences between us and more importantly,
our similarities. Like how shopping areas are
a dead zone by 8pm, how they can drink beer
like water, yet how we all get irritated by the
same lecturer regardless of our background.
The lesson learnt from being abroad is that the
experience makes you grow up. I’m pretty sure
every one of us has at least picked up some
culinary skills and learnt how to manage our own
domestic budget. We learn to deal with banks
and landlords, do grocery shopping because the
fridge unfortunately doesn’t restock itself, and
clean afterparty messes because you want your
deposit back.
Ho Ji Ding, Dental Science, Trinity
College, Dublin
Chim Wai Shan, 2nd year,
Economics, University
College London
“Since living abroad, I’ve begun to realise how
much your family and your country mean to you.”
14
15
money
matters
more students speak!
T
he highlight of my time abroad is
the amazing learning environment
UK universities provide. There’s an
open, supportive mood, tutors who
encourage you to keep questioning, and
an international kaleidoscope of friends
you will make.
W
hile I was in the UK, I observed
the cultural differences between
Malaysia and in the UK. I learnt that in
Britain, people drive carefully and they
abide by the law. People there are quite
patient, perhaps due to the fact that there
is mutual respect amongst one another.
I learnt the importance of being punctual,
as the Tube, or London’s version of our
LRT, is always on time. When I came back
to Malaysia for my summer holidays, I
had a culture shock as I was too used to
the efficiency of the transportation system
in London. I believe Malaysia has much
potential to advance, but we Malaysians
must learn to adopt positive habits like
being on time in order to progress.
The most important lesson I have learnt
is to share and be open in every aspect
of your life. We often feel inclined to
bow to societal pressures and follow the
status quo, especially in Asian societies.
“Do not be different” and “excel within
the system” are common lessons parents
teach their children, subconsciously or
not. In the UK, I encountered such a
wide variety of individuals who are not
afraid to voice their opinions, no matter
how they sound. I’ve learned to share my
interests and life stories and to be open
with parents, teachers and friends!
Only by being open about your ideas,
stories and opinions will innovation and
progress be made!
Thomas Lim, Philosophy,
Politics and Economics,
University of Warwick
When you go abroad, go with an open
mind and be prepared to assimilate the
new culture. Don’t just go abroad for the
sole purpose of obtaining a degree but
explore other people’s culture and learn
the positive aspects of it, so that when you
return home to Malaysia, you will be able
to contribute back to society.
Vincent Lee Ko Meng, 2nd Year,
Accounting and Finance, London
School of Economics
by Kingston Lee
1st year, BSc Accounting & Finance
University of Warwick
Seen photos of friends travelling around
Europe during term breaks and always wanted
to be like them? Then you will have to draw up
a monthly budget to save up for leisure!
a guide to smart spending
First things first: While expenses crop up on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, your income from parents or sponsors may come in a lump
sum. It can be a good idea to put the money to cover school fees, rent, travel cards and phone bills in a separate fixed account that you don’t
touch on a day-to-day basics. That way you know how much you have left to spend for the rest of the term. Divide up any money you have left
so you know how much to spend each week.
T
he highlight of my time abroad
so far has been personal
development, supported by new
experiences, new places and a
whole new lifestyle. Different work
experiences ranging from voluntary
work at local schools to paid parttime work at have allowed me to
think independently, manage my
time and hone communication
skills.
Monitor your debit card account online: Shopping is made easy with online deals and debit cards. A debit card is usually issued
with a bank account, and transactions are easily tracked online. It is advisable to limit the amount of money in your current account to avoid
overspending. Read your statements, look at receipts, compare prices in the supermarket and don’t take out more than you need from the
ATM. It all helps you keep control of what you’ve got.
Buy second-hand books: Do not rush into the bookshop once you have received your book list. Ask around for seniors selling their
books or get them on eBay and Amazon. You will be surprised by the condition of some used textbooks that appear as good as new.
Work smart, not just hard: Some students find time off to do part time jobs, but you shouldn’t work too hard as university is also
about socialising and participating in clubs and societies. It is better to take full time jobs during vacations rather than term time jobs as these
jobs are less likely to affect your studies.
