Meet Alex, a third-year Computer Science student at the University of Waterloo. Transplanted from a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene, Alex initially envisioned university life filled with excitement and adventure. However, the harsh reality of Waterloo’s intense academic environment and limited social activities left him disillusioned. Passionate about sports, Alex found solace in the campus gym and built a close-knit group of friends through athletic pursuits, but the lack of diverse social opportunities outside of classes has made him regret not exploring exchange options at universities in more lively cities. Drawing from his experiences, Alex is now eager to share insights with prospective students, hoping to guide them toward a more fulfilling exchange experience.