Day In The Life Of A Student Studying Psychology Overseas

Wonder what is in the life of a Psychology student studying overseas? Hear from your seniors now! Today, we have Jacqueline sharing with us on her experiences in the faculty!

Imagine getting on a plane and flying 11,092 kilometres across the ocean to spend three years of your life in a completely unfamiliar place. Sounds scary? Well, that was something I experienced three years ago when I was accepted to the Psychology course at the University of Exeter. It was probably the most thrilling, yet nerve-wracking thing I had ever done in my life, but a decision that I have never regretted.

Everyday defers, but a typical day from studying on the Streatham Campus looks like this:

06:30

My new year resolution is to stay fit and healthy, so I will wake up early to exercise in the gym. After an hour of exercising, I will be attending the morning lectures that start around 08:30hrs. It took me around 10 mins to the gym and 20 mins to get to uni. It is convenient because the bus stop is only two mins away from my accommodation and the gym.

10:30

After the morning lecture, I will either catch up with my coursemates or do my own studies at Barisca Coffee Co. at the Peter Chalk building, where they serve delectable croissants! Given the time zone differences, I tend to give my family members a call during this time. 12:30

It's lunchtime, and I will have my lunch at the Peter Chalk Building, which I've prepped the day before. It is usually too cold in the fall and winter, so I will prefer to remain stationary somewhere warm.

13:30

I will usually move to the Washington Singer building for lab sessions or tutorial classes. Had a chance to apply my technical knowledge to practical use.

16:00

As I am a part of the INTO Exeter Society Committee, I had a discussion with my team after class. It was amazing to plan our future events – I hope we will do a great job!

17:30

Returned to my accommodation and started prepping for my dinner with my flatmates. We usually cooked together and spent time chatting about what everyone has been up to.

20:00

After cleaning up, I will start to work on my revisions and essay writing before calling it a day.

One of the best reasons to study at the University of Exeter would be its tranquil and solemn atmosphere. Being in a serene town has definitely helped me to focus better when it comes to studying. Apart from that, there are diverse avenues of support provided by the University, especially for us international students, who are bound to have more concerns than local students. Besides that, another thing I love about the University of Exeter is that the campus is always full of life! You can always find riveting pop-up food stores at Forum Hill, where the food vendors will appear at unspecific dates and times, bringing you delicacies from Exeter town.

Unlike in Singapore, where notes are readily prepared for you, university life is primarily self-directed study. However, while it is preferable to develop the habit of independent learning, if you encounter any difficulties, you can always seek clarification from your tutors. Apart from that, one important thing to note about the Psychology course is that it requires an immense amount of reading. Going through lecture slides is never good enough! So be prepared to read tons of journals and articles. Do note that a set of good notes will come in handy for your assignments and exams. I would like to take this opportunity to recommend prospective students considering the Psychology course to prepare themselves adequately to avoid a great bustle.

Studying abroad does not only mean studying in another country, but it also means an incomparable intercultural experience, so here are some tips for juniors embarking on their journey in the UK:

1. Student discounts: As a university student in the United Kingdom, you are eligible to download the UniDays app and take advantage of their student discount offers when dining at high-street chain restaurants or shopping at stores such as Hollister and Topshop. I didn't know about this app until October, and if I had started using it sooner, I could have saved a lot of money.

2. Get a schedule book: University life is not only about studying but also about having a social life while ensuring sufficient rest. I recommend getting an A5 day to page planner where you can write down all of your daily schedules, a to-do list etc. This will help get you through your busy university life!

3. Say yes and take advantage of every adventure: Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and you don't want to miss out on the best part. So, don't restrict yourself! Every day will present you with new sights to see, activities to try, and friends to make, so don't limit yourself and get the full experience! Take advantage of every opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and grow in a variety of ways.

Done By: Jacqueline Lau