Most importantly, living abroad
taught me to take control of my own
life – it brought about an attitude
change and perceptions unique to
what I initially believed. Learning
the culture of trust, respect and
punctuality among British citizens
swayed me away from the path
of ‘kiasu-ism’ I might have taken
without these learning experiences.
Keep your eyes peeled: For ways to save every extra pound, see Blurb’s survival guide on page 14-15 for some great tips.
Pui Wei Nie, 2nd Year,
Finance and Accounting,
University of Warwick
A student in the UK spends an average of 500-1000 a month on living expenses. This amount would vary depending on individual lifestyle and
course of study. In general, when planning your budget you will need to cater for these basic items:
T
he highlight of my time abroad so far was my London-Naples-Rome-Florence-VeniceLondon-Dubai-KL-Dubai-London trip. We managed 4 cities/towns in Italy under two
weeks, had a crazy transit of 12 hours (both ways) in Dubai, went for a day trip in Dubai on
the way back from KL, got stopped at Gatwick on suspicion as a terrorist, and arrived safely
in London to start Year 2.
I learnt that it is perfectly alright to be yourself and be different. England has a very accepting
environment when it comes to foreigners and foreign cultures. I also learnt that deep down,
there is no such thing as a perfect country. Every country and state has its own merits and
demerits. Every government will be scorned by its own people, and no one is ever satisfied.
Even though London has what Malaysians think of as one of the best rail services in the
world, Londoners still think it’s crap.
Finally, do not be easily influenced by the spending habits of people around you. Work out a budget that’s right
for you and your needs. A little planning can go a long way, and it’ll definitely be worth the effort once you find yourself with a couple extra
hundred pounds to spare for jet-setting around Europe!
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE PLANNING YOUR BUDGET:
» Food
» Transport (railcards, tickets, taxi fares)
» Clothing
» Telecommunications (mobile / internet bills, TV license)
» Books & Printing
» Personal expenses (toiletries, entertainment, haircuts, etc)
» Rent
Homing on the point, it’s all about adapting to changes, acknowledging that there is always
room for mutual respect and appreciation, and loving whoever God puts you in touch with.
Winson Lee Weng Hoe, MEng in Chemical Engineering,
Imperial College London
16
17
postcards from the UK
difficult
It’s exceedingly
in a charpublicity, taking part
to see other
ity parade and going
rmances that
productions and perfo
of.
my friends were part
afforded by studying
The beauty of choice
you
rant as Bristol is that
abroad in a city as vib
ck
ba
you just wouldn’t
get opportunities that
e
th
lege to perform at
home. I had the privi
ile
val in the summer wh
Edinburgh Fringe Festi
d
te
ding amazing, talen
meeting and befrien
vhave otherwise. Howe
people that I wouldn’t
e
th
s
wa
biggest privilege
er, what I count as my
ppy, fulfilled
opportunity to be ha
complishing
and on the road to ac
d will look
things I’m proud of an
back on fondly.
completely
as having a “rugged charm”, and I
lst the picwhi
und
abo
s
agree. Iconic building
ergoing a
und
y
entl
curr
is
e
Clyd
r
turesque Rive
e 2014.
facelift which will be complete com
paratively
Public transport is efficient and com
e and
cabl
ami
cheap. Most Glaswegians are
effort
an
e
mak
do
down-to-earth, and people
caindi
only
the
not
to help you. A smile is
Scottish
tor of friendliness – the Glaswegian/
actually
is
ally,
initi
ear
the
to
g
accent, dauntin
quite endearing.
Pia Kaur
2nd year, Law,
Bristol University
time in my life. The city
struck me as unique
– seamlessly blending its
modern metropolitan feel with a touch of
old Britain. Labelled
a city of culture, Liverpoo
l has a cheery, inviting atmosphere to it, wit
h wide pathways
and multiple shopping dis
tricts that cater to
every need, want or fan
cy. At night the city
lights up in a collage of col
ou
ethereal and serene beau rs that cast an
ty over its streets.
The citizens reflect the cit
y’s
many Asians and Africans diversity, with
mingling with the
locals, or Scousers, as the
Liverpudilians refer to the
mselves as.
