Look at that. You’ve helped me find my smile.

— Captain Holt of the Nine-Nine

It’s Week 0 of my year 3 undergraduate studies. I’ll be going to Toronto in 6 months (excites, yet oh so unprepared). In this time before actually heading to Toronto, there are some people that are significant that needs to be mentioned. While this post is going to be a short one, I hope to meet even more people on this whole exchange journey.

Firstly, I met some peers going to the same place at the same time from the same faculty in NUS. We were able to connect through the google forms that would float around in group chats where people could write down their names and contact details under the university they will be going to. Check back after some time and hopefully, another person have put down their name next to yours! I met a friend who would be doing the Joint minor in Environmental Biology and I thought that was very cool since the programmes are quite similar. I also met someone from Chemistry from my cohort who was going to Toronto on SEP exchange! So the 3 of us were able to share information, clarify what to do, remind each other of deadlines etc. I am seriously happy I met them.

A side note, since the exchange duration will be less than 6 months, I decided not to get a study permit and get an eTA instead. The study permit enables students to work as well as open a bank account more easily (? not too sure) however it will leave a $200 hole in my wallet.

Another person that I am quite grateful for is a senior who responded when I was searching for someone to ask about modules and stuff. He was in Toronto completing the minor when I was in Year 2 Sem 2 but he still replied me and replied really fast. It will not be the first time where I thought that in NUS, the seniors are all super nice and go out of their way to help. On different occasions in NUS, I have met seniors who have no qualms in putting in time, effort and resources to help out. (I wish them all the best! <3)

While this last person may not be friend but family, I don’t think I can successfully embark on the exchange without her. My mom has been bustling about, looking for airbnbs, winter clothings, insurance, airplane tickets etc. I am sure I should be doing these things, but since I have never planned a trip before, I really don’t know where I should start preparing for a trip 87 times as long as the longest trip I have been on. I thought it was crazy when my mom started planning things out super early, especially since my friends and I still haven’t confirmed whether we will be booking flights/finding accommodations together, but I really thank her for it. My mom will be spending a few weeks in Toronto with me before my exchange starts and while I do love my independence (it’s cooler to head off for exchange with friends), spending time with family is also important to me. I don’t want to look back when I am older and think of all the things I could have done with my family and have regrets.

Have to go get ready for the start of the semester, peace out!