If you had asked me three years ago what would my life look like, I could not have anticipated I would be moving from Los Angeles, California to study in Upstate New York. If you had asked me even a year ago what would my life look like, I still could not have imagined I would be studying abroad in Norwich, England.
When I first got to Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York, it was my first time ever out of California. This was probably one of the greatest things I have ever done. Travelling to HWS afforded me dozens of life changing opportunities, like getting to now be at the University of East Anglia this fall term. Back in the United States, I am double majoring in Writing & Rhetoric and Media & Society, and I chose UEA because of its reputation in both writing and media. In the short time I have been here, I have seen how UEA’s courses and extracurricular activities invite students to engage with and create meaningful content.
I have always loved both journalism and television, and so I joined Concrete and UEA:TV after attending the Society fair after Freshers week. UEA continues to impress me with the dozens of societies and clubs it offers that truly invite every student at the university to find their place. Being an international student, I cannot describe how invaluable the events offered have been in helping me meet new friends that I am sure will last me a life time. From sharing a drink after our seminar, to waiting in line for the LCR, I have thrived off the social scene cultivated in Norwich.
My modules here are one of my favourite parts of being abroad because they have reinforced my knowledge, while also introducing me to new and engaging ideas. In “Analysing Television” I have been introduced to shows that are alien to me, but this has led to some of the best conversations I have had. From asking my peers about their love for Great British Bake Off to talking about my love for the UK X Factor, my modules are proving to be both entertaining and educational.
Along with the courses at UEA, the city of Norwich has truly earned a special place in my heart. During the international student orientation, the mayor said, “Norwich is the size of a city with the heart of a town.” I now know what he meant. The city of Norwich has its charm in offering some great shopping spots, Zara is my favourite, but it also offers some nice scenic routes that look great on Instagram. I go into the city often, because I just cannot get enough of wandering about. Whether it was my first time at the Norwich Castle, or my first time at Nando’s, I am always discovering something new in Norwich.
I would recommend UEA in a heartbeat to anyone at my school. While my time here is short, I have no doubts I will remember UEA long after I leave the UK.
William is visiting in Political Social and International Studies at UEA.
His personal blog with additional writing can be found here. His takeover of the Hobart and William Smith Colleges Abroad Instagram can also be viewed here.
This is Study Abroad with UEA 