Don't Be Afraid to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Date
April 23, 2026
I remember the day I arrived in London was one of the scariest days of my life. I couldn’t help but think to myself, how am I gonna survive 4 months in a city I have little to no knowledge about? Not only was it my first time traveling outside of the country, but it was my first time being alone away from my family. Suddenly, everything was way out of my comfort zone.
If there’s one thing this experience has taught me, it’s that being uncomfortable is where real growth begins. At first, even the simplest things felt overwhelming. Figuring out the tube and bus to get around, reading unfamiliar signs, or just being able to get from place to place without second-guessing myself. I was scared. Now I can go to any station or bus stop confidently, tap in, get on, move across the city, and tap out. As if second nature. I was uncomfortable walking around the city alone, thinking I would get awkward stares or look out of place. But now I can take solo strolls to Camden or wander farther out to Shoreditch. I’ve learned to enjoy my own company in a way I never had before. So it's safe to say, it's okay to be uncomfortable, it's okay to be scared. Embrace the uncomfortable to be comfortable.
And if you are still afraid of feeling alone, that's ok too. I was lucky enough to start my study abroad experience with one of my best friends, as well as made a new friend just before arriving. Having people around you can make the first days feel a little less overwhelming. But of course, there will be days when one may have plans that won’t always coincide with others', finding yourself with time on your own. Those are the moments that you will remember forever, which is why I truly encourage solo traveling. At first, I started small. I walked to nearby places around the school, slowly branching out farther each time.
Eventually, I began to revisit places from orientation and began to discover new ones on my own. When I had a couple of hours to spare, museums were one of my top choices to try as well. There was one day, I debated going to The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, which was outside the city. I kept stressing the idea to the point that I just wanted to give up on going. Was I fearful of moving outside the city? Yes. Did I end up going and end up having a good time? Yes, I did. Looking back, I know I would have regretted not going, knowing my love for Harry Potter. So if I learned anything its don't be afraid to say yes to new experiences. Step out of your comfort zone, even if the moment feels a little intimidating. That fear you feel on day one won’t disappear. It will slowly turn into confidence, one step at a time.
These pieces were created by student contributors. The views and opinions expressed are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Arcadia Abroad.