Leaving home.
I haven't really been eating well, and things here taste weird - not to mention the fact that Caulfield has barely anywhere decent to eat unless you feel like walking out of campus, which I don't because I'm kinda here alone. It's a bit difficult to make friends in one hour lectures when you're trying your best not to fall asleep and there virtually isn't time for conversation when the lecturer is rushing as fast as she can to complete her notes and you're rushing right along with her.
Consequently, and with the fact I've been a bit upset lately (not for any particular reason, just one of my moods) I probably haven't been resting and eating as well as I should be.
Tonight I promise to cook - even if it's just Maggi Mee with no veggies (they kinda rotted away because I uh..forgot about them) I really need to eat a proper meal.
Tonight I will also do some tutorial readings and sleep early.
Tips for any of you who are going overseas in the future:
- Get enough rest. University is really exciting with tons of activities and things to do, but remember why you're there in the first place - to study. Don't feel bad if you simply don't feel like socializing. People will understand. It is not your obligation to go out and party all the time.
- Eat proper meals. Even if you don't feel like getting all the cutlery out and cooking, do it because your tummy will thank you later. Eating out just isn't the same, let me tell you that - and probably not worth the effort either, given the amount of travelling I have to do.
- If you have to take public transport, be sure you know the times and know if the train/tram/bus you're getting on is the right one (see: Peninsula post). I have had enough public transportation related mishaps to know what I'm talking about, so trust me on this one. Don't get crippled by Asian politeness/pride and unwillingness to ask - just do it. It will save you a lot of headaches.
- Be very clear about what you order when ordering food - I just ordered a hot chocolate and an English Breakfast, only to get a cup of hot chocolate and a cup of English Breakfast Tea. I think the barista was trying hard not to laugh at my confuzzled expression when he explained to me that 'English Breakfast is the name of the tea'.
- Put yourself out there. I know I said earlier that you don't have to socialize if you don't want to, but sometimes you just need to be brave and step out of your room and join the others at the kitchen table once in a while. At least let people know who you are, and join the events once in a while. I'm not talking about popularity contests. It's really all about survival. I don't exactly have a gang of friends I can stick with, given that not many people in Normanby House seem to be doing Arts (and those that do aren't first year, or in Caulfield) but I've made quite a few friends and honestly that's enough.
- Don't be afraid to be independent. Being in a new country for those who have never lived away from home before, never mind abroad, can be quite intimidating for a lot of people. But hey it's okay to be alone, walk home alone, stay in your room alone. Sometimes it's necessary and the solitude can often be handy - in a group you sometimes don't get to stay as long in a shop as you would've liked, or go on daring new adventures (like following a bus all the way to the end). Just make sure you don't consciously isolate yourself and end up an outcast.
- Do not be prejudiced. You simply cannot afford to be when you're an outsider. It's rather inevitable that people will be prejudiced in one way or another towards you - it's often quite uncontrollable - but you just have to accept it as part of life. Just keep a friendly smile on your face and be prepared to learn about everything and anything, and don't be afraid to try new things (within reason of course).
- Have some sort of a timetable. I'm probably the worst person to be talking about this but you should try to establish some sort of a timetable for the sake of regularity in your life. I don't mean drawing up an entire table like 9.00-9.30 am - Breakfast (unless that's your thing) but at least you should have your meals at regular times, and specify a day to do your laundry, and perhaps have a rough idea at least of when you should be studying.
- Join stuff. Even if it's things you'd not normally do, remember that you're in a whole new place now so be prepared to try everything at least once (excluding things like drugs of course). It'll keep you busy and occupied and maybe you'll even make new friends! However be sure to not let it interfere with the welfare of your studies.
- Call home, and talk to people from home. It doesn't have to be every day, or even every week, but do call home once in a while. Seeing familiar faces helps you get grounded and remember that the people you love are still there, and you feel less like living in a totally new world away from everything you've ever known. Similarly for those of you who have friends or siblings somewhere far away, make the effort to keep in touch with them. They appreciate it.
I am now wondering what exactly I should do with an English Breakfast tea that I don't want.
posted by FluffyRed @ 2:04 PM
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