CW Chu College The Chinese University of Hong Kong eNewsletter

by Ms Bjoerklund Sara Lena Kristina, an exchange student from the Sweden in Term 1, 2015–16

It goes without saying that studying abroad involves high expectations, excitement, not to mention slight uncertainty of what will be ahead of you. One cannot know for sure how things will end up, whom you will get to meet or whom you will create memories with. However I guess this is the whole charm of going on exchange. And definitely worth it! As it turns out, you will learn much anyway and get the chance to see things from different perspectives.

I would never have thought that it would become such a natural feeling calling CW Chu College home during this semester. But this is exactly what this College manages to do by making every student feel important, valued and seen, and still respecting one's integrity.

I think of the very first introduction week here at CUHK, before being accommodated to our final Colleges. Me and my new friends were all excited about getting to see our 'homes' for the upcoming semester, none of us really sure of what to expect. What I can say though is that CW Chu turned out to be beyond my imagination. Not to mention the warm welcome and nice staff we were met by during our first day, but also the impressive architecture and sense of details. The staff at CW Chu makes an effort to make every student feel at home; something I think is unique and what makes this College so special. The sense of belonging is important, especially when far away from home and family.

I am most thankful for having had the opportunity to experience a different university culture, something that I will bear with me. I have met many nice, interesting people and made friends from different parts of the world, and got to feel like a real university student.

Having experienced the authentic and long tradition of CUHK and their affiliated colleges, with high table dinners and inspiring speeches, I respect, understand and appreciate more all of the work the staff put behind activities. The effort to make students' stay memorable and the education a memory to be proud of is something I have not experienced the same way before.

I can only speak on behalf of myself, but I am more than glad that I got to experience such a warm and personal college provided with service and friendliness to make students feel safe and part of their culture.

Special thanks to my roommate Ho-Ting who has taught me much about student life here at CUHK, who has watched movies with me in the common room and for making me laugh till my stomach hurts! Could not have asked for a funnier and more understanding roommate whom I am sure to meet later in life.

The funniest thing about going to new places and meeting new people is that you become more open and appreciate people's differences.

To sum up my thoughts about CW Chu, I will remember it as a warm, happy and personal place with sincere students and staff. I will miss the calm and peaceful feeling of sitting on the terrace having my afternoon coffee, talking to our sweet Ayi on 6th floor who always ask us girls how we are, and miss the familiar feeling of CW Chu College!