There’s something magical about stepping into the unknown.
The adventure begins, and the real fun starts! Let me take you through my journey so far, from airport transit surprises to experiencing campus life here at the University of Nottingham Ningbo.
The plane touched down, and I found myself in a city where ancient traditions mingled with modern development, all pulsing with life. I felt the thrill, the scent of something new, and the realisation that I was far from home. The air is a bit thicker than what I was used to, and the sounds–a symphony of languages, flowed together. This place has character for sure!
The airport transit surprises
Oh, and here’s a cute little surprise story: While I was in transit at the airport, I was served tangyuan (the glutinous rice balls) and some fruit to celebrate the Lantern Festival. Even before stepping foot in Ningbo, I was already experiencing a taste of Chinese tradition and being warmly welcomed. What a sweet way to kick off the adventure!
A Whirlwind of New Things
My first week? It felt like a total whirlwind–so many emotions at once!
Starting off with a few nerve-wracking hiccups during the early dormitory check-in, but it all turned out fine with the help of my mentors who were assigned to me! I really owe them for saving me (I don’t know what I would’ve done without their help). I checked things off one by one on my to-do-list–dormitory check, registering for a SIM card, and buying some necessities.
Next, I booked a slot to open an account at the Bank of China, and luckily, there’s a branch right on campus—super convenient, and the staff was so helpful! With so many new and unfamiliar things around, and a lot of new faces, I decided to wander around the campus to get a better feel for the place (honestly, I was just hoping I wouldn’t get lost!).
Embraced with Warmth
The first week of classes began, and next came the attendance system…where you scan QR codes via WeChat on the mini programs. The catch? You get 10 minutes to scan it, or poof–you’re marked absent. And the thing is, I had some timetable clashes until the end of the first week–yeah, classic, right? This is where my module change process began. So, even on the second week of classes, I couldn’t mark attendance because the system hadn’t been updated yet–as it took some time, especially during the peak hours. But the university was on it! I sent an email, got a fast reply, and bam–everything was sorted after a visit to the office. Phew!
Now, here’s where things got even better: the university hosted a Spring Exchange Student Welcome Party! It was a night packed with all the fun stuff: games, a performance of a Chinese traditional instrument, and even a live calligraphy demonstration. It was the perfect way to kick off the exchange and a great chance to socialise with fellow students–trust me, you need all the socialising you can get when you’re in a new place!
Next up was the Ningbo trip. The university organised this trip for all exchange students to explore the city, wander through old streets, try local Ningbo specialities and of course, just have a blast getting to know each other.
As I sit here writing this on Week 6, I’m finally finding my rhythm. From the overwhelming, hectic first few days (read: weeks) to now feeling more comfortable with the campus, the challenges and excitement have made it all worth it. The paperwork, the minor hiccups–it was all part of the adventure.
I’ll be real: I better get back to my assignment. That being said, let’s see what comes my way in the next few weeks. Till my next blog post!