Kami LUNG

Age: 18
Height: 5'2
Star sign: Capricorn
On the stereo: Brahms' violin concerto, slow movement
On the back: Laura Ashley floral dress (new)
On the lash: still mineral water
On the plate: salad nicoise (no anchovies)
On the road: Renault Clio (she's actually got one!)
On holiday: Hong Kong to see my parents
On the doormat: New Scientist
Smokes: Never tried it. Yeeuck!
Hobbies: yoga, badminton, swimming
Part-time job: no way!
Her take on the year: it's been an adventure. I was nervous about leaving Hong Kong and coming over to England at first, partly because I wasn't sure if people would understand my accent. But I seem to have acclimatised really well and made some lasting friendships.
What's your favourite part of uni life? The course I'm on is very exciting and I enjoy the challenge.
And the worst? The fact that nearly everyone drinks. I don't. So I feel like a bit of a misfit refusing to join in, even though most people don't try to force me.
What have you missed most? Hong Kong. It's not better than England, it's just home, where my family and friends are.
What has been the greatest surprise? I've made friends with Darren! When I arrived he was always drinking and smoking, and I thought he was a bit of a lager lout. But he's actually a really nice guy, and helped me out a lot when I broke my arm. He's taught me not to judge by appearances.
How have you coped with money? I'm very lucky as my family are well off, so I'm financially stable. I'm also a naturally frugal person, and of course being a teetotal non-smoker I don't have the outgoings of some of the other students. But when my room was burgled and I didn't have insurance, it really brought home to me how fortunate I was. I was able to replace everything, apart from things which were of sentimental value.
Top financial tip? Cook your own food instead of eating out all the time. Not only will you save money, you'll also stay trim.

Kami's Finances:

Kami claims she's lucky and indeed she is. With an allowance of £16,000 and she's borrowed £3,000, she's even managed to have a little spare. But good old Kami knows how lucky she is and is always ready to help a friend in need.

As a non-EU overseas student, Kami's course fees are considerably higher than for UK students and must be paid upfront.

To work out a detailed budget use UNIAID's Student Calculator

Remember course fees for 'home' students (Kami is an overseas student.) don't have to be paid back until a student is earning over £15,000!