During our first year at the University of Westminster, we were introduced to an opportunity to study abroad in a different country for an entire semester.

It was a special chance for me, and I was excited at the idea of learning new things, studying at a different university, and meeting new people in a place far from home. Our university offers a large variety of choices to study in different areas of the world. In July 2022, I received the confirmation of my acceptance into the exchange program at Baptist University in Hong Kong.

This wonderful experience started with the confirmation from the visa department, and soon after, I booked a one-way flight to Hong Kong. Having lived in London for the past six years, embarking on this journey made me a bit nervous, as it meant leaving behind the place, I had called home for so long.

Back in January, I made a big move to a brand-new place, and was it an adventure! The initial excitement came with a touch of loneliness since I didn’t know anyone there. Thankfully, things took a turn for the better within the first week when I met with Emma, my roommate from Chicago. Little did I know that she would become not just a roommate but a close companion throughout this entire journey.

In the first month, Emma and I embarked on countless adventures, exploring the vibrant streets of Hong Kong. Each discovery brought us closer, turning the once unfamiliar surroundings into a shared playground of experiences.

Since the beginning, Emma and I have created this greater relationship, and a couple of weeks later we met Sara, and we became inseparable. We also decide to spend an Easter holiday together in the Philippines. Thinking back on all these wonderful experiences makes me nostalgic and want to go back to the unique experience that Westminster University let me be part of.

Studying in a different country is an exhilarating journey, and truth be told, no one can fully prepare you for it. The freedom to choose my courses was a new experience, and I aimed to align them with what my classmates back at my home university were taking in the second semester.

Navigating through the workload and group presentations turned out to be quite time-consuming. Despite the challenges, the four months of intense study taught me invaluable lessons, particularly in time management and effective communication.

Working on group projects and presentations was tough, but it helped me get better at teamwork. It was a hard but valuable time that taught me a lot, not just about my studies but also about myself. Being abroad turned out to be a great teacher, making me better at managing my time and communicating effectively.

One of the best parts of this experience was the wonderful friendship I formed with a local student, Jenny. She’s a Hong Kong native who enjoys meeting new people and revealing hidden gems. One day, she took us to Aberdeen, the area where her grandparents grew up, and where she spent most of her childhood. Jenny shared the fascinating stories of the place, and we even went to a cafe where English wasn’t spoken, a spot not usually frequented by foreigners like us.

Meeting someone who grew up in the area, speaks the local language, and knows all the stories about the place adds a unique beauty to your experiences. Even if you’re not from there, you get to explore and discover things like a local. This turned out to be one of the best things that happened to me and something I was eagerly looking forward to during my time there.

We met her family and enjoyed a traditional dinner with them. Every moment was just fantastic. With Jenny’s help, we explored numerous places that, in my view, revealed authentic Hong Kong, the side you can’t experience as a tourist.

The major challenge I encountered was being far away from the people I care about and dealing with the time zone difference in Hong Kong (HKT), which is UTC+8. However, nothing is perfect, and challenges are a part of stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing new opportunities. At the end of the day, all the students who decide to undertake this experience face similar issues. Spending time together and supporting each other creates a unique bond with the friends you make during this experience.

In conclusion, I express my gratitude to Go Abroad of Westminster University for orchestrating this exchange program. The team has been immensely helpful both before my departure and during my time abroad. Their efficient teamwork and exceptional personal support have made this experience even more valuable. Living in Asia for a short period has always been a dream for me, and thanks to Baptist University Hong Kong and the Go Abroad team, joining and being part of this experience was not only easy but also incredibly amazing.

I sincerely hope that anyone considering a similar experience will find the courage and strength to embrace the moment. For me, this will be a wonderful memory that lasts a lifetime, providing unique knowledge both professionally and personally. I look forward to the possibility of joining more experiences with the Go Abroad team, and I hope that many others at Westminster University will choose to do the same.

