Leaving Hong Kong to study BSc (Hons) Psychology at Bath was a leap for Matilda and has led to new ways of thinking and learning alongside a career-shaping experience from her research placement in London.

From building research skills to performing in musical theatre, the journey has been one of growth, connection, and self-discovery.

Moving out of my comfort zone

Growing up in Hong Kong, I spent 11 years at the same local school surrounded by the same 40-50 people. My world felt small but familiar.

That changed when I received a scholarship to study the International Baccalaureate at another school and found myself with new classmates from across the globe. We were all encouraged to think independently, write critically, and step out of our comfort zones.

This inspired me to study abroad. I wanted to learn, grow and connect with more people, and see different perspectives.

The UK, and Bath, quickly stood out as the right destination. The country is known for offering quality education, cultural familiarity (as a lover of classic British literature), and was more affordable than North America. When I discovered Bath’s highly regarded BSc (Hons) Psychology course, I knew it was right for me.

When I arrived, I realised Bath wasn’t just an excellent academic choice, it was also one of the most beautiful cities I’d ever seen.

Finding the right fit in psychology

My passion for psychology stems from both a fascination with human behaviour and a lifelong love of books and films. I’ve always been curious about the motivation behind characters’ thoughts, morals, and choices.

Psychology offered me the perfect balance between science and the study of people. I believed understanding the psychology behind certain behaviours and mental health conditions could help combat stigma and reduce judgement. I didn’t start with a clear career goal; I just wanted to learn more and stay open-minded.

Year 1 at Bath was a brilliant foundation. There was a strong emphasis on research methods early on, which I found valuable. I was eager to dive into content-heavy modules, but the focus on writing, analysis and quantitative methods laid a solid base for everything that followed.

I have really appreciated the range of core and optional modules — from social and developmental psychology to non-psychological modules like criminal justice policies. I even tried a biology-based module out of curiosity, which helped confirm where my real interests lay!

A highlight has been the Research Apprenticeship Scheme. This programme allows students to assist on academic research projects, either during the semester or over the summer. It’s a great opportunity, especially for those not doing a work placement, to gain experience.

I joined a project on forensic psychology and neurodiversity, a topic I wouldn’t normally have been exposed to until final year. The experience helped me develop my practical skills, like qualitative analysis, and gain a deeper understanding of criminal justice processes. It also helped me build a meaningful mentoring relationship with my supervisor, who’s supported me both academically and personally.

A year in London on placement at Goldsmiths

I’m completing my placement at Goldsmiths, University of London, working on projects exploring music, awe, and memory using techniques like EEG and virtual reality. As someone with a lifelong love of music (I’ve played piano and flute since childhood) this felt like a great fit.

Starting the placement was daunting. I had to use my initiative, adjust to a new environment and figure things out as I went along. My supervisor was incredibly welcoming, involving me in a wide range of projects and encouraging me to learn by doing.

I have gained experience with coding and data analysis, something I hadn’t expected in psychology. We had used SPSS Statistics during the first two years on the course, and at Goldsmiths I learnt to use tools like R and MatLab. It’s been eye-opening to see how versatile these are and how widely they are used in psychological research.

I’m now far more confident in data analysis and experimental design, and I feel much better prepared for my final year and dissertation.

The placement sharpened my technical skills and gave me insight into research networking; how researchers reference, track, and connect. It’s made me more mindful of not just what I read, but who wrote it, and how I can build future connections.

Life as an international student

Being an international student is more than just moving to another country – it’s about adapting to a new lifestyle, academic culture, and social scene.

My first year was a crucial time for integration. Living on campus made it easy to form friendships and feel part of the community. I shared a flat with eight other girls, which was a great number, and we all got along really well.

In later years, I moved into private housing and experienced a different kind of balance between university and home life. Both had their perks, but I’m glad I started on campus.

As a Christian, I was keen to find a church community. The Christian Union introduced me to Emmanuel Church which became key to making Bath feel like a second home.

Bath itself is a wonderful place to study. It’s compact, scenic, safe, and perfect for walking. I love all the free museums like the Holburne, the Bath Skyline, and relaxing by the lake on campus — one of my favourite hidden spots is a bench surrounded by trees just off the path near the lake, as it’s peaceful and perfect for reflection.

I have also taken bus and train trips to nearby places like Frome or Bristol.

Outside of academics, I’m part of the Musical Theatre Society (BUSMS). I joined as a chorus member and gradually got involved in musical direction, helping teach music and lead rehearsals. We’ve done major productions like Beauty and the Beast with casts of up to fifty people. It started off challenging, especially as a shy person, but was incredibly rewarding. I’ve developed leadership skills, confidence, and time management, all while doing something I love.

Final reflections

Studying at Bath has been about much more than getting a degree — it’s been about building experiences, relationships, and self-awareness. As an international student, I’ve had to step outside my comfort zone by moving abroad, finding a placement, and joining a stage production. Every step has helped me grow.

I already feel more equipped (both academically and personally) to make informed choices about my future. I’m still exploring whether I want to pursue research, clinical work, or something else entirely. But I’m more confident in my skills, my adaptability, and the value of saying yes to new experiences.