I am Wang Jiong, a student of the 2021 cohort at Inner Mongolia University of Finance and Economics. Studying as a master’s student at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. This small, historic city in northern Poland not only carries the legacy of the great astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus but also offers a warm and lively environment that makes my daily life both productive and enjoyable.

My academic routine starts early, usually with a 9 a.m. lecture. Most of my classes are held in the university’s main campus, a mix of old red-brick buildings and modern facilities. What I love most about the lectures is the interactive atmosphere—professors often encourage discussions, and my classmates, who come from different countries like Germany, Ukraine, and Italy, share diverse perspectives. For example, in my "Advanced Data Analysis" class last week, we debated the application of AI in environmental research, and a classmate from Poland even shared local case studies about protecting the Vistula River. After lectures, I usually spend 2-3 hours in the university library. Its quiet reading rooms, filled with books on my major (Environmental Science), and access to international academic databases help me focus on writing research papers or preparing for seminars. Sometimes, I meet my study group there to work on group projects; we often grab a cup of coffee from the library’s café to keep our energy up.

Outside of study, my daily life is filled with small joys that let me immerse myself in Toruń’s culture. Every Tuesday and Saturday, I visit the Old Town Market Square, a 5-minute walk from my dorm. There, I buy fresh fruits, homemade bread, and Polish sausages from local vendors. I also love trying traditional Polish food—my favorite is pierogi (dumplings filled with cheese and potatoes) from a small restaurant near the square, where the owner always greets me with a big smile. On weekends, if I don’t have assignments, I explore the city: I walk along the Vistula River, visit Copernicus’ former house (now a museum), or join the university’s international student club for movie nights or hiking trips to nearby forests. These activities not only help me relax but also let me make friends who feel like family far from home.

Living and studying in Toruń is more than just pursuing a master’s degree—it’s about growing as a person, learning from different cultures, and balancing hard work with joy. Every day here teaches me something new, whether it’s a new concept from a lecture or a new Polish word from a local. I’m grateful for this journey, and I know the memories I’m making here will stay with me forever.