by Ivan Ng
Ivan shares his adventurous transition from high school to university in a new city.
Transitioning from high school to university is a big leap. When it happens across continents, it becomes even more challenging. Last September, having lived in Hong Kong for 18 years, I became an international student in another city: London. Navigating life in this new city has made me realise that embracing new stages is much like parkour—filled with unknowns and challenges, yet incredibly rewarding.
In high school, life was structured—classes, assessments, and a packed schedule kept me on a tight leash. Entering university felt like receiving a key to a fairytale house overflowing with candies: the sudden freedom was both exhilarating and daunting. With no rigid timetables, I have the autonomy to shape my days and define who I am.
I recall my first few weeks wandering through the streets and buildings, realising I could skip lectures if I wanted, as recordings were always available. With newfound freedom came with lessons that compelled me to become an independent adult, capable of facing uncertainties and challenges.
Settling into life in the UK was intricate and exhausting. Opening a bank account, navigating the Biometric Residence Permit, and figuring out where to buy necessities, were all part of this crash course in adulthood of my first time living alone.
Labelled a “nerd” for much of my life, I had focused primarily on writing and public speaking, rarely seeking out sports beyond PE lessons. However, during my first week, I stumbled upon a parkour taster session on the students’ union website and decided to give it a try. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I made. I didn’t even know what parkour was at the time, but I still recall the adrenaline rush from that first session. Learning various vaults and enduring challenging yet rewarding conditioning sessions pushed me beyond my limits.
Since then, I have been hooked. Participating in parkour sessions has made me learn how to jump over obstacles, climb walls, and vault into the unknown, which mirrors my life transition from Hong Kong to London, from the familiar to the unfamiliar. It has taught me to embrace risks, thrive on challenges, and step out of my comfort zone, physically and mentally.
As I adopt this mindset, I become more open to new experiences. One significant breakthrough for me was cooking. I have been experimenting with new recipes that once seemed “complicated” and “time-consuming.” Often, as a novice chef, I found myself preparing a simple stir-fry on a yoga mat since the electric cord was too short for my self-heating pot to fit properly on the desk. While it may be amusing to many, it was a messy yet enjoyable way to adapt to my new lifestyle when I crave familiar tastes.
Actively meeting people from multicultural backgrounds also becomes one of my favourite experiences in London, a melting pot of diverse ethnic groups. I find myself having conversations which would never have occurred back home, while enjoying the richness of different cultures and seeing new ways of understanding the world.
There is a nostalgic beauty in this journey. Sometimes, I daydream about the bustling markets of Hong Kong, the street food vendors, and the aroma of my favourite dim sum wafting through the air. Yet I also find joy in the little things that London offers, the parks (especially Hyde Park!), historic buildings, and vibrant street art. Both cities have their own rhythm, and learning to dance to London’s beat has been an adventure in itself.
Whether it is about overcoming mental blocks and cultural differences, navigating new environments and finding my footing in unfamiliar territory, parkour has become a metaphor for my journey as a 19-year-old. As I continue to embrace this new chapter, I reassure myself that any obstacle is another parkour obstacle to be conquered.
Here I am, leaping into life, prepared to do whatever comes next with an open spirit and heart full of hope. Whether it is mastering a new recipe, meeting new friends, or perfecting my parkour skills, I am excited to see where this journey takes me. After all, life is one great adventure, and I am ready for the ride. ■
Ivan Ng Ka-sheung, 19, is a first-year student in the HKU-UCL Dual Degree Programme in Law. He enjoys writing, public speaking, and engaging in discussions about cultural topics and public affairs.