Adam Baji
UMBC Exchange: Newcastle University
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Pre Departure
Hello everybody! My name is Adam Baji (your new favorite study abroad ambassador), and I’m a current senior at UMBC studying Computer Science. In less than a week, I’ll be travelling all the way to the U.K- Newcastle to be exact- to begin my study abroad journey. Studying abroad never really felt possible to me in all my years of undergrad. Between financial worries, academic obligations, and the general feeling that “people like me don’t do stuff like this,” I didn’t seriously consider it until late in my college career. But here I am, bags half-packed, passport ready, and adrenaline starting to kick in.
What changed? A lot, honestly. I got involved in research, scholarships, and programs that opened doors I didn’t even know existed. I started surrounding myself with people at UMBC who encouraged me to think bigger and reminded me that taking leaps- especially ones outside of your comfort zone- is where growth happens. For me, this semester abroad really isn’t just about earning credits- it’s about pushing myself outside the comfort zone I’ve built over the last few years. It’s about seeing the world from a new perspective, both culturally and academically.
Packing for this trip has definitely been a mix of excitement, chaos, and constant second-guessing. I keep bouncing between “I need to be prepared for every scenario” and “I can just buy that over there if I really need it.” Trying to fit three months of my life into one suitcase and a carry-on is no joke. I’ve triple-checked my documents, stuffed plug adapters and hoodie layers into every pocket, and debated way too long about which pair of shoes earns a spot. Packing has made everything feel real. Like every item I put in my bag is a reminder that I’m not just going on vacation- I’m literally about to live in a new country. I definitely expect culture shock, but I’m also expecting a lot of learning: about myself, about other people, and about how I fit into the world outside of the bubble I’ve known.
I’ve been reading blog posts, watching YouTube vlogs, and talking to past exchange students to try and mentally prepare- but I really don’t think anything can fully capture what it’s going to feel like until I’m actually there. I know there will be moments where I feel lost or homesick or even question why I signed up for this in the first place. But I also know there will be moments that make it all more than worth it- walking through a city I’ve never seen before, meeting friends from across the globe, trying something totally new and realizing I love it.
At this point, I’ve done what I can to prepare, and the rest I’ll figure out when I get there. I’m not expecting some perfect, life-changing movie moment. I’m just looking forward to living somewhere new, meeting people I never would’ve met otherwise, and letting the experience shape me in whatever way it’s going to. That’s enough for me. Talk to y’all later!
In-Country Post 1
Hey everyone, Adam here – checking in after two full weeks of living in Newcastle. It’s wild to say that out loud. Even though I haven’t technically started classes yet, these first two weeks have been packed. The academic system here is structured differently than back home, so instead of diving straight into lectures, we’ve been spending a lot of time reviewing module options and finalizing our schedules. I’m glad I’ve had this buffer. It’s given me the space to settle in, explore, and start getting comfortable in my new environment before jumping into coursework.
One of the most unexpected things I’ve learned so far is how much I enjoy doing things alone. I’ve taken solo walks along the River Tyne, explored different neighborhoods, and grabbed food at local spots just to sit and vibe. There’s something really calming about discovering a new city at your own pace – no pressure, no itinerary, just freedom. That said, I haven’t been alone the whole time. I’ve met some great people already – other international students through orientation, my flat mates, and some folks through sports and student events. It’s been nice to build a little community here, even if we’ve only known each other for a short time. Coming from a diverse environment at UMBC, it’s crazy how diverse it is here – I’ve met people from Australia, Japan, France, Croatia, and even somebody I live five minutes away from back home (small world).
And of course – soccer (sorry, football). A lot of it. I went to a Newcastle United match at St. James’ Park during my first week, and it was genuinely one of the best atmospheres I’ve ever experienced. The energy in the stadium, the chants echoing from every direction, the sea of black-and-white jerseys – it was electric. Even though I’m not a die-hard NUFC fan (yet), I felt completely pulled into the experience. Outside of matches, I’ve been playing pickup games on campus, watching Premier League games with locals, and soaking in as much of the UK football culture as I can.
