Exchanging to Singapore was not part of my original plan.

Since high school, I had always dreamed of studying abroad in Japan during a summer term, specifically at Kyoto University or Waseda University. To prepare for this, I took Japanese language courses 3 semesters in a row.

It’s not easy to learn a new language:(

The first article I read in the textbook was about Kyoto.

At the time, the sole feasible option that would not conflict with my academic schedule is an exchange program in the fall of 2022. Due to the different academic calendars at my school and Japanese universities, I had to give up my plan of studying in Japan which I prepared for and start researching new schools and destinations. I found that design courses at Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTUsg) are really professional and attractive. The best thing is that I had very limited restrictions on course selection. Thus, I submitted my application to NTUsg and started my journey in Singapore.

Even though 50 percent of my desired courses were not offered…

I have to admit that I did not have a good start in Singapore. I immediately came to this conclusion as soon as I had my first meal. I ordered a wonton noodle soup and I don’t think they put enough soy sauce in it since I could barely taste anything. I almost gave a bad review on this below-average Cantonese restaurant until I started feeling dizzy and extremely tired the next day. I did a COVID rapid test, and my result was positive. This explains why I could not taste anything and made the start of my exchange journey a very bumpy ride.

The sad wonton noodle soup that didn’t get approved by a Cantonese

I will blame this on every crying kid on the plane who wasn't wearing a mask

I was super exhausted, homesick and jet-lagged at the same time. I was wearing my hoodie in 30-degree Singapore since the air condition in the hotel was way too powerful while I was suffering from COVID-19 symptoms. Fortunately, I wasn’t coughing much and I was still able to order food online and call the front desk to ask the hotel staff to leave them at my door. I also suffered from severe allergies and here’s what my leg looked like after getting 2 mosquito bites.

My sincere review of my favourite restaurant during my COVID positivity

A bicep under my knee…?

This is not peach skin, it’s my skin 💔

Okay, that’s enough tragedies. Let’s move on to my life after I recovered.

August 10th

Here’s my first meal on campus. It was really good and surprisingly cheap. I ordered 2 combos that came with soup and it only cost me $10 SGD.