Hi everyone! My name is Sofia and I’m currently in my third year of Medicine at the University of Manchester. I’m from Malaysia and I started medical school in the UK right after completing my A-Levels in a Malaysian college. For any Malaysians out there, I graduated from KTJ!
As I’ve already mentioned, I’m a medical student at the University of Manchester. Before coming to the university, I found out that Manchester was named as one of the friendliest cities in the UK by a couple of different sources - which obviously made me feel more inclined to choose it as my city of choice. One of my personal favorites about Manchester was the diversity of the community here. This was highlighted to me as soon as I set foot at UoM. I find there to be a good mix of students from all walks of life as well as different backgrounds. There were students fresh from A levels all the way to students who have studied Masters, as well as those of many different ethnic backgrounds. I find this to align very well with my idea of Medicine. As we head towards a more globalized world, it can’t be denied that our patient community is going to be more diverse than ever. With this, I think it’s important to have a diverse group of doctors not only for patients to be able to relate to but also for healthcare staff to gain insight about cultures that they are not familiar with.
So far, Medicine has been a roller coaster journey for me. For every part of fun, there’s always an equal part of stress. But overall, I would say that I’m coping with Medicine just fine - which if you think about it, is evidently true especially because I’m 3 years in and haven’t dropped out.
Talk about relieving stress, I have a few ways of doing it. The one that I always go for is stress eating - because the mind-gut connection is very real, you know. ;) I make it a routine to eat good food with my friends at least once a week. Although lately, as exams creep closer and closer, I find myself seeking comfort in takeaway food almost every other day, which I’m sure is not very healthy especially with the fact that I’m neglecting exercise and sleep for better grades. (There’s always that struggle of balancing your physical and mental health. T.T) As a Malaysian, or maybe just a human (cos the last time I checked, a majority of us love food), I love trying out new restaurants recommended by people around me. Sometimes, my friends and I would just go back to restaurants that we all collectively love instead of going for a new one every week. We tend to find comfort in familiarity (and I’m sure you do too).
For anyone in Manchester, take your notepads (or Good Notes, depending on how bougie you are) out because I’m about to give unsolicited restaurant recommendations. You’re welcome in advance. (These are not in any particular order; it just looks neater with numbers rather than bullet points.)
1. Viet Shack (Ancoats) – They have delicious pho with halal chicken. I’d recommend going there for lunch because they have lunch deals, which always help us to save a little bit of money. Personally, I always go for the chicken pho with vegan broth + Viet coffee deal.
2. Sambal (Barlow Moor Rd) – This, in my opinion, is among the best Malaysian restaurants I’ve tried in the UK. They serve authentic Nasi Lemak, which I always have to order with Teh Tarik on the side. The owner auntie said that they sometimes do “banana leaf”, which always gets fully booked very quickly so if you’re looking for the most authentic Malaysian experience with your friends, this is the place to go to.
3. Lazy Sundae (Tib Street) –
This is an absolute favourite place to be for my friends and I. We’re upset? Lazy Sundae. We’re stressed? Lazy Sundae. They serve amazing souffle and many other desserts like ice cream, milk tea and what not. Their interior is minimalistic which I find to help me relax as I enjoy my souffle and Thai tea latte. It’s also the perfect place to lepak with your friends.
I’m ending my entry today with the topic of homesickness. Personally, I rarely get homesick so it’s not that big of a problem for me. Usually if I do get homesick, it’s when I’m sick or have too much time on my hands. One of the worst times that I experienced was when COVID first hit during the second half of my first year. Anyways, my general advice around it will be to always reach out to the people around you. Home doesn’t have to always be the house you grow up in or where your parents live. You can always create another home outside of your ‘home’ and it’s inevitable. If you find yourself feeling homesick quite often, create a friend group where you feel the most comfortable in; get to know them, have meals with them or maybe even travel with them. Slowly, you’ll find yourself feeling comforted by these people and they will make you feel like you’re always at home wherever you are.
Lastly, thank you for reading my entry and I hope all of you beautiful people have the nicest days every day. If you’re not having the best day, I’m sure tomorrow will be better.
P/S: For a more extensive list of food recommendations, you can either spam International Insights so that they give me a permanent food corner, or you can find me at my socials!
P/S #2: All credits to Jean, my flatmate (and the co-lead of this initiative) for the amazing amazing title!! If you can’t already tell she’s very cool and talented xD
Instagram: @sofiaborhan
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUkPCmrFSNIpy9YzXuI5qMw
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