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!