By: Mac Gilkison

My exchange to Liverpool was a constant adventure, from day and weekend trips within the UK to cultural experiences and events, there was always something to do or somewhere to go. An early highlight for me was spending a weekend in Wales, taking a train to betws-y-coed in the Yr Wddfa national park. Hiking Snowdon while there were still snow caps on the mountain was a totally new outdoors experience for me, and the town at the base of the mountain was extremely charming. Another highlight for me was spending my free time exploring the city, Liverpool is a busy city with very different neighborhoods, and walking 5 minutes can take you to what feels like a completely different city.

The downtown streets feature Victorian architecture, cobbled roads, bustling squares, Beatles murals, and historical statues, and walking the city is always interesting. I was at the Liverpool FC Premier League winners parade, which was a massive event for the city and had reportedly over a million attendees. Although I’m not a fan the parade was an incredible experience, watching the bus drive through the city while hundreds of thousands of fans are singing, dancing, throwing flares, and celebrating. At the end of the parade there was unfortunately a senseless attack by somebody with a car, but before that occurred the parade, and attending a football parade in general, was an irreplaceable experience whether you like football or not.

My experience studying overseas was pretty smooth, not really encountering any significant challenges. I think a common fear for exchange students is not making the most of their time, not making friends easily, or falling behind in classes. University of Liverpool ran lots of free events and social nights for exchange students so you could make friends quickly, and most people made friends with their flatmates immediately as well. Everyone I encountered overseas was travelling as often as they could, taking part in University club sports, weekend parkrun and coffee clubs, studying, or exploring the city; anyone who felt they were bored could easily make the most of all these opportunities.

My exchange taught me to make the most of my opportunities, as you never know what saying yes to things can open up for you. Studying abroad also broadened my worldview, as I got to experience living overseas and immersing myself in a different way of life.

My exchange has made me excited to see more of the world, learn more about history, and chase after experiences. It’s opened my future up in terms of confronting unfamiliar situations, such as living overseas.