Liverpool is also home to
a
number of cathedrals, ea
ch
with its own beauty and
splendour. The primary
18
Liverpool Cathedral was
built
in the early 1900s and is
amongst the largest of suc
h
structures in all of Europ
e.
Indeed, when I paid it a
visit, I
was overwhelmed by its
scope
and majesty, with its tow
ers,
and prayer halls and lab
yrinths.
The University of Liverp
ool itself has fairly
decent facilities. My Halls
of
catered specifically toward Residence was
s first year students and newcomers, wh
ich made it easy
to mingle with everyone
within my housing unit. All in all, life in
Liverpool has been
satisfactory, comfortable,
affordable, fun and
exciting all rolled into on
e bag of magical
tricks.
Shahnon Lau,
1st Year, Law, University
of Liverpool
: be at
Now, the unpalatable side of the coin
will
you
and
rs
hou
certain places at certain
s
mou
infa
the
of
s
face
likely see bloodied
’s
gow
Glas
k
thin
I
ths.
you
“neds”, or hooligan
MANCHESTER
being in Liverpool was an
exciting journey, especially since I was studying
overseas for the first
With a beautiful ca
mpus and red brick
bu
University of Sheffi
eld inspires an inte ildings, The
llectual air of
A friend described Glasgow
LIVERPOOL
From the get go,
learning and discip
is
line. For a break
ship providers cate
field under Catego
from academics,
gorise Shefstudents can strol
ry C in their allow
l
ance disbursemen
scheme. Rental co
down the beautif
t
ul Weston Park
sts just GBP150 a
month! Expenses
are generally low
which is located ne
if spent wisely as
ar the central
food and groceries
are not expensive
building.
. Furthermore, ev
erything you need
within walking dista
is
nce, hence there
is no need to rely
on public transpo
In addition, there
rt or cabs for furth
is no lack of
er savings.
entertainment in
Sheffield, and one
Also, Sheffield is lo
can find a wide ra
nge of activities to
cated in the middl
e of
participate in, beits train station is
sides the usual ga
within walking dista UK whilst
therings at home,
including bowling,
nce from most
student accommod
ice-skating, snow
fights (in the winte
ation, making it co
r) and picnics or
nvenient to trave
around the country
barbeques (in the
l
summer) in Westo
by train or for frien
n Park and skiing.
ds from other
parts of the UK to
visit. Sheffield’s fla
gship annual even
is the Weekend at
To
su
m it up, Sheffield
t
Sheffield where Sh
is the perfect
effield Games
is held on a Saturd
student environm
ent as it is afforda
ay and the Nasyid
ble
Ex
travaganza is
held on a Sunday
and there is no en
. These two events
d of fun, exciting
th
attract Malayings
sian students from
to do!
as far as the Repu
blic of Ireland to
participate.
Faqih Aqili
1st Year, Chemica
l and Biological En
gineering, Universi
ty of Sheffield
etimes,
crime reputation is overplayed som
re
having walked home late at night befo
you
rse
cou
and survived to type this. But of
and
e
sens
mon
should always use your com
take appropriate safety precautions.
mmodaFinal advice: choose university acco
people
tion at least for the 1st year (many
, myself
time
meet their best mates during this
for
ask
to
included) and never be too shy
a good
help. It can be daunting at first but
a good
is
“Hi”
a
and
e
warm Malaysian smil
start.
Fàilte (Gaelic greeting meaning “We
GLASGOW
ea
for a place without lik
to explain one’s love
rgo
e fact is, Bristol is
tourism advert, but th
ol is
arts and culture, Brist
geous. Famed for its
ery
ov
isc
n brand of self-d
well-tailored to my ow
om
ed
the kind of fre
because it’s offered me
choice. I might have
of
I need – the freedom
t
erything I could abou
come here to learn ev
m.
oo
ssr
esn’t stop in the cla
Law, but learning do
cidistol started when I de
My love affair with Br
e
im
om
ty of Bristol Pant
ed to join the Universi
gin
be
sher ’s Fair at the
Society during the Fre
”
to
d
ide
ar. Of course, “dec
ning of my second ye
us
rio
se
matter far more
sounds like I gave the
h, this looks like fun;
consideration than, “O
me down!”
maybe I’ll put my na
acting in pantomime
Somehow, I wound up
and
g with choreographing
productions, assistin
for
ed
in where need
script editing, pitching
SHEFFIELD
BRISTOL
The cost of
living in Sheff
ield
low and even scho
lar
lcome”)!
