Fleur Spedding – Geography – University of Hong Kong As I have come back to Manchester and reunited with my friends and housemates, they all seem to ask the same question – How was your year abroad? Every time I answer ‘It was amazing’, but I find it difficult to really put into words my whole year. So much happened and there were countless incredible experiences that have made this year special, and probably changed me as a person. I am much more open to trying anything that comes my way, whether it be chicken feet (a local Hong Kong delicacy) or climbing a 13,000 ft mountain (Mt Kinabalu in…

Reflecting back on my expectations before I started at HKU back in August 2016, it is safe to say I was very naïve. I realise now I hadn’t done a great deal of research on the academic style and how the University system worked in Hong Kong beforehand, which lead to a bit of a shock when it came down to handing in the first piece of work. Although, in my (and every exchange student’s) defence, however much research and homework you do on your host university, it cannot prepare you for how it actually will be. The best way to find out how the University works is to get…

Fleur Spedding – Geography – University of Hong Kong There is a feeling of regressing going from a small room in University halls in first year, to a spacious room with a double bed to yourself in second year, back to a shared small room with a bunk bed for your year abroad in third year. There are some downsides to being 5 ft 10 and having to stick your feet through the gaps at the end of your bed, yet the accommodation in Hong Kong has its own charm that no other place could quite get away with.

Fleur Spedding – The University of Hong Kong – Hong Kong Over the Christmas period I went home for 3 weeks to see family and friends and catch up on the last four months. It was so nice to relax and refresh for a few weeks after the intensity of deadlines and exams at the end of semester one. I really enjoyed not having much to do, but equally I enjoyed telling everyone at home about my life in Hong Kong. It made me realise how incredible the past semester has been! I also took the opportunity during Christmas break to travel for a week in Laos with my friends,…

Fleur Spedding – Geography – HKU – Hong Kong When you feel as though you have just got used to Manchester life and the way the University works, it can be daunting to move to the other side of the world and start again. However after a few weeks, you will have sorted documents and cards and feel settled once again into your new city and University. But here are a few tips to help along the way in the mean time…

Fleur Spedding – Geography – University of Hong Kong – Hong Kong   I thought I would try and vlog my trip to Myanmar, as we are in 2016 after all! I had the most incredible week – the people are so friendly, the food is delicious and their special Myanmar Rum went down a treat! I am so grateful that the opportunity to do a year abroad came my way, and looking back at my (poor quality) vlog in five or ten years time I will reminisce on one of the best years of my life.  

Fleur Spedding, Geography, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong After months of organising my move from the UK to Hong Kong, it is safe to say nothing can quite prepare you for the roller coaster that is the first month of studying abroad! However having now spent a few weeks in Hong Kong I have been overwhelmed with the captivating culture, the constant buzz and the friendly, safe atmosphere that runs through the city.