Arcadia Scotland

Four months ago, I boarded a plane with a suitcase full of clothes and a head full of questions. I was heading to Melbourne, Australia—halfway across the world from home—to begin a semester abroad. I remember sitting in the airport, anxious and unsure if I had made the right decision. Would I make friends? Would I feel at home? Would this experience be everything I hoped for—or would I end up feeling lost in a new place?

Now, as I sit in my apartment reflecting on the past four months, I can confidently say that taking this leap was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

The Beginning: Surf, Sunshine, and Shared Wonder
My study abroad experience started with a week in Sydney, surrounded by a group of other students through Arcadia. We were strangers at first, but there was a shared sense of excitement and curiosity that brought us together. We spent our days exploring beaches, laughing over group dinners, and marveling at just how different everything felt. The sunrises were brighter, the coffee was stronger, and every day brought a new adventure.

When I finally arrived in Melbourne, it felt like stepping into a living postcard. I dove headfirst into city life—exploring every laneway, hopping between cafes, and trying to take in as much as possible. I was on a mission to experience everything, like I was racing a clock.

The Shift: From Tourist to Local
But somewhere around the two-month mark, something changed. The newness started to wear off. The city streets became familiar, the social calendar thinned out, and my weekends stopped being filled with travel plans. At first, this shift made me uneasy. Had the excitement run out? Had I missed my chance to make the most of my time here?

But I came to realize that this phase wasn’t an ending—it was a beginning of a different kind. I wasn’t just visiting Melbourne anymore. I was living here. I started waking up early, grabbing coffee from my favorite local spot (Melbourne really does have the best coffee), and working on personal projects. I took more photos—of street art, of quiet tram rides, of golden-hour light over the Yarra River. I explored new restaurants each week with a small group of friends, and we’d rank our meals like we were judges on a food show. I wasn’t just ticking off landmarks—I was building routines, habits, and a sense of belonging.

The Growth: Learning to Live Slowly
These last two months were quieter than the first, but they were also the most meaningful. They taught me that it’s okay to slow down. That some of the best parts of being abroad aren’t the flashy tourist moments—they’re the everyday ones. I learned how to be comfortable with solitude. I learned how to find beauty in the ordinary. I learned that the best way to truly understand a city isn’t through guidebooks or Google Maps—it’s by living in it long enough to find your favorite street corner, your go-to café order, and the perfect park bench for a study break.

Final Thoughts
Leaving Melbourne feels bittersweet. I’ll miss the rhythm of the trams, the friendliness of strangers, and the quiet confidence the city seems to carry. But I’m leaving with more than just memories—I’m leaving with a new sense of independence, a deeper appreciation for the world beyond my bubble, and the knowledge that I can build a life anywhere, even on the other side of the planet. To anyone considering studying abroad: do it. The highs and lows, the excitement and the stillness—it’s all part of the story. And it’s a story worth living.