This past summer, I was fortunate enough to be able to study at Cambridge for a month. I took six courses during two terms, attended nearly 20 plenary lectures, and wrote two substantial essays. However, some of the most important things that I learned were outside the classroom. Here are a few of the best things that I took from my Cambridge experience, with a few of my favorite pictures from my time in England.
1. Learning for the sake of learning is awesome.
Yeah, I know I sound like a total nerd, but hear me out. Students these days are often crushed by the pressure they feel to perform well academically, and this stress makes learning a pain, even when we are learning about topics that we find interesting. When you learn for the sake of learning, you tend to retain the information better, and it's just a much better experience overall. Which brings me to my next point.
Selwyn College, Cambridge
2. Do something you love.
It's a lot easier to learn for the sake of learning when you're studying something that you are interested in and maybe even love. I previously wrote an article about choosing a major that makes you happy, and I definitely think that my time abroad helped me to come to that realization.
King's College, Cambridge
3. Taking time just to think is important.
We don't give ourselves enough time to just think anymore. There's always somewhere to go, something to do, something to plan. I rarely take time out of my busy schedule just to think, and if I do, I end up feeling guilty, like I'm procrastinating or wasting time. However, taking time to think is refreshing and healthy. Reflective thinking can be a good way to relax and get to know yourself better. Through learning and thinking, we have the power to transform ourselves into better people.
Punts on the River Cam
4. Silence can be a good thing.
We live in a world that is so loud, we forget how to be comfortable in the silences. If I sit in silence for too long, especially when other people are around, I feel pressured to say or do something to break the silence. Silence is conducive to reflective thinking. Silence can be peaceful and calming, and relieve the pressures and stresses of everyday life.
Tea and scones with friends at Grantchester Meadows
5. Talk to strangers, and they often become friends.
Through classes, plenary lectures, and dinner, I met a lot of different people who I normally wouldn't have had the chance to meet. There were a few people who weren't in any of my classes, but we ate dinner together a few times, and that was enough to feel pretty comfortable with them. On the other hand, there were some people who were in many of my classes over the entire time that I was there. I got to know these people very well, and I still keep in touch with many of them. Getting to know new people is so cool, especially when they have as diverse perspectives as all the people you will meet when you are abroad.
Myself and some new friends out on the town
6. Keep an open mind.
Studying abroad is one of the best reminders of how important it is to keep an open mind. Obviously, traveling abroad offers a variety of new experiences to the open-minded. Try new things; experience new cultures; do things you usually wouldn't do. You'll never know if you'll like something if you don't try it. This is as true at home as it is in a different country.
St. Paul's Cathedral
7. Go on as many adventures as you can.
Life is full of possibilities. Take risks! Go on adventures every chance you get, even if they're local adventures. We only get one life, and it's short, so make the most of the time you have!
Me in front of London Bridge throwing what I know
