2020 has been an incredible year; having graduated from sixth form, and then proceeding to enter university all via online was a rather bizarre experience. Meanwhile I had also moved from the UK to Hong Kong and spent 6 months there, before finally moving back to Japan. To say it was ‘busy’ would be an understatement, albeit the most accurate.

University life has been challenging, with masses of assignments since the first day, which sometimes involve group work with fellow students that I have never met. Nonetheless, I appreciate the opportunity to focus on studying the subject I love. Every new lesson, tutorial sessions, and zoom calls with my online classmates had brought about new findings and fresh experiences.
My favourite module so far has been applied mathematics. Learning about the mathematical approach to analysing economic models has been fascinating. Since I had only studied economics intuitively, a mathematically rigorous approach is fresh and exciting. Furthermore, I am looking forward to the Political Economy module next term, where we combine political perspectives with mathematical models.

Outside of university, I have been enjoying Japan, despite the heavy lockdown and restrictions. I have had the opportunity to meet some of my friends and relatives briefly. That being said, it has been relatively calm for the last few months, which is a great relief considering how busy my last two years had been.

There are lots of uncertainties regarding when-or-if I will be able to go back to the UK in the coming months. Nonetheless, the best I can do is to enjoy this opportunity to stay in Japan for my studies, as much as possible.