UK – Cam
Student: Cam
Course: Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of International Studies
Program: Trimester exchange T2 2024
The opportunity to complete a semester abroad was the absolute highlight of my degree at Deakin. I'm writing this six months after returning home to Australia, and I still hold onto the memories and friendships I made overseas very dearly.
What no one really prepares you for is how difficult the return home can be. You spend several months living this incredible experience where everything is new and exciting, your responsibilities are minimal, and you adopt a “why not?” attitude toward every opportunity that comes your way. Coming back to normal life and study can feel incredibly mundane in comparison.
I spent my semester abroad at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, and I honestly couldn’t recommend the city or the university more highly. The locals are warm and welcoming, and the student culture is much stronger than what I’ve experienced in Australia. At Glasgow, people genuinely want to engage – both academically and socially – and the vibrant atmosphere of the West End (the university district) is something really special.
I was incredibly fortunate to share a student accommodation flat with ten other international students, most of whom were exchange students from across continental Europe. Many of them have become some of my closest friends. This network also made travelling around Europe after my exchange so much easier, with familiar faces and local connections dotted across the continent.
I’m a huge advocate for studying abroad. Even if you're just considering the idea – just go for it. It was honestly the best decision I’ve ever made.
My biggest piece of advice? Go in with no expectations and a 'yes' mindset. Say yes to every opportunity that comes your way – whether it's a spontaneous trip, a new friendship, or an unfamiliar experience. The time flies by so quickly, and it's so important to make the most of every moment. Because once you're back home, all you'll want to do is go back.
One of the best things I did while living in Scotland was getting involved in student life. I joined the university-run running club, Hares and Hounds, which turned out to be one of the most rewarding parts of my exchange. We did regular social runs, training sessions, and most weekends there was either a race somewhere in Scotland or a trail run through the Highlands.
The club wasn’t just about running, it was incredibly social and welcoming. We’d go out multiple times a week with the run club crew, and they were always proactive in organizing flat crawls, group activities, and other events. Over the course of the semester, there were also several formal balls and traditional Ceilidhs, which added to the whole experience.
Being part of the club was amazing, so much fun and a great way to meet people and feel part of the local community.