Alfred Wong
I arrived in Manch
ester
Halal restaurants and sho
ps selling all sorts of Halal
with a luggage bag full of
foods and fresh meat. It
“worldly ” essentials - sen
felt almost like being bac
timental memorabilia fro
k
in Brickfields, KL.
m friends and family and
emergency rations of Ma
ggi Mee and Milo. It wa
s
autumn then, but unaccu
Manchester is indeed a
stomed to the weather,
vibrant city and one of con
I
felt as though it were alre
trasts, combining the old
ady winter. Discouraged,
and the modern. It boasts
a part of me wanted to jum
quaint and beautiful arc
p on a plane back home
hit
ect
but I told myself, “that’s
industrial background. For ure contrasted by its
not macho, Suhaib”.
ardent football fans,
however, these aspects
of the city dim in comWith a heavy heart, I pul
parison to the fact that
led my luggage to the
our city is home to the
Manchester Airport taxi
legendary Old Trafford sta
stand. To my surprise, the
dium. I am able to
taxi driver who pulled up
say “our city ” because in
was a Pakistani Muslim
the few months that
with a Manchurian accent
I have been here, I have
who called himself “Little
felt indeed very much
Johnny”. On the way to
at home, despite my initi
the campus, he told me
al trepidation. It has
that
there is a sizeable Muslim
been an interesting experi
population in Manchest
ence finding a “second
er
and that it would not be
home”, but one that wa
difficult for a Muslim to
s well worth it.
practice his religion with
several mosques and Ha
lal
shops and restaurants in
the area. I soon discovere
Suhaib Ibrahim
d
the fondly dubbed “Curry
Mile” at Rusholmes (just
five minutes from the Un
Law
(LLB) 1st Year, University
iversity campus), lined wit
of Manchester
h
19
1
2
adventure
checklist
3
5
4
by Mabel Tan, 1st Year BA Media Studies,
Teesside University
1 - The York Minster, 2 - Lake District, 3 - The Tower Bridge,
4 - The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland, 5 - Princes
Street Gardens, Edinburgh
So, you’ll be in the UK/Éire for at least a year. Whitworth Art Gallery, part of Manchester University, and the
You’ve worked hard to get here and applying for Stockport Air Raid Shelters, which allow visitors to step back in
and wander around authentically reconstructed tunnels which
that Visa was a pain in the neck but you know it was time
provide the visitor with a taste of daily life in war-torn Britain.
all worth it. Maybe you’re going to the University
of your dreams or to the city that your favourite Liverpool – Pay a visit the Albert Dock and delight in the most
football team resides in; whatever it is, you’ve made popular of Liverpool’s attractions, restaurants, bar, boats and
Enjoy the best the city has to offer at the dock, home to the
it. Now that you’re going abroad, adventure awaits, tours.
award-winning Beatles Story, Merseyside Maritime Museum, the
my friend!
International Slavery Museum and new 60-metre high Echo Wheel.
Here’s a checklist of the must see and do things while London:
you’re in the UK/Éire.
The Regent’s Park – The largest grass area for sports in Central
ENGLAND
London offers a variety of activities and attractions including the
London Zoo and many cafes and restaurants.
The North East:
Tower Bridge – the bridge that everyone thinks is called London
Bridge but actually isn’t – nice in the day, but much better at night.
York – For quaint cobbled streets and majestic architecture, York,
Victoria Embankment
home to the massive York Minster and the ancient York Walls, is a
must-see. Feel like a Roman guard of old as you walk atop the wellpreserved walls that encircle the city! History buffs will also enjoy
the York Castle Museum, famed for its recreated Victorian street,
Kirkgate, which combines real shop fittings and costumed actors to
evoke an atmosphere of Victorian Britain.
Saltburn – Enjoy the sand, sea, and breeze for miles up and down
the coast and indulge in fish and chips at this picturesque English
sea-side town.
