Editor’s note: The semester has been winding down, and the holiday break beckons. With that in mind, PKU News asked students to reflect on the year they’re finishing, the break to come, and how they view their goals for 2026.

Peking University, December 24, 2025: Back in high school, I would imagine my university life—a vision of myself traveling through different cities, gaining profound insights on academia and life alike. 

In 2025, this once-distant dream unfolded vividly before my eyes. Thanks to the joint international finance exchange program by the School of International Studies and HSBC Business School, I got the chance to study at PKU’s Shenzhen and UK campuses, an invaluable opportunity for me to travel.

This year has been a journey of wandering, learning, and growing—one that I will cherish forever.


My 2025 journey started off with the exchange program at Peking University Business School (PHBS). Little did I know, it became the cornerstone of my growth this year. 

Before joining the program, I had struggled with growing doubt in my freshman year. As an international politics major, most of my courses focused on laying the foundation for theories, leading to endless lectures and literature reviews. I was losing motivation, as I could not find joy or practical value in what I was learning. It was at this low point that I took a leap of faith and joined the international finance exchange program.



The eight months I spent at PHBS’s Shenzhen campus felt like a warm embrace. Born in Malaysia, and with grandparents from Fujian and Guangdong provinces, I felt an immediate sense of familiarity with Shenzhen’s climate and cuisine—far more than I did in Beijing’s northern environment. 

Study-wise, the modular teaching system at PHBS kept me on my toes. What impressed me the most was learning from internationally diverse professors with strong finance backgrounds. They encouraged us to engage in discussions and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world cases. Gradually, I found a new sense of achievement in mastering practical financial skills. 

The two months at PHBS’s UK campus, located in Oxford City, were a perfect blend of academic exploration and cultural immersion. The city’s ancient and serene atmosphere stood in sharp contrast to Shenzhen’s dynamic energy. 



Being right next to the University of Oxford had its perks. I was lucky enough to experience a classic Formal Dinner—a traditional social event that I had only seen in movies. Dressed in formal attire, sitting in a historic dining hall with stained-glass windows, and enjoying a multi-course meal, I was fascinated by the unique culture of Oxford. 

Though my time in the UK was short, my friends and I made the most of it by backpacking through four neighbouring European countries. This experience was the highlight of my year.



In Spain, we wandered through the narrow streets of Barcelona, admiring Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces; in Germany, we stood in awe of the Berlin Wall, reflecting on the history of division and unity; in Switzerland, we were captivated by the snow-capped Alps and crystal-clear lakes; in Italy, we marveled at the ancient ruins of Rome and the art treasures of Florence. 

Looking back on 2025, I can confidently say that it has been the most fruitful year of my life. As a PKU student, I am grateful for the abundant resources and opportunities that my university has provided. 

This year, I not only acquired knowledge and skills but also learned to adapt to different environments, embrace cultural diversity, and build meaningful relationships. My "work hard, play hard" attitude has guided me through every challenge and allowed me to enjoy every moment of this journey.



One life—live it well. This is not only my motto for 2026 but also a commitment I am making to myself. I also hope that someday, somewhere, I will cross path again with all the wonderful people I have met this year—on the road of exploration, in the pursuit of dreams.

Written by: Khor Hui Min
Edited by: Chen Shizhuo
Photo by: courtesy of the author