My name is Lim Maximus, I study Bachelor of Computer Science in University of Birmingham. The entire journey began the moment I stepped into the airport, filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew this was the beginning of something special. After a smooth check-in, I was guided to the bus that would take us to campus. To my surprise, I was placed on the same bus as students from different universities, all coming from different places and backgrounds.
At first, the atmosphere was quiet—everyone seemed shy and hesitant, scrolling through their phones or looking out the windows. But gradually, small conversations began to spark.
That bus ride turned out to be more than just transportation—it was the beginning of new friendships. We explored the campus together, helped each other settle into our dorms, and supported one another through every new experience. Looking back, it’s hard to believe we all started as strangers just hours earlier..
One of my favourite days so far started with a trip to Hubu Food Street—or as some people call it, Hubu Valley. I’d heard it was one of the must-visit places in Wuhan, and honestly, it didn’t disappoint. The moment we arrived, the smell of all kinds of street food filled the air—spicy, savory, sweet—everything. The narrow street was packed with people, and I could feel the buzz and energy all around me.
I tried so many things: hot dry noodles, grilled meat skewers, and even stinky tofu (which I was nervous about but ended up kind of loving!). My friends and I were constantly stopping to take pictures or point out new snacks we’d never seen before. It wasn’t just about eating—it was about sharing the moment, soaking in the atmosphere, and really feeling the city.
Later that day we visited the Yellow Crane Tower. It was something I’ll never forget. I’d seen photos before, but being there in person was something else. Climbing up the tower and looking out over the Yangtze River, I was completely in awe. The view was stunning, and for a moment, everything felt calm and peaceful. We walked through the tower, read about its history, and even tried to imagine what life was like centuries ago when poets and travellers stood in the same spot. It was one of those moments that makes you feel small—in a good way.
That day, between the ancient calm of the tower and the buzzing life of the street, I felt like I saw two sides of the city. And I loved them both. It reminded me that learning doesn’t always happen in a classroom—sometimes it happens over a bowl of noodles with new friends by your side.
Each day here brings something new— whether it's learning in class, trying something I’ve never eaten before, or simply walking back to the dorms with friends while sharing stories from home. Honestly, I didn’t expect the summer camp to turn out this great. I thought it would just be a regular program, but it became so much more than that. It gave me real friendships, unforgettable memories, and a deeper understanding of both the worlds and myself. I’m truly grateful—not just for what I’ve learned, but for how I’ve grown.
