Day in the life of a Typical Korean University Student👩🏻‍🎓

Summary

Follow Shivan, a 30-year-old university student in Seoul, as she navigates a busy day at Sogang University. From her quick morning routine and commute to campus, to her double major in Global Korean Studies and Computer Science, Shivan balances academics, volunteer work, and social life. Despite the competitive environment at her university and the challenges of commuting, she manages to stay focused on her studies while also engaging in campus activities and volunteer work. This glimpse into her life highlights the dynamic and hectic lifestyle of a South Korean student.

Takeaways

• 😀 Shivan, a 30-year-old university student in Seoul, South Korea, lives in a high-rise apartment in the newly developed town of Pure in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province.
• 😀 Around 80% of young adults in South Korea in their 20s live with their parents, which is the case for Shivan.
• 😀 Shivan’s morning routine is quick since she showers at night and doesn't take long to get ready in the morning.
• 😀 Commuting to university is common for students living outside of Seoul. Shivan takes the subway, with occasional transfers, which can sometimes make her run for the train.
• 😀 In Korea, public transportation is well-connected, and most people use the subway and buses to get to their universities in Seoul from surrounding areas.
• 😀 Many students in South Korea still wear masks on public transportation, even after the mask mandate was lifted.
• 😀 Shivan attends Sogang University, a top private university in Seoul known for its business and economics programs, and she is double majoring in Global Korean Studies and Computer Science.
• 😀 Double majoring is quite common in South Korean universities, offering a competitive edge in the job market after graduation.
• 😀 Sogang University assigns seats in every class, similar to high school, and has strict attendance policies where missing more than three classes can result in failing the course.
• 😀 Shivan enjoys a convenient campus life, with many restaurants and convenience stores on campus, and has a designated room for her major where students can relax, study, and socialize.
• 😀 In addition to her studies, Shivan volunteers once a week at a children's services organization that facilitates domestic and international adoptions.
• 😀 Many South Korean students prefer studying at cafes, with some cafes being specifically designed as quiet study spaces where talking is prohibited.
• 😀 After studying at a cafe, Shivan meets her friend for dinner at a modern Korean restaurant, and although the restaurant serves Soju, she opts not to drink as she has assignments to complete later.
• 😀 Shivan’s day as a third-year university student in Seoul is busy and includes classes, volunteering, studying, and socializing, offering a balanced student life.

Q & A

Where does Shivan live, and why was this area developed?

Shivan lives in Pyeongchon, a newly developed district in Namyangju, Kyonggi Province. This area was developed to address the housing shortage in South Korea.

What is the typical morning routine for Shivan?

Shivan usually showers at night, so her morning routine is quick. She gets ready for the day and has breakfast, often brought to her by her mother.

How do most university students in South Korea manage their living situations?

In South Korea, it's common for university students to live with their parents. Approximately 80% of people in their 20s live with their parents.

What is the daily commute like for Shivan?

Shivan takes the subway to her university. She transfers between subway lines and sometimes has to rush to avoid long waiting times. Her commute reflects the efficient but crowded public transportation system in Seoul.

What is unique about the university class setup in South Korea?

At Sogang University, like many other South Korean universities, students have assigned seats in all classes. This system helps with attendance tracking. Additionally, some courses use relative grading, where students' grades depend on the performance of their peers.

What is the significance of the ‘kwabang’ at Sogang University?

The ‘kwabang’ is a designated room for specific majors where students can relax, study, eat, or meet with friends. It provides a social space for students beyond regular classes.

What volunteer work does Shivan do?

Shivan volunteers at Whole Children’s Services, an organization that facilitates domestic and overseas adoptions. She typically volunteers for three to four hours each week but only does one hour of volunteering on this day due to upcoming midterm exams.

Why do many South Korean students prefer studying in cafes?

Many South Korean students prefer studying in cafes because they offer a quiet and comfortable environment. Some cafes even have special rules that prohibit loud talking, making them ideal for studying.

How is food delivery integrated into university life in South Korea?

In South Korea, university campuses like Sogang University have food delivery systems that make it easy for students to order meals to be delivered directly to campus, enhancing convenience for busy students.

What is the dining experience like for Shivan and her friend?

Shivan and her friend have dinner at a modern Korean restaurant in Hapjeong. The restaurant offers both food and cocktails, but since Shivan has to study later, they avoid alcohol that evening.