Hey there! 👋 I’m Vignesh!

Current Mission:
Travelling across Europe through the lens of the locals. My past two hosts so far in Brussels and Amsterdam, have shown how amazing and interesting this community is, and I have also shared my cooking and travel stories with the hosts! Looking forward to meet more interesting individuals!

I’m new to Couchsurfing but super excited to dive into this awesome community and explore the world the local way. 🌍 I’m all about making new friends, sharing stories, and connecting over cultural experiences—whether through a good meal, a casual chat, or a fun adventure. If you’re into swapping travel stories, teaching me your favorite local dish, or just having a great conversation, I’m your person! 😄🍜

I’m originally from Malaysia 🇲🇾 but currently living in the dreamy city of Oxford, where I’m studying Energy Systems at the University of Oxford (basically figuring out how to help save the planet 🌱⚡). Soon, I’ll be wrapping up my studies and embarking on an epic month-long adventure through Europe! ✈️ I’m really excited to explore new places, experience different cultures, and, of course, meet some amazing people along the way.

Since I’m new here, I don’t have any Couchsurfing references just yet—but don’t worry, I’m happy to provide any verification you might need! I’m always open to learning and sharing, and I promise to bring good vibes and positive energy wherever I go. ✨😊

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I’m all about seeking adventure, but not just the kind you find in grand mountains or jaw-dropping architecture (though, let’s be honest, those are awesome too 🏔️😍). For me, the real magic of traveling is in the people you meet and the stories you share. Whether it's exploring hidden gems or indulging in local cultures, I believe the heart of any place lies in its community and its food (and if you know anything about Malaysian/Singaporean food, you know what I mean! 😉🍛).

I’m a big foodie, and Couchsurfing feels like the perfect place to not only satisfy my craving for new dishes and recipes but also to make lifelong friends along the way. Life’s too short not to fill it with amazing people and shared experiences! I’m excited to learn from fellow travelers, swap stories, share recipes, and just have fun along the way.

While I live in a small student accommodation in Oxford (so, sadly, I can’t host just yet 😅), I’m more than happy to help you explore this historic city like a local. I know all the coolest, budget-friendly spots, secret corners, and free hidden gems that will make your Oxford experience unforgettable! And if I’m free, I’d love to personally show you around—I'm all about sharing and learning from each other, and it would be great to build up my Couchsurfing profile this way. 🤗

Interests

Hiking, Travelling, Energy Enthusiasts, Vlogging, Taking pictures, Languages (can speak 5 - mostly Asian), and many more

• culture
• cooking
• drones
• traveling
• hiking
• engineering
• solo travel
• adventure travel
• food
• sustainability
• asian cuisine
• meeting new people
• cultural exchange
• sunsets
• exploring nature
• sunrise
• energy
• k-drama
• western cuisine
• decarbonisation

Music, Movies, and Books

🎶: I’m a huge fan of radio! 🎧 There’s something about tuning in to whatever is playing, catching the latest pop hits, and letting the music surprise me. I love how I don’t need to remember song names or get stuck listening to the same playlists over and over like on Spotify (though I have nothing against a good playlist 😅). Plus, I’m super flexible with genres—if it’s a bop, I’m in! 🎶

📽️: When it comes to movies, I’m all over the place, in the best way possible! From Hollywood blockbusters to Bollywood dramas, Chinese cinema to K-dramas, I’m a big fan of adventurous and fantasy worlds 🌟. (Fun fact: Oxford’s magical charm was a big reason I chose to study here 😉). I also love anime with a hint of magic and adventure. And if you haven’t dipped your toes into the K-drama world yet, we definitely need to fix that! 🖥️🍿

📚: Right now, my reading list is mostly scientific journals and articles for my thesis (📑😅), but when I’m not deep in research mode, I love getting lost in detective stories, murder mysteries, and magical adventure novels. I grew up on Nancy Drew, and I still enjoy a good mystery every now and then! And yep, I’m also into comics and manga—it’s the perfect escape when I need a break from the real world. 📖🔍

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

After spending an incredible exchange semester traveling across the U.S., I caught the travel bug big time! ✈️ When I got back to Malaysia, I decided to take on an impromptu adventure and hiked Mount Kinabalu—one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia, standing over 4000 meters tall. It was a totally spur-of-the-moment decision, but somehow I survived it! 😭🤪

Since then, I’ve been hooked on spontaneous trips and solo traveling. I’ve taken on some pretty wild adventures and plan to push my limits even further—whether it’s hiking the beautiful mountains of Europe 🏞️, surfing 🏄‍♂️, skiing, or even paragliding across the stunning peaks of Switzerland 🪂. I’m also up for new challenges, like attempting to bake a croissant from scratch 🥐 (which, according to my French friend, is a terrible idea—honestly, major respect to bakers out there, it’s exhausting!).

What I Can Share with Hosts

I’ve got quite a bit to offer when it comes to sharing experiences! As a student at one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Oxford 🎓, I can share insights into what it’s like to study here (spoiler: it’s a mix of magical and intense!) and dive into some thought-provoking conversations about decarbonization plans and net-zero targets 🌍⚡. Is it really possible, or are we in for a bumpy ride? Let’s chat and find out! 😊

Beyond academics, I love engaging in travel stories, language exchanges, and—most importantly—cooking! I’m passionate about whipping up delicious meals from my home country, Malaysia 🇲🇾, which I promise you won’t easily find nearby. Whether it’s a rich, flavorful curry or a delicate stir-fry, I’ve been told I have the Midas touch in the kitchen 👨‍🍳✨ (though I’ll happily tone down the spice if needed 🔥).

I’ve been lucky enough to travel to places like the U.S., Korea, Singapore, India, and the UK, and I’m always excited to learn about new cultures and understand what makes each city or place unique. If you’re interested, I’m more than happy to exchange stories about living in the UK, traveling the world, and, of course, attending Oxford. I love making new friends and sharing knowledge over a great meal or an evening of conversation!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, India, Ireland, Malaysia, Northern Ireland, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Malaysia, United Kingdom, United States