Clarissa Codalonga

08-01-2024

Unsplash (2024) Beautiful free images & pictures, Unsplash. Available at: https://unsplash.com/ (Accessed: 08 January 2024).

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Our choices every day can impact our future, and becoming greener is important for us and our planet, according to the statistics, global waste generation has surged in recent decades, surpassing two billion metric tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) annually, and projections indicate a 70 per cent increase by 2050 (Alves, 2023).

What is waste generation? is the production of excessive waste, including non-biodegradable materials, which contributes to landfill problems and pollution. Managing and disposing of waste in an environmentally friendly manner is a significant challenge.

So, what can we do as individuals? Why we do not start thinking about what can we do as students?  Let’s discover these 8 initiatives to become more sustainable in our little.

1 Use the reusable coffee, bottle cup and reusable containers.

Embrace sustainability and eco-friendliness in your daily routine by choosing reusable alternatives such as coffee cups, water bottles, and containers. Make a positive impact on the environment by reducing single-use waste and embracing a sustainable lifestyle (Ohelo,2022) (Scotland, 2024).

At the university, we have water fountains equipped with filters, providing safe drinking water for all students. These fountains also have a feature that tracks and displays the number of plastic bottles saved each time you refill your reusable bottle. It’s a simple way to encourage and measure our collective efforts in reducing single-use plastic waste (The Water Cooler Company,2023).

2 Buy clothes or shoes second-hand.

Make a stylish statement while treading lightly on the planet—choose the eco-friendly path by purchasing clothes and shoes second-hand. Embracing pre-loved fashion not only adds a unique touch to your wardrobe but also plays a part in reducing the environmental footprint of the fashion industry, promoting a more sustainable and circular approach to dressing (Glenn Agung Hole, 2023).

3 Commutes with public transport or a rental bike.

opt for an eco-conscious commute to the university by choosing public transport or hopping on a rental bike. By embracing sustainable transportation options, you contribute to a greener environment and reduce your carbon footprint on campus (Transport for London | Every Journey Matters, 2023).

Refer to this link for additional details on bike rentals:

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/santander-cycles/register-for-your-own-key#on-this-page-3

4 Purchase your tech refurbished or second-hand.

Make mindful decisions in your tech purchases by choosing refurbished or second-hand devices. This not only saves you money but also reduces electronic waste, promoting a sustainable and circular approach to technology consumption (Ethical Consumer, 2023).

Refer to this link for additional details on refurbished tech:

https://www.backmarket.co.uk/en-gb

5 Don’t waste water:

Save water every day by turning off taps when not needed, fixing leaks, and using water wisely. Your simple actions can make a big difference in preserving this vital resource for the future (Matthews, 2023).

6 Save Energy:

Turn off lights and electronics when not in use. Use energy-efficient light bulbs. Unplug chargers and devices when they’re not in use (WWF, 2020).

7 Choose an Eco-friendly product.

Embark on a greener lifestyle by choosing eco-friendly products. From reusable wonders to minimal packaging, each conscious choice brings us closer to a sustainable future Invest in quality items that last longer. (Clarke, 2021).

8 Prevent food waste:

Buy wisely, plan meals, and embrace ‘ugly’ produce. Reuse: Get creative with leftovers and donate excess. Recycle: Separate organic waste and compost, and avoid incineration and landfills for a greener approach (Bolt, 2023).

For instance, at our Marylebone campus, we have a Costa Coffee shop. When you bring your recyclable cup, you not only save money but also contribute to the planet’s well-being. This practice not only allows you to spend less and enjoy more coffee but also alleviates any guilt associated with using a plastic lid and a paper cup for just one drink. Remember, if you use it, please recycle it!

