When I think about my journey to Lancaster University, I do not imagine arriving in a new country. I imagine carrying a part of Malaysia with me—my culture, my family’s values, and the lessons that have shaped the way I see the world.
Growing up in a Hindu family, I was taught that the Earth is not something we use; it is something we are connected to. Through our belief in Bhumi Devi, the Earth goddess, I learned that nature deserves respect and gratitude. My family taught me that as the Earth takes care of us, we have a responsibility to care for her. Because of this, sustainability has never felt like a checklist of environmentally friendly habits. It has always been a way of showing gratitude.
Receiving the opportunity to study abroad is also a dream that extends beyond myself. My family has encouraged me to explore the world, even though many of them never had the chance to experience life outside Malaysia. As I begin my exchange at Lancaster University, I hope to immerse myself in British culture while sharing Malaysia’s warmth, hospitality, and openness with the people I meet. For me, cultural exchange is not only about learning from others but also about representing where I come from.
However, I recognise that travelling across the world comes with an environmental cost. Flights, transportation, consumption, and waste all leave a footprint. I do not want my journey to be remembered only by the places I visited but by the choices I made while I was there.
As a psychology student, I have learned that meaningful change begins with behaviour. Lasting habits are built through small, intentional choices repeated over time. That mindset shapes how I approach sustainable travel. My actions will align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13: Climate Action. I intend to reduce single-use waste by carrying reusable items, minimising food waste, and making thoughtful purchasing decisions. To support climate action, I plan to use Lancaster University’s discounted Stagecoach UniRider bus service, walk whenever possible between campus and the city, and choose rail travel over domestic flights when exploring the UK. These choices will help reduce my carbon footprint while allowing me to experience my host community in a more sustainable and meaningful way.
When I return to Malaysia, I hope I bring back more than photographs and souvenirs. I want to return with new perspectives, a deeper appreciation for sustainable living, and ideas that I can share with my family, friends, and community. My passport may show where I have travelled, but my actions will reflect the values I carried with me all along. If I can leave the UK with a lighter environmental footprint and a stronger commitment to protecting our shared planet, then my exchange will have been more than a journey—it will have been a responsibility fulfilled.
Reference:
1. https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/sustainability/sustainability-strategy/
2. https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/sustainability/sustainability-strategy/policies/travel-plan/
3. https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/sustainability/travel/bus-travel/student-bus-travel/
4. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal12
5. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal13
