Before I knew it, my first semester was already more than halfway through. I still remember the moment, just a few months ago, when I first stepped onto the campus, dragging my heavy luggage while my heart was filled with both nervousness and excitement. The air was fresh and damp after the rain, and the blend of traditional and modern buildings created a unique charm. The beautiful scenery made me stop again and again to take photos and share them with my family and friends back home. As I strolled through the campus, I couldn’t help but wonder what my life and studies here would be like.

Fortunately, SEED offered me warmth and support that felt just like home. During Welcome Week, we were given a detailed introduction to the structure and core content of our programs. It was then that I developed a strong interest in Psychology of Education, and the idea of switching to this major quietly took root in my mind. As a newcomer, I was unfamiliar with the school’s administrative procedures, but after some hesitation, I gathered my courage and reached out to the SEED Student Support Hub for help. They provided clear guidance right away, while the staff in the Admissions Office and program tutors offered patient and professional advice, answering all my questions and helping me complete the transfer step by step. This considerate support deeply touched me and made me realize that SEED is a truly connected and caring community.

This semester has been both challenging and rewarding, filled with surprises and growth. The teaching style in Psychology of Education left a particularly deep impression on me. Unlike my previous learning experiences, the courses here place great emphasis on interaction and expression. My classmates are always eager to share their opinions, sparking inspiration and lively discussion. The classroom atmosphere is open and vibrant. In the course Introduction to Neuroscience and Education, we even wore VR headsets for an immersive activity that allowed us to experience the world from the perspective of people with visual impairments. It was a unique and meaningful learning experience that I will never forget. The university also thoughtfully provides recordings of all lectures to support non-native English speakers like me, which makes reviewing and consolidating knowledge much easier. I was initially anxious about academic writing in English, but the specialized workshops on essay writing helped me gradually adapt to academic standards and overcome my fears.

Beyond the classroom, a wide variety of extracurricular activities has filled my life with joy and colour. During Welcome Week, the numerous societies and fun events were dazzling, and I even collected a bag full of lovely souvenirs. The warmth and excitement of those first days completely dispelled any sense of loneliness I might have felt as a newcomer abroad. Among all the experiences, one of my most unforgettable memories was joining a Halloween event for the first time. I had only read about it in English textbooks before. Thanks to SEED’s organization, my new friends and I exchanged candies, decorated pumpkins, and even tried bead jewellery making. To my surprise, I discovered a hidden talent for crafting. Everyone loved the bracelet I designed, and that small moment of appreciation made me feel truly included and confident. 

Reflecting on my first semester at SEED, I’ve grown both academically and personally, learning to manage my time, study independently, and adapt to new challenges. Most importantly, I’ve found real warmth and belonging within this diverse community.

Written by Yu, a current postgraduate student in SEED

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