vine back to school newsletter #1

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BACK TO SCHOOL Presents… ISSUE 1

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Page 1: VinE Back to School Newsletter #1

BACK TO SCHOOL

 

Presents…

ISSUE  1  

Page 2: VinE Back to School Newsletter #1

Tan Yang En President of the 8th VinE Committee, Studying  Economics  at  LSE  

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Introducing… LeonarD Royce Yong Having  graduated  from  VJ  in  2009,  Leonard  is  now  reading  Economics  at  University  College  of  London  (UCL)  and  will  be  beginning  his  third  year  this  September.  Approachable  and  funny,  feel  free  to  talk  to  him  about  climbing  too!  

Which city are you living in? I  live  in  Central  London,  which  makes  it  really  convenient  for  me  to  go  to  campus  (UCL).   What were you most concerned with about this city (e.g. safety, hygiene, food, being homesick, making friends)? My  main  concern  when  first  coming  over  to  London  was  the  cost  of  living,  safety,  and  then  followed  by  the  lack  of  local  food  (where  to  find  my  Char  Kway  Teow?!?!).  But  the  great  thing  about  London  is  that  it  is  much  more  an  International  City  than  a  British  City.  So  almost  any  kind  of  cuisine  can  be  found  here.  On  top  of  that,  the  general  culture  of  the  people  here  is  a  lot  more  open.  Opportunities  to  meet  people  of  different  origins  and  interest  are  abundant.

What do you like most about your city? There  is  never  a  boring  moment  for  me  in  London,  there  is  always  something  to  do.  Cost  of  living  remains  a  concern  but  can  be  managed  with  some  savvy  discount-­‐hunting  and  frugal  student  budgeting.    

What do you dislike most about your city? But  perhaps  the  most  annoying  thing  about  London  are  the  tube  strikes  (transport  workers  go  on  strike).  This  is  most  inconvenient  especially  during  the  exam  period.  

Is there a must-do or must-see or must-eat (being Singaporeans)? Must-­‐do  –  visit  Brick  Lane  on  a  Sunday.    Must  see  –  Les  Miserables.    Must-­‐eat  –  a  proper  Full  English  Breakfast.          

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How did you approach your parents regarding the financing of your tertiary education? Were you concerned about the costs of an overseas education? What were the pros and cons that went through your parents’ and your mind? Thus far, do you think the financial cost of an overseas education is worth it? What makes it worth/ not worth it? What are the intangible benefits, in your opinion, that you may have gained from your years abroad thus far? My  parents  and  I  agreed  for  a  long  time  that  an  overseas  education  would  broaden  my  horizons  in  ways  that  a  local  university  will  not  be  able  to  do  so.  The  issue  of  cost  was  always  a  concern.  Considering  that  the  British  pound  is  almost  twice  as  strong  as  the  Singapore  dollar,  things  are  naturally  much  more  expensive  here  than  in  Singapore.  This  concern  was  compounded  by  the  fact  that  London  property  prices  and  rents  have  recently  been  skyrocketing;  living  here  was  not  going  to  be  cheap.  In  the  end,  we  agreed  that  I  should  only  come  here  to  pursue  a  degree  if  the  university,  course  and  city  was  indeed  worth  the  premium.  I  would  say  that  the  experience  thus  far  has  assured  me  greatly  that  the  cost  spent  to  pursue  a  BSc.  Economics  at  UCL  is  worth  every  penny  paid.  It’s  not  just  about  the  education  proper  per  se,  it  is  also  about  the  opportunity  to  network  and  establish  a  career  overseas  (if  an  overseas  working  experience  is  on  your  mind).  And  these  are  the  things  which  are  immeasurably  valuable  and  unquantifiable.    

Are you living comfortably based on your current monthly allowance either from parents/ scholarship provider? (Please indicate how much per month if you are comfortable with it) How do you manage your finances? What do you spend most and save on most? Any tips for budgeting?  £600/mth  (excluding  rent)  

This  amount  is  sufficient  for  me  to  live  comfortably  and  eat  out  occasionally.  Cooking  your  own  meals  is  really  the  most  economical  way  to  live.  But  the  occasional  sushi  platter  is  within  my  means.  I  check  my  account  balance  online  regularly  to  keep  track  of  my  spending.  I  can  still  save  up  for  travelling  as  well.  

