My exchange year is nearly over and now I'm asking myself if I can bring something home from the many things I discovered here. Besides great things to remember, I realised that it was so much easier for me to be active at UBC than in Berlin. Not just because we went hiking, the UBC Aquatic Centre or the free ice hockey sessions at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre. One significant improvement in my personal sports list is that I had so many group meetings and so many big breaks between my classes. This forced me to move a lot between the housing, the campus and different campus locations. It "motivated" me to get up. In Berlin I had a four day weekend. I didn't have to leave my appartement on this days if I didn't want. So my key question that I want to look at today is: How can I bring the exchange experience to Berlin? Or just simpler: How can I get more active in my current home town, in a common surrounding? Here is how:
- sports
We don't have the Thunderbirds. But we do have the University Sports division. Find something to do there. You can get active, meet new people and have fun. It's far from where you live (doesn't matter where you live...) but the way to get there is an additional bike workout. - languages
Go on, learning new languages / cultures. The university offers language courses. You don't need the exchange as a reason. You can do it anyway. - hiking
Even if Berlin is not the best place to get in touch with nature and hikes, it's close to other great areas in Brandenburg. Use that. Grab your public transport ticket and go hiking. Not only your Instagram page will be happy about it. - culture
The Chan Centre is not the only place on earth where people can get great art from talented people for less. Get the ClassicCard and explore the rich cultural experience of the German capital. Be the tourist in your own town. - Make new projects
get your hands dirty and do what you ever wanted. You might not have the money to get it perfectly looking, but the way to do it yourself is more fun annyway. DIY is fun. Go on! - Get on your friends' nerves
...until they join you to do all that. Because everything is better with friends. - Stay in contact with your exchange friends
visit their countries, cities and culture. You don't need to study to find a reason to visit a new country - Have fun!
You're a student. You should behave like one
I hope I remember my tips and tricks when I come back. I'm looking forward to it. Let's Rock!
Only two weeks to go until christmas eve!