Right now, a typical day in the life is pretty chill. I usually wake up around 8 or 9, grab a quick breakfast in the flat kitchen, and then head out to explore. Some days I’ll walk along the Quayside or visit a museum, other days I’ll find a new food spot or head into the city center just to get some steps in and take it all in. Afternoons are usually for errands – grocery runs or checking out campus buildings to prep for classes. Most evenings, I’m either hanging out with my flat mates, or playing pickup on the field nearby/ going to the gym. There’s not really a strict routine yet and I’ve enjoyed the flexibility. It’s a slower pace than I’m used to, but it’s giving me space to breathe, reflect, and be present.
Even without classes starting, I already feel like I’ve done a lot. I’ve learned how to navigate a new city, adjust to a different pace of life, and be more present in the moment. I’ve been excited, inspired, and surprisingly at ease. There’s something pretty empowering about being dropped into a new place and learning how to make it your own. I know challenges are probably still ahead, but things are going well right now.
Talk to you guys soon!
In-Country Post 2
Hey everyone, Adam here again – checking in from Newcastle, where I’m almost at the one-month mark of studying abroad. It’s kind of hard to believe. Some days I still feel like I just got here, and others it feels like I’ve lived here forever. I’m not sure when exactly it happened, but at some point in the last few weeks, this place started to feel less like a trip and more like real life.
Classes have finally started, and I’ve been adjusting to the UK academic system. It’s different from what I’m used to at UMBC – way more independent, fewer assignments, and a much heavier emphasis on reading and showing up ready to discuss. It’s taken some getting used to. There’s a lot more trust in students to manage their own time, and it’s made me think more critically about how I approach learning. At first, I wasn’t sure if I was doing enough, but now I’m realizing that the flexibility is kind of the point – it forces you to take ownership of your education in a way.
Outside of classes, I’ve been trying to make the most of every moment. A couple weekends ago, I took a solo trip down to London – and that was an experience. It was fast-paced, overwhelming, and expensive (of course), but it was also energizing in a way I didn’t expect. I hit some of the typical spots – Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Camden Market – but I also just walked. A lot. No itinerary, no pressure to do “everything,” just taking the city in on my own terms. That solo time reminded me how much I enjoy figuring things out for myself, even if it means getting lost once or twice. It reminded me a lot of New York City, just with a British undertone.
Life in Newcastle is starting to settle into a rhythm. I usually wake up around 8 or 9, make something simple in the kitchen, and head out. Sometimes that means exploring a new part of the city with friends, other times it’s just running errands or studying on campus/going to class. I’ve been playing a lot of pickup football (soccer) and even joined an official Sunday league team with trainings and games every weekend. I’ve also been going to the gym near my flat, and occasionally just doing nothing. I’ve found that the slower pace here gives me time to breathe and check in with myself in ways I couldn’t back home when I was constantly juggling classes, student orgs, jobs, and everything else.
Socially, I’ve met a ton of people – some I talk to every day, others I just cross paths with once and have a random but memorable conversation. It’s been cool seeing how naturally connections form when everyone’s kind of in the same boat – figuring things out, trying to make the most of it. My flat mates have been chill, but I’ve made the majority of my friends through student orgs.
I’m also taking a creative writing class this semester – something totally outside my usual tech-heavy course load – and it’s been a solid outlet. I’ve been writing poems here and there, mostly about the random day-to-day things that don’t really make it into these posts: walking alone through the city, the weird silence of a Sunday afternoon, etc. It’s nothing polished, but it’s been a good way to step back and actually process everything while it’s happening.
More soon. Appreciate you reading!