 

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Introducing…

Lim Cheng Yee Reading  Politics,  Philosophy  and  Economics  at  the  University  of  Warwick,  Cheng  Yee  graduated  from  VJ  in  the  class  of  2012  and  will  be  starting  her  second  year  this  fall.  She’s  also  a  recipient  of  the  Public  Service  Commission  (PSC)  scholarship.  Which city are you living in? I’m  currently  studying  in  University  of  Warwick  but  living  in  Coventry.  It  is  a  common  misconception  is  that  University  of  Warwick  is  in  Warwick,  but  it’s  actually  in  Coventry.     What were you most concerned with about this city (e.g. safety, hygiene, food, being homesick, making friends)? Nothing  much,  Coventry  is  relatively  safer  than  most  cities  but  also  less  busy.  The  variety  of  food  and  shopping  is  not  as  extensive  as  bigger  cities.  But  if  you’re  really  itching  for  some  shopping,  you  can  always  drop  by  Birmingham  Bullring  Shopping  Centre,  one  of  the  busiest  malls  in  UK.  

What do you like most about your city? University  of  Warwick  is  actually  a  bus  ride  away  from  Coventry  city  centre,  so  we  are  away  from  the  hustle  and  bustle  of  a  city.  I  really  appreciate  the  fact  that  we  have  a  campus  university  and  there’s  a  lot  of  greenery  on  campus!     Is there a must-do or must-see or must-eat (being Singaporeans)? A  good  place  to  travel  to  from  Coventry  is  Stratford  upon  Avon.  For  those  of  you  interested  in  English  Literature,  Stratford  is  Shakespeare’s  birthplace  so  you  can  visit  the  houses  he  lived  in  and  also  catch  a  Shakespeare  play  at  the  theatre  there!    

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How did you approach your parents regarding the financing of your tertiary education? Were you concerned about the costs of an overseas education? What were the pros and cons that went through your parents’ and your mind? Thus far, do you think the financial cost of an overseas education is worth it? What makes it worth/ not worth it? What are the intangible benefits, in your opinion, that you may have gained from your years abroad thus far? Definitely,  cost  was  a  concern.  My  parents  and  I  googled  the  cost  of  living  in  different  cities,  and  universities  often  include  cost  of  living  in  their  respective  cities  in  their  prospectus.  That  will  be  a  good  way  for  you  to  gauge  your  expenses  in  your  time  abroad.  However,  studying  overseas  has  been  an  eye-­‐opening  experience.  I’ve  only  been  abroad  for  a  year  and  I’ve  been  exposed  to  countless  new  experiences  that  I  wouldn’t  have  done  back  home.  There’s  lots  to  do  and  lots  to  learn  abroad,  especially  learning  to  grow  out  of  your  comfort  zone  as  a  minority  and  living  independently.  

Are you living comfortably based on your current monthly allowance either from parents/ scholarship provider? (Please indicate how much per month if you are comfortable with it) How do you manage your finances? What do you spend most and save on most? Any tips for budgeting?  I’m  living  comfortably  with  my  current  monthly  allowance  from  my  scholarship  provider,  the  allowance  is  more  than  sufficient  to  cover  basic  necessities  and  some  travelling!      

I  definitely  spend  most  on  travelling  and  exploring  Europe  so  it  will  be  important  to  save  more  during  school  terms  as  you  usually  end  up  overbudget  during  the  holidays.  That’s  the  time  you  take  long  holidays  exploring  Europe  with  new  and  old  friends!  I  save  most  from  cooking  my  own  dinners  either  by  myself  or  at  our  friend’s  kitchens!    

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Introducing… Le Qin Having  graduated  in  2011,  Le  Qin  is  at  Cambridge  University  on  a  Loke  Cheng  Kim  Scholarship.  She  will  be  majoring  in  zoology  in  the  coming  year.  

Which city are you living in? Cambridge!   What were you most concerned with about this city (e.g. safety, hygiene, food, being homesick, making friends)? I  was  most  concerned  about  fitting  in…  since  we  stay  in  colleges  which  are  smaller  communities  of  the  student  population,  and  I  was  worried  I  couldn’t  find  a  group  of  friends  I  could  identify  with.  It  turned  out  alright  in  the  end  though,  since  our  college  has  quite  a  large  international  student  community  and  I  got  to  know  my  other  British  friends  who  were  taking  the  same  subject  as  me.  (Note:  Colleges  are  where  we  stay  and  have  our  tutorials  (called  supervisions  in  Cambridge)  whereas  we  have  our  lectures  in  department.)  

What do you like most about your city? I  love  the  atmosphere  in  Cambridge,  where  historical  buildings  and  modern  shops  stand  side  by  side,  and  cobblestone  paths  and  narrow,  haphazard  alleys  give  off  this  quaint,  scholarly  feel.  The  people  here  are  generally  very  helpful  and  friendly,  which  makes  it  an  even  more  pleasant  place  to  live  in.  It  is  also  probably  one  of  the  safest  towns  in  the  UK  for  its  population  size.  

