My first year at UC made Christchurch my home away from home - and it can be yours too!

You're packing up your things and moving away from home to start your first year at university - chances are, you're just as nervous as you are excited. In between getting everything you need ready and spending some last-second time with your family and friends, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the big change you're going to experience. 

Before you know it, you are going to find yourself away from home in an entirely new environment surrounded by completely new people.  That's exactly where I was in February of 2017 when I started at the University of Canterbury. 

Before moving to New Zealand, I'd never lived away from my family for more than a week at a time. It was going to be a big change for me, and like most students, I was raring to go.

I packed up my life in Indonesia into two large suitcases and flew it out to Christchurch. Unfortunately, you can't really pack everything that makes home - home into two suitcases (especially with the crazy weight restrictions on airplanes). Whether home means having your friends and family around, a home-cooked meal, or even your bed, it can be scary moving away from any one of these things.

A few weeks into my own move however, I saw firsthand the way Christchurch really opens itself to you. This is a city that grows and changes everyday, and I found myself changing and progressing with it.  The university culture mirrors the city's progressive and welcoming character. At UC, I was able to find a place to grow my passions and build relationships with people from all over who were on the same journey that I was on.

So here, I've come up with three pointers that have really positively shaped my journey that I want to share with all of you. These are things that were really important for me as I started out at university, and I hope they can be of help to you too! 

• Always keep an open mind

I can't stress enough how important this is, especially when you're in a new country. Don't dismiss things even if they seem a little strange to you, approach them with an open mind. Is your university putting on an event that seems a little out of your comfort zone? Don't skip it. Ask around, learn more about it and if you decide to go, maybe you'll end up having a better time than you expected!

• Get involved in clubs

University's the perfect place to learn more about yourself, it's not all about academics. If you've got a hobby or interest, its very likely that there's a club for it at your university (my personal favorite at UC is CurrySoc - you'd be surprised how many people are passionate about a good curry). It's an amazing way to meet like-minded people and make new friends outside of classes. 

• Don't forget to check in with your mental health

Things can get stressful and overwhelming in a new place - its not always all sunshine and rainbows. For some, it's almost natural to feel homesick at some point during your time at university. When you first start, it can feel like there's a lot going on as you try to balance your studies with your social life in a completely new environment. Remember to take a step back if you're feeling a little low and know that there are always a range of resources available to support you. 

I know that starting at university can be just as daunting as it is exhilarating. However, if you're planning to move to Christchurch, I'm sure that it'll welcome you with open arms and become your home away from home - the same way it is for me. 

Just don't forget to keep in touch with your friends and family!