Since starting university in 2021, I’ve committed to reducing my carbon footprint and being mindful of single-use items like paper cups and plastic bags. Santander Bank’s student offer of a 25% discount on the annual bike rental subscription, priced at £90 in 2022, has been instrumental. By opting for biking over public transport, I not only lower my carbon footprint but also enjoy cost savings. This, in turn, enables me to invest in more sustainable products and make greener choices during my food shopping, contributing to both personal and environmental well-being.

Opting for a reusable coffee cup not only benefits you but also contributes to a significant reduction in general waste for both individuals and coffee shops. Consider that a single coffee consumption without a reusable cup results in multiple items going to the bin, significantly increasing overall waste. In the global context, with nearly 176 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee consumed in 2021/2022, small changes in individual behaviour can have a substantial impact on waste reduction (M. Ridder, 2023).

Personally, in my daily routine of attending classes and commuting to the university, I consistently use my reusable coffee cup. By making my hot drink for the first part of the lesson and later getting coffee at the university, I estimate saving around 144 disposable cups in an academic year. While this number may seem modest on an individual level, the collective impact could be remarkable if all Westminster students adopt a similar approach. Together, our efforts can contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly university environment.

Take the next step in making Westminster University a greener and more sustainable space. Join us in embracing these initiatives and implementing them into your daily routine. Every small change makes a significant impact, and together, we can contribute to an eco-friendlier environment. Share these initiatives with your friends, inspire others to make sustainable choices, and let’s create a community committed to positive environmental change. It starts with you, and your actions can set the tone for a more sustainable future at Westminster University.

Clarissa Codalonga

08-01-2024

Reference :

Alves, B. (2023) Topic: Waste generation worldwide, Statista. Available at: https://www.statista.com/topics/4983/waste-generation-worldwide/#topicOverview (Accessed: 03 January 2024).

Bolt (2023) Five steps for reducing food waste, Bolt Blog. Available at: https://bolt.eu/en/blog/five-steps-for-reducing-food-waste/ (Accessed: 03 January 2024).

Clarke, H. (2021) 48 Eco Friendly Products you can buy today to stop plastic pollution, Onya UK. Available at: https://onyalife.co.uk/eco-friendly-products/ (Accessed: 03 January 2024).

Cycle lifestyle (2020) Cycle lifestyle, Cycle Lifestyle. Available at: https://www.cyclelifestyle.co.uk/ (Accessed: 03 January 2024).

Ethical Consumer (2023) Buying refurbished and second-hand tech, Ethical Consumer. Available at: https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/technology/buying-second-hand-tech (Accessed: 03 January 2024).

Glenn Agung Hole, Ph.D. (2023) The benefits of buying and reusing secondhand clothes, LinkedIn. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/benefits-buying-reusing-secondhand-clothes-dr-glenn-hole-ph-d-/ (Accessed: 03 January 2024).

M. Ridder and 17, O. (2023) Global Coffee Consumption 2021/21, Statista. Available at: https://www.statista.com/statistics/292595/global-coffee-consumption/ (Accessed: 05 January 2024).

Matthews, K. (2023) 8 ways to reduce your water waste, Green Living Journal. Available at: https://www.greenlivingpdx.com/8-ways-to-reduce-water-waste/ (Accessed: 03 January 2024).

Scotland, Z.W. (2024) Zero waste Scotland, Zero Waste Scotland. Available at: https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/resources/environmental-benefits-reusable-plastic#:~:text=If%20reusable%20cups%20replaced%20single,of%20200%20million%20SU%20cups). (Accessed: 03 January 2024).

The Water Cooler Company (2023) University of Westminster, The Water Cooler Company. Available at: https://www.thewatercoolercompany.com/case-studies-university-of-westminster (Accessed: 05 January 2024).

Unsplash (2024) Beautiful free images & pictures, Unsplash. Available at: https://unsplash.com/ (Accessed: 08 January 2024).

WWF (2020) Energy efficiency in the home and Office, WWF. Available at: https://wwf.panda.org/act/live_green/energy_efficiency/ (Accessed: 03 January 2024).

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