When you scroll through Instagram or TikTok, studying abroad looks like a dream: weekend getaways, new friends, exciting cities. But let’s get real for a second. It has another side. Let’s discuss the things no one tells you about studying abroad.
Choose your friends wisely
Get to know people who inspire and support you. The right friends will make the whole experience unforgettable.
Homesickness is real (and totally normal)
Everyone says how amazing it is to study abroad, and it is. But they often forget to mention the times when you sit in your room missing your dog, your favourite food, or just your friends. Here’s the thing: homesickness hits most of us. And it doesn’t mean it´s not for you. It just means you’re human.
One thing that helps? Pack things that remind you of home, photos, snacks, anything comforting. It’ll help more than you think.
Loneliness is normal
You will feel lonely sometimes. The best way to handle it? Engage yourself in activities.
The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is amazing for this. They organize any kind of events: trips, parties, language exchanges… You’ll meet tons of people who are in the same boat.
Student life: it’s not always a party
Yes, there will be parties. Lots of them. But student life abroad also includes:
- Figuring out the washing machine settings in a new language
- Cooking for yourself (or living off pasta)
- Losing your way on public transport.
But hey, you’ll also become way more independent and confident. You’ll figure things out as you go. No one arrives abroad knowing exactly what they’re doing (even if it looks like it).
Cultural adjustment: the funny, awkward, and cool parts
Cultural adjustment is your new superpower. You need to understand how things in your new country work.
Dinner might be at 9 PM, maybe people greet with kisses on both cheeks, or everyone’s weirdly quiet on the tram.
At first, it can feel a bit awkward or even frustrating. Totally normal. But give it time. You’ll start picking up the habits and probably adopt a few for life.
Coming home will feel… weird
Don’t expect everything to be the same when you return. People change, places change, you’ll change too.
Final thoughts
To wrap up, here are a few study abroad tips from someone who’s been there:
- Pack light. You’ll end up wearing the same few outfits anyway, and thrifting locally is part of the fun.
- Say yes to things (safely, of course). That random ESN event? Go. The day trip your flatmate suggested? Go.
- Keep a little journal or take daily photos. You’ll want to remember the small stuff later.
- Get travel insurance. Seriously. Delays, lost bags, or getting sick can happen, and you will feel much less stressed when you have coverage.
In the end, studying abroad is one of the best things you’ll ever do. The experience is fun, challenging, weird, exciting, and yes, sometimes tough. But every moment, even the messy ones, are part of the ride.
And trust me: it’s 100% worth it.