What do you dislike most about your city? If  I  really  had  to  dislike  something,  it  would  be  that  there  are  no  Singaporean  restaurants  here.  But  it’s  alright,  London’s  just  a  one  hour  train  ride  away!    Is there a must-do or must-see or must-eat (being Singaporeans)? Must-­‐do:  Punting,  which  involves  using  a  long  pole  to  push  off  the  river  bed  in  order  to  propel  a  flat  bottomed  boat  along  the  river  Cam.  Highly  inefficient  mode  of  transport  but  you  get  to  see  the  scenic  College  Backs.  Must-­‐see:  King’s  College.  It’s  a  very  iconic  view.  Must-­‐eat:  Nah,  not  much  in  Cambridge.      

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How did you approach your parents regarding the financing of your tertiary education? I  didn’t  really.  I  just  knew  I  had  to  get  a  scholarship  if  I  wanted  to  go  overseas.   Were you concerned about the costs of an overseas education? What were the pros and cons that went through your parents’ and your mind? Yes,  definitely!  It  costs  quite  a  lot,  and  would  have  been  out  of  reach  for  me  if  I  hadn’t  managed  to  get  a  scholarship.  Luckily  for  me,  I  did!  There  weren’t  many  pros  and  cons  that  we  considered  because  the  decision  was  quite  clear-­‐cut  for  me.   Thus far, do you think the financial cost of an overseas education is worth it? What makes it worth/ not worth it? I  do  think  that  studying  overseas  offers  a  wider  range  of  experiences  and  novelty  that  studying  at  home  cannot  provide,  such  as  having  formal  dinners  with  the  Fellows  (aka  teachers),  having  smaller  class  sizes  (2-­‐3  students  to  a  teacher,  making  the  experience  very  personalised)  and  exotic  CCAs  such  horse  riding  and  rowing.    Studying  overseas  also  makes  sense  if  you  are  interested  in  an  area  that  Singapore  universities  do  not  provide  for,  such  as  archaeology  or  ecology  (which  I  am  currently  studying).    It  is  also  a  good  way  to  get  internships  with  organisations  /companies  overseas  if  you’d  like  to  work  overseas  after  your  degree.    That  being  said,  I  feel  the  main  purpose  of  university  is  a  transition  to  living  independently,  and  learning  to  cope  with  stress  (such  as  exams,  planning  events)  and  responsibilities  (eating  well  and  taking  care  of  your  finances),  which  can  be  done  anywhere  as  long  as  you  really  want  to!   What are the intangible benefits, in your opinion, that you may have gained from your years abroad thus far? Making  friends  from  overseas  does  give  you  a  wider  social  circle,  and  being  away  from  home  has  led  me  to  become  more  independent  and  adventurous  in  what  I  do  (such  as  travelling  halfway  across  the  world  alone  to  volunteer  with  a  whale  research  institute  J)!  Various  Modes  to  Finance  an  Overseas  Education:  private  scholarship,  government  scholarship,  self-­‐funded.    

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Are you living comfortably based on your current monthly allowance either from parents/ scholarship provider? (Please indicate how much per month if you are comfortable with it) Yep  I  am!    How do you manage your finances? What do you spend most and save on most? I  allocate  £100  per  week  and  keep  track  of  my  finances  so  that  I  do  not  exceed  it  as  much  as  possible.  Groceries  usually  cost  about  £30  per  week  when  shopping  from  a  low-­‐end  supermarket  and  I  try  to  limit  my  spending,  although  supermarket  food  can  get  quite  tempting  sometimes  and  then  I  bust  my  budget.  I  try  not  to  go  shopping  that  often,  and  reserve  it  for  when  I  really  need  an  item  or  am  in  need  of  retail  therapy  in  exam  term.   Any tips for budgeting? Pack  your  own  lunches,  and  eat  out  as  little  as  possible.  It  does  take  more  time  in  the  morning,  and  requires  decent  skills  at  cooking,  but  the  savings  will  be  worth  it!  

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Introducing…

Zachary Tan

Which city are you living in? London   What were you most concerned with about this city (e.g. safety, hygiene, food, being homesick, making friends)? Traditional  concerns  related  to  independence  aside,  I  was  pretty  worried  about  changes  to  my  lifestyle  and  social  circles.  I  couldn't  just  round  up  a  bunch  of  pals  for  a  game  of  football  over  the  weekend,  I  had  to  actively  step  out  of  my  comfort  zone,  to  make  new  friends,  take  part  in  novel  activities  etc.  All  of  which  seemed  rather  daunting.

