by Derrica Ang

I still remember the excitement of landing in the UK, the tall buildings, the gushing wind, the rush of something new. But as the day went past and night fell earlier than I was used to –  it was autumn, after all – the excitement slowly faded. And suddenly, I felt it: loneliness, time difference hit me like a wave. Eight hours ahead of back home, and there I was, completely on my own. It was that moment I realised –  this wasn’t just about studying abroad.

Growing up in Malaysia, I was surrounded by warmth in both the people and the weather. I knew the rhythm of life. I knew the roads, the daily go-to coffee shop, and the people. But suddenly, I was in a place where everyone was just so busy and minding their own business, where the rain didn’t stop, and where everything just suddenly felt too overwhelming. It was a shock. But it was also the start of something extraordinary.

The language? Sure, we speak English back home. But British English? That’s a whole new level. From understanding local jokes to decoding greetings like “You alright? ” – which made me think something was wrong with me during the first time I heard it – I had to adapt quickly. In doing so, I found my voice. I mustered up all my courage to speak up more, starting to understand the accent, to laugh at jokes, even picking up a little bit of British accent now!

University life was an eye-opener. Back home, we were being spoon-fed and being guided through everything. But here, I had to figure it all out: the group work, solo assignments, late-night library sessions. Here, I was no longer just learning from textbooks, but from people – from their values, stories, and so much more. I joined societies, events and activities I never imagined myself in back home, met people I never imagined crossing paths with, and even found Malaysians who brought back that nostalgic warmth I missed so much.

Yes, the weather was tough. Yes, I missed home almost every moment. Yes, I missed all the good food back home. But enjoying my alone time during days I felt that I needed it, walking to lectures under layers of scarves, and crying happy tears on a video call with family during Chinese New Year. These small, in-between moments taught me independence, resilience, and to carry home in my heart wherever I go.

Studying abroad didn’t just change my life – it expanded it. I found a second home, a deeper sense of self and the courage to start writing a new chapter of my life.