A Student's Guide to Yonsei University

Studying abroad means adjusting to a new country, but it also means adjusting to an entirely new university. Coming from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, I knew attending Yonsei University would be a different experience, but I wasn't entirely prepared for just how big that difference would feel at first.

Getting to Know The Campus

One of my favorite things about Yonsei is how beautiful and spacious the campus is. A large walkway runs through the center, with most academic buildings located around it. There's always something happening, whether it's Yonsei clothing pop-ups, club events, or students walking between classes.

And when I say there's always someone walking around, I mean it. Whether it's the middle of the afternoon or 3 a.m., campus never feels completely empty.

Coming from a university with around 8,000–10,000 students, the constant stream of people was a little overwhelming at first. However, once I figured out where my classes were and started exploring different pathways, the campus became much easier to navigate.

There are plenty of benches and outdoor spaces to relax, along with some really nice study areas inside the buildings. I was also surprised to find convenience stores inside some academic buildings!

What Are Classes Like?

Most of my classes focus on Korean culture and history, which has been a great way to learn more about the country I'm living in.

I'm taking Korean Cinema, Understanding K-Pop, Korean Language, Psychology, and Yonsei Spirit.

My Korean Cinema class is particularly interesting because we watch and discuss films throughout Korean history. For our midterm, we're writing a short film script, and for our final, we'll actually produce a film related to Korean culture!

Understanding K-Pop explores Korean music history, industry influences, and the business behind entertainment companies.

Korean Language has been my most challenging class.

Compared to my audio engineering courses at Belmont, my classes here have been easier, but there's an important distinction. I'm an exchange student who intentionally saved general education courses for studying abroad. Many of these classes also contribute toward my Music Business minor.

Yonsei is a prestigious university, and I recognize that earning a full degree here would be a very different academic experience. In terms of attendance, workload, and teaching styles, though, I've found my classes quite similar to those back home.

A Day in My Life

I have classes four days a week, with three spent on the main campus. Thankfully, my morning classes are convenient because my classrooms are right outside my dorm area.

Most mornings, I wake up around 8 a.m., eat breakfast, and head to class by 9. Between classes, I usually grab coffee on campus. There are about 3 coffee shops right outside the SK Global dorm and about 5 on campus in popular areas. (There are definitely more, but these are the ones I visit the most).

At night, you'll find me hanging out with friends or at one of the 24-hour study cafés in Sinchon. The gym dorm closes at midnight, so I usually work out before then and go to sleep somewhere around 2 to 3 a.m.

I'm definitely a night owl, and one of my favorite things about Seoul is how accommodating the city is to people who stay up late.

What I Wish I'd Known

Course registration was probably one of the most confusing parts of preparing for Yonsei. I actually liked the mileage registration system, but navigating the course catalog and figuring out possible schedules took me several days.

Another thing worth knowing is how strict attendance can be. Some classes require a doctor's note from the same day you're absent, while others may not accept medical documentation at all. This can be frustrating when you're sick enough to miss class, but don't necessarily need to visit a doctor.

My biggest advice? Try your best not to miss class.

Even one absence can leave you behind or lower your grade, especially when you're absorbing so much new information. Studying abroad gives you incredible opportunities to explore, and the last thing you want is to spend your free time catching up on coursework.

Final Thoughts

Attending Yonsei has been a wonderful opportunity to experience university life in another country. What initially felt overwhelming has slowly become familiar, and I've grown to appreciate both the campus and the routines I've created here.

If you're considering studying abroad at Yonsei, give yourself time to adjust, explore the campus, and find what works for you. Before long, those unfamiliar buildings and crowded walkways might start feeling like part of your everyday life, too.