Most people won’t tell you this, but your first couple of days in an exchange or study abroad program can be extremely daunting. I remember sitting in a hostel on my first day in Edinburgh, feeling intimidated and anxious, as though I made the wrong decision.
It might take a little while for that dreadful feeling to go away, and even still, it may come back occasionally. But one thing I can promise you is that the feeling will fade and you will soon find your rhythm, your confidence and your sense of belonging in this new place.
Everything changed for me when I met the group of people I now proudly call my friends. My friend and I were picking up our new student identification cards in the library when we sat opposite three other students who seemed to be there for the same reason.
We took a chance and introduced ourselves to three other students. They told us they were from the University of Michigan and had just arrived in Edinburgh that morning. After introductions, we all walked to Tesco for a meal deal — and the rest is history.
Later that day, my friend and I got dinner with two other students from The University of Texas at Austin, who would make another addition to our soon-to-be travel group. Last but not least, we made friends with a lovely girl from Australia who, funnily enough, will be studying abroad at UT Austin in the fall. We all bonded over our experiences thus far as exchange students.
By some power of the universe, I got introduced to my new favorite people in a matter of a couple of hours. I know that’s not how it works for everyone, but man, am I thankful for them! They are my travel buddies, study partners, coffee dates and truly some of my closest friends here — and it’s only been two weeks. We even managed to plan a trip to Galway, Ireland, within the first couple of days of knowing each other, which was both a blast and a disaster all in one… but that’s a story for another time.
My advice for anyone studying abroad who’s nervous about making new friends is to truly put yourself out there. You never know who you may meet in a random library on a Tuesday that will completely change the course of your experience abroad. I know that advice isn’t always easy, but trust me: It is worth it.
Aside from making friends, there’s also the challenge of balancing coursework with, well, everything else. So far, my weekend travels have taken up Friday through Monday mornings, which can be difficult depending on your class schedule. That brings me to my first point:
Create a Schedule That Fits Your Lifestyle
It is important to plan your classes to fit your lifestyle, to the best of your ability. If you are specifically studying at the University of Edinburgh, you also need to consider when your class times are, which you may not receive until a couple of weeks before your courses begin.
One thing to look out for is whether or not your professor records lectures and puts them online. This may be helpful if you happen to have a class on a popular travel day like Monday or Friday.
Plan Ahead
By scheduling your trips in advance, you can save money, as it’s usually cheaper to book earlier than later for hostels, hotels, flights, etc. You can also complete required coursework ahead of time so you don’t have to cram or miss assignments. Finally, planning ahead also allows you to maintain a healthy headspace so you don’t overwhelm yourself with travel planning the week of.
For example, my friends and I have planned out the next couple of weeks of travel so we won’t have to worry about it later. I would also suggest compiling a list of “must-see” places so that you get the most out of your time abroad. Chances are that someone you know will also want to travel to the same places you do. In addition, keep track of other friends you know who have gone or are going abroad, so you can get recommendations and maybe even free places to stay all over the world.
Make a Schedule for Yourself
Having a routine can greatly improve time management, stress levels and overall peace of mind. Making sure that you designate certain days you can count on for studying, laundry, grocery shopping and other errands is so important. Grounding yourself with schedules ensures that you will be able to manage your school and life activities much easier. It’s also okay if it takes some time; I know I am still ironing out what I want my personal schedule to be.
Studying abroad offers a blend of challenges and cherished moments. From enduring the initial jitters to forming lasting friendships, each step shapes an enriching experience. Stay adaptable, plan wisely and find your balance between academics and exploration. As you journey through new cultures and landscapes, embrace the unexpected and enjoy the growth it brings.
To all future adventurers: May your travels be filled with discovery and meaningful connections. Safe travels!
This post was contributed by Katherine Tschirhart, a Global Ambassador for Spring 2024. Katherine is a junior corporate communications studies major studying abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland.
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