As an international student in York, I have never been to the UK before university, and York is very different from the environment that I grew up in.
Moving from Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a glamorous yet restless city. You will fall in love with its night view. At the same time, it can be hard to keep up with its fast-paced lifestyle. Therefore, when I first moved to York, I felt a great change in lifestyle. Shops are closed at 5pm, town becomes quiet, everything seems to resolve into the stillness of the dark night.
Homesickness as an International Student in York
At first, I felt lonely. I missed the noises of the busy city and the sight of ships crossing Victoria Harbour. I also missed big family gatherings filled with homemade food and laughter. When I was wandering around campus and town, I couldn’t find any of the things that I am familiar with, I felt unrestful, and even wanted to escape from this place that I didn’t feel like belonged to.
But I started to see another side of York after spending a few months here. I remembered this morning I was woken up by the chirping birds, then I went on a walk around East Campus. The grass was still damp with the morning dew, with the hares frolicking around, happy as they always are. I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with the cold, refreshing air. It was a very small moment, yet I felt a great sense of relief from the unease and tension. I began to re-examine my University life in York, and I realised I spent a lot of time thinking about home, about family and friends.
Of course they are crucial, as their support gives me motivation and reason to continue my journey in York. But at the same time, I noticed that I didn’t appreciate my University life enough since I was too deeply rooted in the past. I overlooked many wonderful things that York offers: the spacious and green campus, the historical architecture in the city and the peaceful countryside. Every time I strolled through the Minster, I never gave this grandiose landmark a good look. And the most important thing is that I almost forgot the reason why I came to York, which is to pursue a degree that I am interested in.
Growth and Life in York
The moment of reconciliation with myself enabled me to interpret my relationship with York in a different way. I understood that I shouldn’t compare York to Hong Kong. Instead, I should cherish the good parts of both places.
And now, as an international student in York, I have lived in this city for nearly two years. I am experiencing more in my academic life, making friends, and developing new skills. York has become my second home without me even realising it. Whenever I see something about York, I will proudly say that I am studying in York. This transformation is no easy task, it involves a lot of endurance and doubt. Nonetheless, I have never regretted my choice to come to York, not only because of its beauty, but also because of the personal growth and unique experience it provides.
Therefore, whether you are still deciding whether to join us in York, or you are already on this amazing journey, I hope you can enjoy this great experience like I do. It seems difficult, yet I believe that perseverance and courage are the keys to all future challenges. I would like to draw a conclusion to my sharing today, and I wish you all the best with whatever is ahead of you.
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