What do you like most about your city? The  people.  Londoners  are  a  well-­‐dressed  and  well-­‐spoken  lot,  with  impeccable  manners  to  boot.  The  rest  of  the  international  crowd  adds  a  distinct  flavour  to  the  cultural  mix  in  London,  something  that  I  greatly  appreciate.  makes  it  an  even  more  pleasant  place  to  live  in.  It  is  also  probably  one  of  the  safest  towns  in  the  UK  for  its  population  size.  

What do you dislike most about your city? Finding  affordable  and  convenient  supper  haunts  can  prove  difficult  (unless  you  live  near  Chinatown).  

Is there a must-do or must-see or must-eat (being Singaporeans)? Nope.      

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How did you approach your parents regarding the financing of your tertiary education? With  a  government  scholarship.   Thus far, do you think the financial cost of an overseas education is worth it? What makes it worth/ not worth it? The  experience  of  studying  overseas  is  incredibly  unique  and  rewarding.  The  education  you  receive  may  not  necessarily  be  far  superior  as  compared  to  local  universities.  However,  I  do  believe  that  at  the  end  of  it  all,  you  would  have  gained  far  more  than  your  peers.  Furthermore,  it  is  an  opportunity  that  only  comes  once.  If  you  have  the  financial  means  to  do  so,  I  would  strongly  advise  you  to  go  for  it.   What do you think is the greatest pull factor for choosing an overseas education? The  chance  to  live  out  your  wildest  dreams  in  an  exotic  environment.  Skiing  down  the  Alps?  Done.  6  day  music  festival?  Go  for  it.  Watching  world  famous  musicals  and  plays?  Who  doesn’t.  Awesome  outdoor  adventures?  Take  your  pick.  No  parents?  Hell  yea.  Plus,  you  get  to  post  pretty  pictures  on  Instagram.    Are you living comfortably based on your current monthly allowance (either from parents/scholarship provider)? (Please indicate how much per month if you are comfortable with it) My  scholarship  provides  me  with  a  salary,  as  well  as  allowance,  with  the  latter  being  pegged  to  the  rates  dictated  by  PSC  (1300  pounds).  Even  though  London  is  impossibly  expensive  as  compared  to  Singapore,  the  allowance  provided  is  generally  sufficient  for  financially  prudent  individuals.  Nevertheless,  having  a  little  excess  cash  on  the  side  for  travelling  and  entertainment  purposes  would  be  good.

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   How do you manage your finances? What do you spend most and save on most? A  large  chunk,  around  3/5’s  of  my  allowance  goes  to  rent,  that  leaves  me  with  around  500  pounds.  300  pounds  goes  to  groceries  and  transport,  and  the  remaining  200  is  either  budgeted  for  future  holidays  or  spent  on  keeping  myself  happy.  My  school  happens  to  sit  in  one  of  the  most  expensive  parts  of  London,  which  explains  my  higher  rent.   Any tips for budgeting? Learn  how  to  cook.  Not  only  is  cooking  therapeutic,  it  is  budget  friendly,  and  incredibly  useful  in  situations  which  require  you  to  whip  up  adhoc  meals  for  friends  or  family.  Plus,  the  ladies  love  it,  and  vice  versa.  Be  resourceful.  Going  the  extra  mile  to  overcome  the  obstacles  in  your  path  will  help  save  you  money  and  dignity.  As  opposed  to  you  making  a  scripted  phone  call  to  your  loving  parents  to  ask  for  an  advance  on  next  month’s  allowance.  Lastly,  be  realistic.  Eager  as  you  are  to  exercise  your  newfound  freedoms,  to  experience,  to  see,  and  to  taste  everything  and  everywhere,  it  is  important  for  you  to  temper  such  lofty  expectations  with  a  healthy  dose  of  realism.  Part  of  being  independent  involves  learning  how  to  say  no  to  yourself,  to  make  conscious  sacrifices  and  postpone  self-­‐gratification  when  required.  If  certain  things  are  beyond  your  budget,  saving  up  or  forgoing  it  will  save  you  plenty  in  the  long  run.  

Connect  with  us  on  Facebook  by  searching  for  the  following  groups:  Victorians in Europe https://www.facebook.com/groups/Victorians.in.Europe/  

VinE Freshers 2014 https://www.facebook.com/groups/678769942174825/  

VinE Freshers 2015 https://www.facebook.com/groups/1387590154825145/  

Vine Freshers 2016  https://www.facebook.com/groups/654825631226549/  

The  8th  VinE  Committee  would  like  to  thank  everyone  who  has  contributed  to  this  newsletter.    Feel  free  to  email  us  at:  [email protected]    Upcoming  Events:  VinE  Freshers’  Meet-­‐Up  BBQ  24th  August  @  VJC  BBQ  Pit,  1800  VinE  Day  Trip  (some  time  in  October  or  November)