Jasmin, a current third year Psychology student at Lancaster, reports on her experience so far studying abroad at Sunway University:

Jasmin at Sunway University campus

University Life

Sunway campus is similar to Lancaster as it is a campus university with everything you could need on your doorstep. There are numerous food outlets inside and outside the campus and there is plenty of space to hang out and study. Sunway Pyramid is our local shopping centre, this place is huge and is filled with shops you can get in the UK. It has everything from clothes and beauty products to a cinema, bowling alley, arcade and indoor ice-rink! Next to Pyramid and a few minutes’ walk from the university is Sunway Lagoon, our local theme park with water attractions. When I started at Sunway, I was given a free 6-month pass to the lagoon so usually me and my friends go after lectures.

The general atmosphere at Sunway University is friendly and supportive and the educational processes is like that of Lancaster. The class sizes are the same, although all lectures are 2 hours long. The biggest difference is you will have exams at the end of every term rather than at the end of the year, which I have found easy so far. The lecturers and staff are so welcoming and willing to help if you are struggling.

Overseas Travel

The one thing I love is the cheap flight tickets from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Next week I’m off island hopping in the Philippines; a different way to spend Christmas and new year, right? Thailand, Bali and Vietnam are short flights away making it very convenient to travel during term breaks. If you want to travel further than Asia, Australia is just an 8-hour flight costing £200 return!

Tioman Island, taken by Jasmin

Domestic Travel

Malaysia is made up of 878 gorgeous islands which I have been visiting on my weekends. Port Dickson beach is less than a 2-hour drive from Sunway city and a great day trip with friends. Tioman Island is a little further but the perfect place to relax and forget about your university deadlines.

Typical meal, taken by Jasmin

Daily Food Budget: £6

I have been in Malaysia for 3 months now and I haven’t cooked a single meal. With food being so cheap I eat out all day every day with the average meal costing £2. There is a wide variety of cuisines ranging from Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, Korean, Japanese and of course western food too.

Sunset from Jasmin’s accommodation

Accommodation

I have a pool; my room is situated on the 20th floor so my view overlooks the whole of Sunway City. Accommodation options have both ensuite and sharing at just £60 a week, there is even cheaper alternatives closer to university. Accommodation is safe with security on site and a convenience store open 24/7.

Transport

Transport in Malaysia is very convenient. We use Grab which is the same as Uber. The average price for a 30-minute drive is £6. There is also public transport which is much cheaper and very easy to use. By bus, I pay less than 50p to get from KL city centre to Sunway.

I honestly can’t explain how much I am in love with this country and feel so lucky to have this amazing experience. If you have any questions or want to follow my adventure, my Instagram is @jasminplatt

Sunway Netball Tournament photo, provided by Jasmin

Batu Caves, popular tourist attraction in Malaysia, taken during Jasmin’s visit