In-Country Post 3
Hey everyone, Adam here again – checking in from Newcastle, where I’m now way past the one-month mark and starting to feel like I’ve found my rhythm here. It’s weird how quickly things go from “new and exciting” to “familiar and comfortable.” What felt like a temporary adventure is starting to feel like day-to-day life and it’s kind of crazy to think about.
At first, I thought studying abroad would be nonstop movement – new cities every weekend, constant exploration, that kind of thing. And don’t get me wrong, I’ve had some great adventures. I just got back from a weekend in Edinburgh, and it completely lived up to the hype. The city has this mix of history and calm- cobblestone streets, castle views, bagpipes in the distance, but it also feels lived-in, not just staged for tourists like some other cities I’ve been to. I explored almost every inch of the city, hiked up Arthur’s Seat, and ended up in a café for hours talking with a couple of students I’d just met. It’s wild how easy it can be to connect with people out here.
I’ve been realizing that the slower moments here are what have been defining this experience. I’ve started to appreciate the little things like my morning walk to campus, the weather, the way people interact with each other, etc. There’s something nice about becoming a regular somewhere, even if it’s temporary.
Classes are in full swing now, and I’m getting more comfortable with the self-directed learning style. I’ve started to see it less as “less structure” and more as “more trust.” My classes are challenging in a different way – instead of being overloaded with assignments, they ask you to think for yourself and show initiative. It’s a skill I really didn’t realize I needed to build until now.
Football has definitely continued to be a big part of my life here. Our Sunday league team is actually decent – we’ve won a few games. It’s one of the few times in the week where I don’t think about school or work or anything else. Outside of that, my friends and I have been going to the field a lot – sometimes to train, sometimes just to kick around or even hoop when the weather holds up. It’s become a chill routine, a way to unwind after classes. On weekends, we’ll usually catch the Newcastle United games together whether it’s at a pub, someone’s flat, or right outside St. James’ Park just to feel the energy. The city feels big at first, but the longer I’m here, the smaller it gets in a good way. I keep running into familiar faces at random places, from the gym to the grocery store to the Metro station, and I’ve started catching myself saying what’s up to people I know almost everywhere I go.
I think the biggest takeaway so far has been just slowing down. Back home, I was always planning the next thing. Here, I’m finally learning to just live and be in the moment.
Thanks for reading!! More soon!
In-Country Post 4
Hey everyone, Adam here again – checking in from Newcastle. It feels like I blinked and suddenly went from “settling in” to “halfway through the semester.” Between coursework, traveling, football matches, and overall a full calendar, I’ve been busier than ever- in a great way.
Classes have definitely picked up. The initial adjustment to the UK academic style, where so much depends on independent reading and self-discipline, has turned into a rhythm that I’ve started to enjoy. I spend more time than I expected just reading in different spots at school or libraries, studying for exams, or preparing for discussions. It’s different from UMBC, where the pace feels faster and more assignment-heavy. Here, it’s about depth rather than volume. I’ve come to appreciate how much trust professors place in students to manage their own time. That independence is teaching me how to motivate myself, plan ahead, and create structure where none is given.
Studying definitely hasn’t been the only thing keeping me busy. The past few weeks have been filled with travel- some planned, some spontaneous. I spent a weekend in Paris, walking along the Seine, visiting the Louvre (the day it was robbed too), and standing under the Eiffel Tower at night. It’s crazy seeing those places you’ve only ever read about suddenly become real. A week later, I found myself in Barcelona, soaking in the sun, the sea breeze, and the street music drifting through the Gothic Quarter. That trip didn’t go perfectly. I caught a nasty cold halfway through and had to slow down, but even then, just chilling by the beach in Spain was still cool. And then Morocco – where I am now for our ‘reading break’. I’m lucky enough to reconnect with family, enjoy home-cooked meals, and revisit parts of my culture don’t always get to experience.
