Homesick from home.

I always believed that no matter how independent a person is, there is no doubt one will get lonely and require the company of their family and friends.

I do miss my family, despite the fact that I have just been in Birmingham for 2 weeks, not to mention the fact that I will be here for 2 years.

To be honest, 2 years are neither long nor short to begin with.

But it really depends on the perspective that we look at.

However, perhaps technology improvements made things much easier for us.

Now that I am able to FaceTime with my parents as and when we want (if you're willing to sacrifice some sleep for the time differences!).

Of course, social media plays a huge part in our lives, constantly updating the progress of our life to our family and friends.

So despite being homesick, I'm glad that I have a group of friends by my side whom I can informally announce them as my 2nd family in UK.

:)

Attending the school orientation really helped me in settling down with my stuffs.

Such as residential issues, school matters and of course, getting to meet people from different nationalities who are similar to me.

Being a newbie to the UK, I was absolutely lost.

What was Chinatown, Jewellery Quarter, Broad Street and New Street?

All I knew was I am in the City Centre of Birmingham.

Despite arriving into Birmingham for a week before orientation began, I was only familiar with areas such as Bullring and The Grand Central, which were the main shopping areas of Birmingham.

As soon as orientation began, I met a group of friends coming from Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan and China.

We kick started conversations by introducing ourselves, and then after hanging out together during orientation breaks.

They are an amazing group to be with. While some of us were confused with the applications and procedures, the others would patiently guide us through step by step through it and even accompanying us to the places to report to.

Needless to say, as we stayed in the respective halls of Cambrian and The Maltings, we would go home together, ensuring one another are back home safe and sound by notifying on our WhatsApp group.

Friends are like your family while you are miles away from home.

So get out of your comfort zone and make some new friends!

Who knows, they might be your BFFs :)

Just like how Jade (my apartment mate), Jasmine (the first person I talked to during orientation) and I became some of the closest as well!

Staying in hall was really an eye opener for me.
Or rather, I was glad to be staying in hall as I could get to mix around with the other students.
I was rather blessed getting to know Lin, who have apparently stayed there for a semester.
She brought me around town and I felt really at ease, as if that I had a sibling taking care of me in a foreign state.

Apparently tried to look glamorous on the photos but the wind was just not giving me any chance!

Birmingham is really known to be a windy and rainy country, especially during winter.

It even broke my umbrella, well cause I got it at 1 pound.

But that's how strong it is!

Ever since I arrived in Birmingham, almost everyday it has been raining.

One of the reasons why I hate rainy days was because it makes my things wet.

And one of the days, my Primark paper bag decided to give way and it broke while I was heading home.

Thankful that I had a recyclable bag along with me, I've never felt that helpless before :'(

So now you've got the tip on how to survive rainy days: Umbrella/Raincoats, Recyclable bags and perhaps a pair of boots.

And when the sun comes out, guess who's the one rejoicing in the heart :D

So far, I have been really enjoying myself right in the heart of Birmingham.

My heart is still thousand of miles away from where I am physically, but nevertheless I am gonna put in my best effort to do my parents proud.

Do what you love, and do it with your best effort.

have a great night guys!

cynnie.