Zhibek Azamat 27′ is Business Analytics and Marketing major currently studying at Seoul National University for Fall 2024!
As an exchange student at Seoul National University (SNU) Business School, every day offers a mix of intense study sessions, cultural discovery, and small joys that make the experience unforgettable. During finals week, the stakes are even higher, and my typical “9 to 9” routine becomes a balancing act between presentations, group work, and sneaking in some well-earned snacks. Here’s a glimpse into one of my finals week days.
Morning: Presentations and Free Toasts
The day kicked off with my Buddhism in Korea class at 9:30 am, where I had the opportunity to present my final research on modern Korean Buddhist meditation practices. It was fascinating to explore how ancient traditions have adapted to contemporary society, and presenting my findings was both nerve-wracking and rewarding. The class ended at 10:45 am, leaving me energized and ready for the day ahead.
After class, I made my way to the school cafeteria for a quick pick-me-up. The café serves a fantastic green tea latte, which has become my go-to drink, and as a finals-week bonus, they were handing out free toast with jam! There’s something comforting about warm toast, and it fueled me for the work I had lined up next.
Midday: Speech Writing and Cheap Eats
With my latte in hand, I headed to the law library, a quiet haven perfect for focus. My task for the morning was to draft a speech for my upcoming presentation on “The Shining” for one of my classes. Immersed in thoughts about cinematic symbolism and psychological tension, I worked steadily until 12:30 pm.
By then, my stomach was calling, so I met a friend for lunch at the school cafeteria. One of the best things about SNU is the incredibly affordable meals—just 1,000 won (less than a dollar!). That day, we enjoyed some fish cakes and spicy pumpkin rice, a hearty, flavorful dish that made me appreciate the simple yet rich offerings of Korean cuisine.
Afternoon: Lectures and Waffles
At 2:00 pm, I joined my Managerial Accounting class, where we dived into complex topics that stretched my understanding but also made me feel more prepared for future challenges. After three hours of lectures, I was ready for a break, and my groupmate and I decided to treat ourselves. We grabbed waffles and tea from a nearby café and sat outside, soaking in the crisp air and chatting about anything but finals—a much-needed pause before getting back to the grind.
Evening: Dinner, Group Work, and Library Rules
By 5:30 pm, it was time for dinner—yes, another 1,000 won meal! Affordable food is a lifesaver during finals week, and the campus cafeterias never disappoint. With dinner done, we headed to the group study room at 6:30 pm to work on our final project: a website development assignment for our Communication course. Collaboration is one of the highlights of studying here, as I’ve learned so much from my classmates’ perspectives and skills.
The study room buzzed with quiet focus as students prepared for finals. One of the strict library rules stood out to me: no food allowed, not even candy or small snacks. If someone catches you breaking this rule, they can report you, and you’ll lose library access for ten days—a risk no one wants to take during finals week! Thankfully, I’d stocked up on snacks earlier in the day to avoid any hunger pangs.
Wrapping Up: Shuttle Rides and Convenience Store Rewards
At 9:30 pm, we wrapped up our group work and made a dash for the 9:40 pm shuttle, which runs every 40 minutes after 7:00 pm. The ride back was a moment of relief after a long but productive day. Once I got off the shuttle, I stopped by a convenience store to grab some reward snacks—a small treat to celebrate surviving another finals week day—and then finally headed home.
Every day as an exchange student brings its own challenges and joys, but finals week takes the experience to a whole new level. From affordable meals and supportive friends to strict library rules and late-night study sessions, these “9 to 9” days are the moments I’ll look back on fondly as I continue my journey at SNU.
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