The North West:
Lake District National Park
– The largest national park in
England and home to 12 of the largest lakes in England, the Lake
District offers something for every nature / adventure lover, whether
it’s leisurely walks, more challenging hikes, cycling, or boating amid
vast, unspoiled landscapes of mountains, lakes, waterfalls and pretty
villages.
Manchester
– The famed Old Trafford stadium is not the only
attraction worth seeing here. Worthwhile attractions include the
20
– If you’re in London for New Year’s
Eve, here’s where you’ll get the best view of the fireworks launched
from the London Eye.
Museums and galleries
– London is home to a host of
museums and galleries, entry to most of which is free, including the
Museum of London and the National Maritime Museum. If you don’t
mind forking out a few quid, there’s the quirky Sherlock Holmes
Museum, Pollock’s Toy Museum, and the London Transport Museum,
among others.
SCOTLAND
Edinburgh:
The Royal Mile – There is usually a constant throng of tourists
around Edinburgh’s High Street, once the most populous street in
Europe, but it remains a scenic walk en route to and fro the Edinburgh
Castle. Attractions along the route include St Giles Kirk, Parliament
House, and Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park, which provides a perfect
360-degree view of the city from its highest point.
Princes Street Gardens – Get away from the bustle of the
city amid these scenic gardens, where you can just sit and soak in
the tranquillity, feed the pigeons, or enjoy a picnic lunch – perfect
if the sun is out!
ÉEIRE (Republic of Ireland)
Glasgow:
and whale watching on the Irish coast. Walk out to the cliffs where you
can see humpback, fins, minke and killer whales pass by as they hunt for
food up and down the coast. Prepare to spend some time waiting and
binoculars for a better view, it’s definitely worth the slight hassle.
Glasgow Cathedral
– Glasgow Cathedral is a magnificent
example of medieval church architecture, the only remaining
example in Scotland; plus it’s free entry. The stained glass windows
are spectacular, the interior is breath-taking and the cathedral’s
Necropolis (read: big graveyard) is definitely worth a visit. It is
located just across University of Glasgow; another brilliant example
of Scottish Gothic architecture.
Botanic Gardens
– Although the compound is a bit on the
small side there is a spectacular collection of plant species from
all over the world and entry is free. It features its newly restored
Kibble Palace a beautiful Victorian glass greenhouse; even if
you’re not into plants seeing the architecture of the iron and glass
structure alone is worth the visit.
WALES
Snowdonia National Park
– time to see if all those gym
sessions have paid off, climb Snowdon Mountain (1085m high);
there are routes of varying difficulties to the summit. Alternatively,
you can take the Snowdon Mountain Railway (however, tickets are
upwards of £12 for adults).
NORTHERN IRELAND
North Coast
– Home of the Giant’s Causeway, Ireland’s only
UNESCO heritage site. This amazing rock formation will just
leave you in absolute awe. Take the cliff path to get views from
above and to see it on both sides. Allow for time to explore. If
rocks aren’t your thing you can take a steam train on the Giant’s
Causeway railway to Bushmills, home of Irish single malt whisky
and Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in the world.
Note: Uses the Euro
West Cork – If you’re up to see nature in its natural habitat, go dolphin
Any traditional pub – Experience a traditional music session as the
locals spontaneously begin playing music together. Pub goers often bring
along their own instruments and begin singing at a moments notice. Do
note that although it’s nice to sing along, joining in the session with an
instrument should be left to the locals unless you’re absolutely sure that
you can sync with their style of music.
Travel tips:
Get a 16-25 Railcard; you get 1/3 off all tickets (UK
only).
Book train tickets up to 12 weeks in advance.
Claim a full or partial refund if your train is delayed.
Note that sometimes budget airlines are cheaper than
train/bus fares.
Avoid travelling in winter especially if you want to
sight-see and do a lot of walking.
Join student discount sites or travel societies in your
university that offer discounted travel/travel packages
(in the UK, there’s almost always a way to get a
discount!).
Check out couchsurfing.org for a vast community
of travellers and an opportunity to cut your
accommodation costs and meet new people!
21