Wudaokou Watch: "Since I Am Alone Here, I Do What I Want"

Welcome to Wudaokou Watch, where we profile a different Beijing-based student from abroad each week to hear about their life in China's capital. You can read the whole series here.

My name is Nourhan, I am from Egypt. The Arab Republic of Egypt is a country in the northeast corner of Africa, on the Sinai Peninsula, and extends beyond what's traditionally defined as the border of the Asian continent.

I got a scholarship from the Chinese government to study my masters here in Beijing. I came to China last year to study in the Arabic Chinese interpretation department in Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU).

Life in Beijing is so different to back home. The people and lifestyle are different, and actually, I have more freedom here. Sometimes I feel lonely because I don't have a family here, or as many friends as I have in Egypt, but here I don't need permission from parents before going out or to travel. Being Arabic, back home we have some restrictions that I can't break. Since I am alone here, I do what I want.

In the beginning, I couldn't get used to being abroad and living differently, but day by day I adapted to living alone and taking on different responsibilities. That, in particular, was very different and difficult. I'm very close to my family and I do miss them. 

I like hanging out in Sanlitun because there are a lot of Arab restaurants there, so I often go there to eat Arabic food. Wudaokou also has many places that are suited to international students, it's also the nearest hub to my university, so I can go anytime. Houhai is also good for relaxing and I go whenever I have friends over to visit. Houhai has amazing views, especially at night, of the lake, nightclubs, and street vendors.

When I'm homesick, I talk to my family and some close friends – that helps me reduce the feeling of missing home. I also like to get some Arabic food, which is similar to Egyptian food, from my favorite Syrian restaurant in Wudaokou. Here in Beijing, I don't have many cultural activities to partake in usually, but during Eid or Ramadhan, I will get together with my friends.

What I love most about Beijing are the people. They are so friendly and helpful – if they know you're a foreigner, they are willing to help if you need any assistance from them. I can comfortably say Chinese hospitality is on another level. Everyone who has been to China can confirm this. I love them so much.

My most memorable Beijing experience, and one of the most memorable days of my life, was when I went to Happy Valley. It was fun and exciting, and I was super happy that day. I had always longed to go there and face my fears. Conquering the roller coasters and the heights, it was terrifying and fun at the same time.

Life in Beijing has made me a more responsible person, to live alone and take care of my self and be a more productive and hardworking person under any condition.

READ: "Beijing Life Made Me More Confident and Brave"

Photos courtesy of Nourhan