-
If I Could Start My Exchange Year Again: Lessons from Calgary
Deborah Oshidero, University of Calgary, Canada Spending a year abroad at the University of Calgary has been one of the most exciting, challenging, and eye-opening experiences of my life. Looking back now I feel like there was a lot of things I would do differently if I had the chance to start it all over again. So this last blog from me is essentially me telling you what to consider and do when on your own year abroad experience! While I wouldn’t change the friendships, the memories, or even most of the mistakes, there are definitely a few practical things I wish I had known from the beginning. First and…
-
Exam Season on Exchange
By Deborah, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada My first semester on exchange went by SO quickly, honestly it felt like exam season came and poured a bucked of ice water over my head. While exams are stressful no matter where you’re taking them, the experience here felt surprisingly structured and supportive, especially within the law faculty. One thing that really stood out during this period was how much effort the university put into student wellbeing. There were loads of organised events running alongside revision season, including doggy yoga sessions, studyathons, and other low-pressure activities to help students decompress. These were genuinely helpful in breaking up long days of studying…
-
Sustainability in Canada: What I’ve Learned (and Am Still Learning)
By Deborah Oshidero, University of Calgary, Canada Since moving to Canada, I’ve been trying to live more sustainably – both in my daily habits and long-term choices. It’s definitely a challenge at times (especially with how far apart everything is!), but I’ve also found small ways to reduce waste and make more eco-conscious decisions.
-
Studying at UCalgary: The Ins and Outs
By Deborah Oshidero, University of Calgary, Canada With mid-terms coming up and having settled into life here at UCalgary I thought it was appropriate time to talk about the reality of a law exchange year at UofC. I am a third-year undergraduate student enrolled in postgraduate-level law courses at the University of Calgary, not to make it sound daunting. In all honesty this journey so far has been both intense but still rewarding. Studying here offers a variety of academic courses, big campus life, and the experience of living in Canada.
-
Finding Accommodation, Settling in, and the reality of it
Deborah Oshidero, University of Calgary, Canada Moving abroad for school sounded exciting in my head. I imagined setting up my own space, exploring the city, and just getting into that whole “new chapter” vibe. But honestly? The reality of it hit me way faster than I expected. I realised the private accommodation I had arranged before arriving just wasn’t going to work. I had originally signed a lease for a private place off campus, this was because I applied for on-campus accommodation late and was put at 354 on the waitlist. I was optimistic thinking it would be perfect staying in a house, taking the C-train to get to UCalgary and…
-
Countdown to Canada: Nine days to Go
By Deborah Oshidero, University of Calgary, Canada With my flight just 9 days away, the countdown is starting to feel real. It still hasn’t fully sunk in that I will be spending a year in a completely new continent and honestly I don’t think it will till I set foot in Canada. It feels surreal, but as the days get closer, my preparation has shifted into full gear.
A study abroad journal by students, for students.
