What I’m Packing: Victor

Hello fellow students! Victor here. Hope the university life is treating you well as it has for me (albeit it being a little bit stressful). Just enjoying the last bit of the soothing and somewhat cool summer here before I’m off to Hong Kong to begin my six-months exchange at the University of Hong Kong, where I will be spending a semester studying Software Engineering and Computer Science courses. This post shall mark the beginning of my odyssey into the unknown where I attempt to make sense of all things weird and wonderful in a faraway land.

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” – Confucius

That includes packing your things with all your heart, as you can never be too prepared for a journey or pack too many things, only things that you forget and leave behind (it’s probably a good idea not to actually pack too many things).

Let’s start from the top, shall we?

• Guitar and sheet music – Probably not common for many people to bring along, but I wouldn’t leave anywhere without my trusty old six-stringed friend. I imagine they will keep me great company for the inevitable homesick nights I spend abroad.
• Valuables – This includes the i-family of phones and pads, as well as headphones. Don’t forget about the laptop, I am doing software after all! Oh and the wallet, it’s actually amazing how often I leave this behind…
• Assorted books – I’m a guy that likes reading, so you probably wouldn’t catch me without them anywhere. In this case I got myself the Lord of the Rings trilogy I’ve been meaning to start for a while now, as well as this guidebook for discovering the hidden gems of Hong Kong which I will sure be using when I get myself some free time.
• Accessories – Now, I’m not a very fashionable person, but I do still have my share of vanity. In this category are my watch, sunglasses, cap and the pair of Skechers I’ve been wearing daily which is probably not going to change. Finally, you can’t go on exchange without sporting some local pride, so I also scored myself some sweet UoA shirts.
• Sports gear – It’s important to stay active and fit, even when abroad. This is why I made sure to bring along my badminton gear to help me avoid gluing my bottom to a chair all day (as I so often would). Add in a small bottle of deodorant and we have a fitness starter-pack right here.
• Backpack – Last but certainly not least, here is my faithful companion, Mr. Backpack. He may look a bit tattered and shabby here, but he’s as reliable as they come. Four years and still going strong!

That’s about all I have for now. I will be travelling soon so wish me a safe journey, and I will keep you posted in my next post when I officially begin exchange in Hong Kong in January next year. See you soon!