Student Bloggers

When starting college, balancing school and social life is a big learning curve, and while you may feel you have adjusted, going abroad is an entirely different experience. Even if you have found a routine that works for you back home, here are some reminders and tips for how to make the most of your time abroad both academically and personally.

1. Give Yourself an Adjustment Period
   Everyone needs time to adjust to a new environment– and not just because of the jet lag. A new environment means new spaces, opportunities, and ways of living. While it may seem as though your peers are adjusting easily, remember that everyone handles change differently and it is important to allow yourself a period to acclimate to your new city on your own terms. Take time to be a tourist first– soon you’ll feel like a local! You don’t have to knock everything off of your bucket list within your first week either, so make sure to think about yourself and what feels like a realistic way for you to adjust. Setting a timeline for your first few weeks can help you stay on track to thrive in your new city instead of feeling unsure or overwhelmed. Staying organized with personalized goals during this adjustment period is vital and will make the transition much smoother!
2. Combine Exploration and School
   Finding a go-to cafe, bookstore, or park in your new city can make it feel a little smaller while also providing a space to study and work on assignments. Explore different locations and see what feels best for you, especially in those first few weeks when you're establishing a routine. Familiarity is comforting, so building a routine including your favorite spots is a great way to get immersed in the city while also finding and frequenting locations to study and work. Finding my go-to spots and building a routine allowed me to outline my days and focus on school while also being out in the city.
3. Be Open-Minded to New Friendships and Learn When to Say Yes
   A highlight for me being abroad was developing new friendships that I hope to have for years to come. However, these friendships didn’t just appear overnight. It takes time and vulnerability to form connections, and being abroad is such a special bonding opportunity. Saying yes can open so many doors, but sometimes saying no to plans or invites is equally as important to your well being. Pushing myself outside my comfort zone and forming new friendships made a big city
   like London feel like home – but I still valued my independent time and self-care highly. Think about what percentage of your time you feel comfortable dedicating to your social, personal, and academic life and remember that everyone is different. (Extra tip: Study groups are a great way to combine your social and academic life).

Going abroad and adjusting to new ways of life can be overwhelming, but it helps to remember that this is a part of your college journey, and there are many lessons we can take from home to help adjust to a new life. Reflect on yourself, your goals, and what you want this experience to look like both socially and academically, and you will be off to a great start!