A 12 year old's experience of boarding in the UK for the first time

I interviewed my 12 year old son, who was born and raised in Hong Kong, about his experience of joining a UK boarding school last year. Here is what he said:

Before you started in boarding school what were your main worries?

Being away from my family and whether people would like me or not.

What was the most difficult part of starting boarding school?

Adjusting to Western food. The dry rice and eating meat which was too thin!

How easy was it to make friends?

Quite easy.  I joined a pre-season rugby weekend before the winter term started.  That made it much easier for me to make new friends when school properly started.

What do you do on the weekends?

I do so much. Ghyll scrambling (climbing up a waterfall), go karting, tree-top nets, archery, fly fishing, sledging, walking….. should I go on?

What do you like about boarding?

How friendly everyone is (apart from the girls) especially the teachers, other boys, the supporting staff and even the lunch lady.

What do you dislike most about boarding?

Nothing. Actually, when I first started I found the sport quite heavy as I had been isolating in Hong Kong during the previous few years. I adjusted quickly and now I'm used to it.

Was there anything that surprised you about your new school?

I was surprised that there was no bullying. When I first arrived I was asked to fill out a form about bullying.

What is the biggest difference between studying in the UK and studying in Hong Kong?

I enjoy studying now, particularly English. I'm reading much more than I used to so my grades are improving steadily. The UK weather is generally unstable. Sometimes it is too rainy.  Sometimes it is too sunny.  I love the summer in the UK though, long warm sunny days.

What are your favourite subjects?

My favorite subjects are DT and science. I really like science as it's very practical.  We get to burn things and explode things.  I have a great teacher who makes jokes and makes the subject come alive for me. DT is great fun too because I can also make things with my hands.

Did you mind traveling alone to the UK?

I didn't mind as I had been on long haul flights before.

Do you have any regrets about leaving Hong Kong?

No.  None.

What advice would you give to new students starting boarding school?

• Be friendly

• Be generous

• Be kind

• Have a good attitude to those around you

• Try everything

• If you're down, talk to your friends and teachers

• Don't worry

• Give yourself time to settle in.  Some of my friends were homesick for a few weeks, but are fine now.

What's your dormitory like?

It's much bigger than my room in Hong Kong. I sleep on the lower bunk and my bed is very comfortable.  I share with 2 other boys.  It's usually quite tidy, but if you have a closer look in our wardrobe, they are quite messy.  I have one large wardrobe, a chest of draws, a large draw under my bed and shared space by the wash basin.

What are the showers like?

There are 9 showers in total for all the boys in our house.  Generally speaking, they are in pretty good condition.  There are individual shower units with locks on the doors.  The water warms up quite quickly and gets quite hot.  We shower after games but before tea everyday.

What happens about your laundry?

We each have a bucket with our names on for our dirty clothes.  The laundry is washed twice a week and comes back within 1-2 days.

Are you allowed toys in school?

Yes.  We are allowed them in our dormitory, but not inside the classrooms or in the school in general.

How often are you allowed your electronics every day?

15 minutes a day if I'm lucky with more time on the weekend. However, I don't really miss it too much as I'm so busy doing other things.

What's your school uniform like?

My day-to-day school uniform is quite comfortable.  I would recommend you tell your parents not to sew the name labels on too close to your neck, otherwise they can itch and be very annoying.  My games kit is really really comfortable.

What do you do during break times?

We play four square, tig, football, tennis, play on the climbing frame and of course British Bull dogs!  I am sure we do other things too, but I can remember.

Can you bring your own food to school?

Yes. I take a lot of Tuck to school.  We have tuck nights once a week.

Can you cook your own food?

Yes! sometimes if I am missing Hong Kong food I can cook myself noodles in the house kitchen.

Do you ever get bored at school?

No. Never.

Do you have a school library?

Yes.  It's filled with loads of books.  I don't think I'd ever be short of something to read.  I'm in there all the time.

What's winter like in the UK?

Snow! snow! snow! Snow is so much fun. I love making snowmen, sledging and having snowball fights with my friends.

Are there many other Hong Kongers in your school?

Not many, but I don't mind as I get to meet people from all over the world and improve my English at the same time. All my friends and teachers like to know more about Hong Kong.

Can you receive post in school?

Yes! I can still arrange Amazon delivery directly to my house!

#UKBoardingSchool #HongKong #PrivateSchool