1. That I had gone for a semester abroad
From the very first semester of my first year at uni, I was interested in going abroad. I was always looking out for UQ Abroad information sessions, and actually managed to go to one then. But I had no idea where I wanted to go. Then uni work started to pile up, and since I didn't know what my ideal destination was, and it all felt like something very far away, I put that thought to the back of my mind. 2nd year came, I tried to go to more information sessions, yet I was still clueless about my country of choice. But I knew time was running out (since you have to apply pretty much a year before you leave for exchange). Anyways, somewhere along first semester of my third year this year (I graduate after my 4th year), I finally decided I wanted to go to New York, USA, partly because I realised I wanted to experience that American hustle and bustle, but partly because I also knew someone who went to the exact uni in that state.

But, a combination of insufficient electives/lack of enthusiasm from my parents/money prevented me from going. It was incredibly tough for me to watch my application remain empty while the dateline passed me by.

Definitely a huge regret for me. This leads me to my next point:


2. To not use up/waste my electives!
In my first to second year, I would say I managed to do 2 electives: Korean and web design. My other 'electives' were spent on biology and maths subjects. This was partly because I wasn't sure what I wanted to major in, and so ended up doing a wider range of subjects that would give me more options. As I've mentioned, this ended up being one of the deciding factors in my failure to go abroad for a semester.

At this point, all I have left are 2 electives, one of which I want to use it to do some forensic/archaelogical science subject.


3. I sorta wouldn't have minded staying at college (i.e. dorms)
Although some colleges are known for having somewhat of a sex, alcohol and procrastination culture, I reckon it would have fairly fun to live on campus and get involved with activities (not the ones I just mentioned><) that would have made me feel more like a part of UQ. It would be so hard to concentrate/study though, but it would have given me a taste of what it means to live by myself.

Things I'm glad I did:

3. That I joined a club I feel a part of
You may or may not know that I'm part of a Christian group on campus that goes by the name of 'Evangelical Students'. Apart from the fact that I get to learn more about the Bible and how to be secure in my identity as Christian (and what it means to have 'faith' in an increasingly secular world), the group has actually allowed me to meet a wide range of people and challenged me to go to events and activities (i.e. have a social life). Like seriously, whether you join a religious club or language club, and especially when the aims and ideals of the club promote a friendly and fun environment, you'll benefit so much from it. One great thing about joining a club is that it forces you to talk to people who do different classes/degrees to you, so conversations have to do a little broader than the usual class-specific material and you get to make acquaintances/friends.

Let's be real here though, I know it's intimidating to join one, and it will require some effort on your part to persevere and socialise (this is coming from an introvert), so this might not be for everyone. That being said, there are so many clubs and stuff around that cater to different interests. If you haven't joined one and are craving some social contact, this is one way to deal with it.


4. That I'm going on a short-term program!!
Update to the whole depressing first two points above: Although they still pretty much hold true, I've since moved forward and I've managed to find a compromise of sorts! So, that means I get to study abroad, not for 1 semester, but for 3 weeks, and I get to do 1 elective while abroad. So where might I be going??

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SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA.

Be still, my heart! But yeah, it's not entirely surprising that despite the 'setbacks' I'd faced regarding points 1 and 2 above, I was constantly on the lookout for travel opportunities, and that was how I found out that UQ had short-term programs!

I'll be studying Introductory Psychology at Yonsei University as part of their 'Winter at Yonsei' program from late Dec to mid-Jan. Interestingly enough, now that application's been accepted and my flights are booked, I'm a bit at a loss of what to do and where to go when I'm there. It's as if the possibilities are infinite and I just don't know where to start! There's a lot to plan and a lot of admin to consider but each step I take is another step closer to my (short-lived) life in Korea :)


Are there any experiences in uni that you've regretted not doing or are glad you did??


xx,
Jas

Labels: experiences, regrets, study, thoughts

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