Each trip taught me something new about myself. I’ve learned how to be comfortable navigating foreign cities alone, how to adapt when things don’t go according to plan, and how to appreciate moments of quiet in the middle of constant motion. I’ve met so many people along the way. It’s crazy how many connections you can make in such a short time when you’re open to it.
Back in Newcastle, the atmosphere has completely transformed. Autumn has fully settled in, and the temperature has dropped fast. The sunny afternoons from earlier in the semester have turned into chilly, gray days where you can see your breath in the morning. I used to think Maryland winters were rough, but the cold here hits differently. It somehow finds its way through every layer of clothing.
Even with the weather, my friends and I have been outside a lot. We’ve been hitting the courts whenever it’s not raining, which isn’t often, but we make it work. It’s usually freezing, but after a few games, you forget about it. It’s been one of our favorite things to do.
When it’s too cold or starts pouring, we end up back at the flat. Someone’s always cooking, people are in and out, and we’ll just hang around- music, FIFA, random conversations that go nowhere. Just like back home, not every day’s some big adventure, which is completely fine with me.
As I hit the midpoint of the semester, I’m starting to realize how much this experience has already changed me. I’m more independent, more open-minded, and more confident in navigating unfamiliar spaces. There’s still plenty left to experience – exams, more travel, and probably more chaos – but right now, I’m just trying to soak in every bit of it while it lasts.
Talk soon!
In-Country Post 5
Hey everyone, Adam here again – checking in from Newcastle. The past couple of weeks have been a lot slower than the rest of the semester. After all the traveling I packed into such a short time my body and my brain both told me to chill out. Between recovering from being sick in Barcelona and the exhaustion that hits after bouncing between countries, I’ve spent most of this stretch just trying to get back into a normal rhythm.
A lot of my time lately has been focused on studying for exams and working on projects. The UK academic system continues to challenge me in so many different ways – there’s so much independence baked into everything. Most of my work has been long readings, coding assignments, and preparing for assessments that carry a huge percentage of the final grade. It’s forced me to create my own structure: setting timers, blocking out study sessions, and finding quiet spots around campus where I can actually lock in. I’ve spent a lot of time in the library and similar to back at UMBC- it’s become one of my favorite places to be here. The vibe just feels different- calmer, more focused.
One of the highlights during this slower period was being lucky enough to go back to Morocco during reading week and see my family again. After weeks of moving nonstop, being around them, eating home-cooked food, and reconnecting with that part of myself was refreshing. It sort of reset me and made me feel ready to finish out my semester abroad strong.
Outside of school, I’ve been easing my way back into my routine. I’ve been going to the gym again, which has helped a lot with getting my energy back. Lifting, playing football, getting outside, even if it’s just for a walk has been helping a lot. The weather has been super cold, but when I’m bundled up and moving, it kind of feels refreshing. I’ve been exploring the city in smaller ways, too- checking out new food spots, meeting up with friends, and revisiting some of the spots I found earlier in the semester just to see how they feel now that the city is familiar. The city has also fully entered the Christmas spirit. Lights are up everywhere and Christmas markets are popping up in the city center. It’s been a really nice vibe to walk around in.
I’ve been hanging out with my flat mates, linking up with my football friends, and spending time with people from classes and societies. It hasn’t been the same level of constant motion as the beginning of the semester- no crazy weekend trips or big adventures- but it’s been nice just living regular day-to-day life here. That’s something I didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I do. When you first study abroad, you think every week has to be some huge story or adventure. But the slower weeks matter just as much.
I’ve also been trying to be more intentional about taking care of myself. Between traveling, school, and the general chaos of being in a new country, it’s easy to burn out without realizing it. So these past two weeks have been mostly about balance- just studying, resting, going to the gym, cooking, keeping my space clean, and just checking in with myself and friends.
Even though not much “big” stuff has happened recently, I feel pretty calm and settled. It’s the first time since being here that I’ve really felt like I have a routine and a sense of normal life similar to back home.
More soon! Thanks for keeping up with the journey.