A Digital Diary of My Time in Perth

02 Aug 2024

4 Min Read

Emma Chee Luo Yi (Contributing Writer)

IN THIS ARTICLE

From a chilly arrival to cherished friendships, follow Taylorian Emma's journey of education, culture, and growth at the University of Western Australia, Perth.

Before we begin, let me paint you a picture: I stood before the closed student dormitory reception at 6:00 AM with two medium-sized luggages in my hands amidst the bone-piercing Australian winter, waiting for the reception to open in the next hour. The silence in the air was punctuated by the growling of my stomach and my gaping yawn after a sleepless 6-hour flight. Exactly two years ago, I arrived in Perth unceremoniously. Fast forward to the present, I have developed several close-knit friendships, adapted to the rhythm of the new lifestyle, and discovered versions of myself that I would otherwise not know had I stayed under the protective wings of my parents in Malaysia.

Read along as I reflect on the highlights as an international student at the University of Western Australia (UWA) and the lessons I learned along the journey, in other words, a digital diary of my time here in Perth!

Education: Passion, Challenge, and Confidence

Studying at UWA has been an intellectually enriching experience. As a law major student, most of my time is dedicated to reading academic journals, researching and writing essays. Nonetheless, my course structure frequently encourages tutorial participation, which tests my comprehension and writing skills, refines my critical thinking skills, and hones my confidence to share my opinions in class. In my 3 years of undergraduate study, I am constantly surrounded by passionate lecturers who offer advice outside of lessons and outspoken peers who challenge my ideas and motivate me to be a better student. I also had the opportunity to learn outside of campus in an intensive unit that travels to Denmark, south of Western Australia, which enabled me to interact with and understand the local students at a deeper level. Today, my learning environment has further fueled my passion for education and equipped me with the skills I need to be a competitive scholar.

A Relaxing Campus Environment

The University of Western Australia's campus

I have always enjoyed studying on campus. UWA is situated on the banks of the Swan River, and the campus is characterised by sandstone buildings, open green fields, and ponds. One can invariably spot me on a window seat in the campus libraries because there is something inexplicably peaceful about being able to look at the sunny natural landscape whenever I take short breaks away from my laptop screen. Students spend their lunch breaks sitting at the green fields or lying down with a book. We see ducks and peacocks strolling around campus too! In essence, the architecture of the campus creates a tranquil learning atmosphere, which boosts our mental and physical well-being at the same time.

The Culture in Perth

Perth is renowned for its laid-back lifestyle, sunny weather, pristine beaches, and rich indigenous heritage. Perth's easy-going way of life encourages work-life balance, thus it is no surprise to find quiet streets with closed shops after 5:00 PM. The people's friendliness is integrated into everyday niceties, which range from thanking the bus driver before alighting from the bus to cashiers greeting every customer with a 'How are you today?' before taking their orders. Perth also celebrates its vibrant multiculturalism, making an array of restaurants and food festivals accessible in Perth, which is a bonus for a foodie like myself!

Independence and Self-Discovery

It was only when I lived in Perth that I began to understand the essence of being independent. This is not limited to doing my own laundry, making my own food and getting part-time jobs but also includes the relationship I share with myself — understanding my mindset, learning to enjoy my own company, picking myself back up upon setbacks, and spending my time wisely. Learning to look after myself is crucial for my mental and physical well-being and puts my parents' worries to rest. Moreover, being in the international student community expanded my horizons, which encouraged me to explore in my early twenties, such as going on road trips, trying new sports, and understanding different cultures. Being away from my comfort zone allowed me to re-evaluate what I want from life, expand my capabilities and reinvent my identity.

Friends: The ‘Second Family’

Friends are a fundamental part of our support system, even more so when you are studying overseas. Not only do friends offer warmth, connection and assistance, but maintaining friendships also puts my interpersonal skills to the test, such as navigating confrontations, setting healthy boundaries and communicating my needs and feelings effectively. We can learn so many things from each other that help us to become better people, such as different worldviews, passions, and approaches to life. Life in Perth has taught me that the quality of your relationships correlates to your happiness and overall well-being.

Conclusion

My university journey in Perth will always have a fond place in my heart because it documented my highest highs, lowest pitfalls and bravest breakthroughs. I am eternally grateful for my A Level experience and for being a Riser Ambassador for Taylor's College in 2021, for those exposures taught me to be resilient under rigorous academic demands and built my confidence in public speaking and communication skills, all of which enhanced my university experience. Seeing how much I have grown in 2 years, I am excited to see what the future awaits!

Emma Chee Luo Yi pursued Cambridge A Level at Taylor's College before attending the University of Western Australia. A law student with an artistic soul, she studies during the day and writes, draws, or crochets at night!

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