My experience as a Canadian journalism student on exchange studying in Leicester

Raphael on his trip to Budapest. Photo taken by Madyson Murphy

Raphael on his trip to Budapest. Photo taken by Madyson Murphy

On a mid-September day this year, I packed my suitcase and left my house in Ottawa, Canada, for a two-hour drive en route to Montréal. This is the place where I would be leaving everyone and basically everyone I knew on a late night flight to another continent. 

But it was only once I got on the plane that this hit me; I’m really about to move for a semester on exchange to the United Kingdom.

I arrived in London on a rainy day, which was like no other. Her Majesty the Queen’s funeral day meant that everything was closed. 

Telling people that my first ever day on another continent was that day makes for an interesting story, but it certainly didn’t make it easy to settle in. With many of the major stores closed, looking for food and supplies upon my arrival to Leicester was challenging. 

But again, the reason I decided to make the move wasn’t for it to be easy.

Raphael at a Leicester City football match. Photo taken by Zayne Isom.

Raphael at a Leicester City football match. Photo taken by Zayne Isom.

Raphael's answer to what he enjoys the most about the UK after three weeks.

Raphael's answer to what he enjoys the most about the UK after three weeks.

After a good night of sleep and properly settling in my new accommodation, it was time to explore the area and immerse myself in the culture. I quickly realized that many of the mundane tasks and activities in Leicester and the United Kingdom became my biggest sources of joy.

The little things off the bat that brought me joy showed me that it was just the beginning of a new adventure.

This includes going to Tesco, eating Walkers Crisps and sausage rolls, being in a walkable city with an older architecture, the list could go on. 

The people I’ve met in the United Kingdom have also made my experience a lot better. Everyone has been extremely friendly, whether it be my fellow international students or locals, they have really helped me immerse myself in UK culture and grow as a person. 

Together, we’ve visited around, gone to Leicester City games, had cultural dinners in the dorms, gone out to pubs and clubs and made life-lasting memories.

Eventually when I was feeling more comfortable in Leicester, I managed to also go around to explore the country and even the continent. I’ve really grown to enjoy the proximity to other countries and cultures, which isn’t as much the case in North America.

My time on exchange is almost coming to an end and I have already taken so much away from it. I still hope to explore, go out to pubs, watch the World Cup of Football and make the best of every day.

I would definitely recommend that everyone go on a similar experience to study in another country if they can. The memories will truly be there forever.

Pub nights with friends! Photo taken by Minttu Siironen.

Pub nights with friends! Photo taken by Minttu Siironen.