Jay (Sem 2, 2023)

My Exchange at The University of Manchester

My first time hearing about the 360 International Exchange Programme was from a friend of mine who previously completed an exchange. The conversation sparked my great interest and curiosity to embark on an exchange journey of my own. I started doing more research and learnt more about the programme from the advertising emails that I received from the university.

Arriving in Manchester was really a mix of emotions; excitement intertwined with a touch of fear towards the unknown. My first few days were greeted with the city’s notoriously poor weather, casting a literal layer of shadow on my initial exploration. Despite this, the historic charm of the university buildings and the brand-new student life around the campus began to ease my emotions.

However, I quickly encountered my first challenge: accommodation. As the options provided by the university did not meet my expectations, I decided that it would be best for me to seek out alternative options. Since there was a friend who I knew previously in Auckland and was also coming to Manchester for exchange, we decided to rent out together to save costs and improve our flexibility. Although opting for an apartment rental offered more comfort and independence, it also introduced me to the realities of managing living spaces abroad.

The orientation programme at the University of Manchester started on a high note, with comprehensive online induction sessions that greatly helped us navigate through the academic and logistical aspects of the university. However, the subsequent scarcity of welcoming events for exchange students felt like a missed opportunity to foster connections and integrate more seamlessly into the student community.

Academically, my experience was mixed. For my degree at the University of Manchester, there was a wide spectrum of teaching quality. While there were outstanding lecturers who had their names all over academic papers, there were also lecturers whose teaching ability was severely restricted to reading off the slides. This really made me start to appreciate the consistent quality I had known back home.

Regarding the UK as a host country, the rich football culture of Manchester, coupled with visits to places, such as London and Edinburgh, had deeply enriched my experience beyond academics. However, the cost of living, especially in major cities like London, was nearly double that of Auckland. This meant careful financial planning and budget management was highly demanded, especially with the additional desire to explore.

Food, however, was an area where Manchester could not quite match up to Auckland’s culinary diversity and quality. While there were exceptions, the general food experience was a step down from what I was accustomed to.

The highlights of my exchange would be the various group project opportunities that were presented to me by my courses so that I was able to meet and collaborate with a great number of local students, offsetting the lack of subsequent social events for exchange students. Additionally, attending football matches, and experiencing the fervour of Manchester United and Manchester City fans first-hand, was unforgettable.

However, with highlights, there were also unavoidable challenges. These included navigating the initial unfamiliarity of Manchester and the struggle of meeting new friends amid fewer exchange student events. These hurdles, however, taught me resilience and the value of reaching out and creating opportunities for social interaction.

For students considering an exchange at the University of Manchester, my advice is to go forth with an open mind. Embrace both the academic and cultural experiences, plan financially for a higher cost of living, and proactively seek out social interactions. The exchange programme is a unique opportunity to grow academically, personally, and culturally. Despite the challenges, the 360 Exchange Programme has left me with memories and friendships that would certainly last a lifetime.

Q&A

What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?

I was fortunate enough that my courses provided me with several projects, offering me with opportunities to collaborate with a good number of different local students and present our findings to the professors of Manchester. On the other hand, the University of Manchester possesses an impressive collection of study areas, each with its unique character and ambience. This variety catered to different study preferences and was a significant upgrade from my experiences in Auckland.

Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?

Live football matches are definitely one of the most obvious and significant activities in Manchester. The rich and exciting atmosphere is second to none. I would recommend anyone who is going to exchange in Manchester to have their ticktes booked in early.

What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?

– Have a budget plan early, as the living cost of the UK is quite expensive compared to back home, especiallly if you are intending to travel extensively.

– Proactively seek out new friends and social activities, as the gloomy weather in Manchester can really suppress your healthy emotions.

– Learn how to cook, as the cost of dining outside in the UK is highly inflated by the currency rate and the service surcharges.

How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?

I was lucky enough to have my parents sponsor the majority of my travel and daily costs, which saved me a lot of worry.

Some budget tips I would give for future students would be:

– Purchase the student semester pass for public travel early, as it is the best deal out of all other options and the earlier you get it, the more you would save.

– Purchase a train railcard, especially if you intend to travel frequently within the UK, as the most efficient and valuable ways of travelling between most major cities are carried out through train.

– Register to become the Tesco Express member, the meal combo is the most valuable thing you can find in a UK grocery store.

What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?

The most significant takeway from my experience abroad is actually the realisation of how many things I have taken for granted back home. Friends and families, the weather and food are the things that I miss every day during my time in Manchester, whenever I’m free. After my exchange, I’m more grateful for everything I have back home.

Do you want to share anything about travels you did outside your host city/country?

During my highly limited time, I did manage to travel to three beautiful southern european countries: France, Italy and Spain. However, it was definitely quite challenging to juggle both travelling and academics at the same time.

Final Comments

Again, I would like to just remind anyone who is intending to carry out an exchange in the UK: be proactive in seeking out new friends and connections, as they would really help you deal with your home sickness and cancel out the effect of the constant poor weather.