Life in the UK
Life in the UK
Julianne Leung (梁悅心) (’17 S3)
It’s been four years since I moved to the UK, and it has been a journey full of excitement, challenges and growth.
Cheltenham Ladies' College
It was my first time living away from family, and I found myself at Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC), a boarding school far from the comforts of home. While the prospect of a new adventure was thrilling, I couldn’t help but feel apprehensive about leaving behind the familiarity of family gatherings, Hong Kong’s vibrant food culture and my close friends.
The first few weeks were an emotional whirlwind. Homesickness crept in as I adjusted to the rhythm of life in a new country. Thankfully, the warmth and kindness of the housemistress, matrons and fellow students at my boarding house eased my transition. Their support made me feel welcome, and I began to see the boarding house as a second home.
Adapting to the UK’s social culture was one of my biggest challenges. While people here are friendly, building genuine connections takes time and effort. To bridge this gap, I joined the Christian Union and Symphony Orchestra at CLC, which helped me meet people and gave me a sense of belonging.
Imperial College London
Some of my most memorable moments are from studying for A-Levels and applying to universities with friends. These experiences eventually led me to Imperial College London, where I began studying Computing in 2022. The first year at university was particularly tough. I had to juggle rigorous academics, chores, cooking and extracurricular activities. However, the intellectually stimulating environment at Imperial pushed me to reach new heights, and I’ve grown immensely from the challenges.
Chinese Church in London
Another significant part of my journey has been my faith. I found a nurturing community at the Chinese Church in London (CCiL), where I’ve been able to grow spiritually alongside like-minded Christians. Recently, I took a big step in my faith journey by getting baptised, a moment of profound meaning and joy for me. Throughout my time in the UK, I’ve held onto the belief that "God provides," a truth I’ve witnessed time and again, especially during my job search. Of course, it’s also important to work hard, be proactive and persevere; success doesn’t come out of the blue.
Embrace the Uncertainty
Looking back, moving to the UK has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. It has taught me resilience, broadened my perspective, and shown me the beauty of stepping out of my comfort zone. To anyone planning a move abroad, I’d say: embrace the uncertainty and create opportunities for yourself. You never know how much you’ll grow until you take that leap.
