Embracing Erasmus

 

In January of this year I moved to Glasgow to begin my Erasmus semester abroad. Although it was only across the water, packing up and moving to Scotland was still a daunting decision. The girl that left for Scotland in January couldn’t find her way around an airport, lift her own luggage and was too afraid to ask for directions. The same girl that returned to Ireland five months later was a far cry from the often shy and quiet girl that left. Somewhere along my Erasmus journey I changed. Living abroad strengthened me, matured me and changed me for the better. It gave me independence like never before, allowed me to appreciate what and who I have in my life and it altered my perspective on life and how I choose to live it.

Embarking on a new experience abroad is, undoubtedly, an amazing opportunity. The idea of setting up a new life abroad is an exciting prospect and one that should be looked upon with enthusiasm and positivity. However it is perfectly normal to feel isolated and alone during the first few days of moving away from home. For many students it is their first ‘proper’ experience living away from the comforts of home and fending for themselves. Once the initial excitement subsides loneliness often creeps in and throwing yourself headfirst into a new environment is daunting. Being away from your nearest and dearest can be challenging.Ireland to Scotland would be, albeit for just a few months.

There is no Irish mammy around to land your dinner on the table in the evening, no reliable taxi man (dad) to collect you from the nightclub at half two on a Saturday night, you even miss having no annoying younger siblings around to fight with. Living away from friends and family was a lot harder than I anticipated and during my first few weeks abroad I felt l would never settle. I had misjudged how difficult the transition from Ireland to Scotland would be, albeit for just a few months.

It took me a while but eventually I realised it’s not meant to be easy. Moving to another country, starting a new university and making new friends is a lot to take in. I realised it was ok to feel a little bit lost and unsure and I also realised that it’s perfectly ok to ask for help. As American author Henry David Thoreau once said; “Not until we are lost do we begin to find ourselves”.

How right he was. It was in between doing the grocery shopping myself for the first time, improving my cooking skills, washing and ironing my own clothes and getting lost on numerous occasions while wandering around the city of Glasgow that I changed. I became the person I needed to become. I gradually became more and more independent. I learned how to handle weird and wonderful situations I found myself in and I learned to appreciate people and places I may have taken for granted at home. One of the most important things I learned was how lucky and blessed I am to be able to live the life I do, study the profession I love and take advantage of wonderful opportunities afforded to me such as studying abroad.

My advice to anyone lucky enough to be considering Erasmus would be to grab it with both hands. The benefits of studying abroad extend far behind the classroom walls and can really and truly have a positive impact on your life.

My Erasmus journey has left me with an insatiable hunger to travel and experience different cultures and customs around the world. Erasmus gave me a renewed confidence to try new things, travel to different places and, as I continue to grow, my destinations will hopefully continue to change.

Top Ten Tips for College

Moving away from home for the first time is no easy feat and the transition from school to college life can be a tricky one; even for the most confident, self-assured students. Starting a new university, moving into a new house and living with random people is a big change and many first year students experience loneliness, stress and anxiety when they first leave the comfort of their home. However once you get your bearings and find your feet you will soon realise how much university has to offer.  Undoubtedly college years are the best years of your life; a time to seize opportunities, socialise, make lifelong friendships and work hard for your dream job. Here are my top ten tips for making the most of the best four years of your life!

The best way to make new friends!

Get Involved 
College life is not just about academia and extends a lot farther than the lecture halls and classroom walls. During the first few weeks everyone is in the same boat; no one knows anyone and everybody is looking to make new friends and just have the craic. Clubs and societies are a huge part of college life and most universities have an abundance of clubs and socs to choose from. Throw yourself into everything during the first few weeks, join clubs that suit your interests and hobbies or, instead, learn new skills. Fresher’s week will also be jam packed with activities including UV nights and silent discos so make the most of everything thrown your way.

Mind yourself
Looking after number one in college is harder than you might think. There is no mammy looking after you, ensuring you’re eating all your vegetables and getting eight hours sleep every night. Do yourself a favour from the get go and start as you mean to go on. It is all too easy to slip into bad habits in college and before you know it you think eating leftover pizza for breakfast is acceptable. It’s not and never will be. Most colleges have gym and sports membership you can avail of at a student discount so make the most of what’s on your own doorstep. Try to get enough sleep and eat healthy as well. Your body will thank you for it.

Orientation

Getting lost is inevitable but orientation will help!

A must do for all incoming first year students. Orientation usually occurs a week or so before college
officially starts and it gives students the chance to take in their new surroundings and familiarise themselves with their new home for the next few years. Orientation guides are on hand to help with any questions or difficulties you may have so don’t be afraid to ask, no matter how silly you think your question is. Do your best to attend all the events going on throughout orientation week and utilise the free offers of pens, notebooks and food.

Plagiarism
For anyone who might not know, plagiarism, in its simplest form, is copying someone else’s work and claiming it as your own. From the moment you step into a lecture hall your teachers and tutors will warn you against it. Please take heed of what they’re telling you and never, ever try it, no matter how under pressure or caught for time you may be. Lecturers will spot it a mile off and will feel no remorse awarding you an “NG” or “F” grade.

Travel
One of the most exciting opportunities college presents you with is the chance to travel and explore the world. A lot of courses require students to take up an Erasmus or study abroad semester. An increasing number of students are readily availing of student summer visas to the States, while other students are taking up TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) in countries such as Thailand, Japan and China. Your college years are the perfect time to be selfish, so say yes to new opportunities and experiences. It is only the things you don’t do that you will end up regretting.

Attendance
In the midst of socialising, joining new clubs and societies and making new friends, it is easy to forget the real reason you’re in college. While going to that 9am lecture might not seem too appealing make an effort to attend and keep on top of your assignments. Slacking off lectures and tutorials and constantly playing catch-up is no fun and just makes life a whole lot harder for you.

Budget
Learning to budget your money is one of the hardest things you will learn during the first semester of college. The first few weeks are always the most expensive and, for many people, it is the first time they are in control of their own finances. No one wants to be living off toast and beans by the end of every week/month so do your best to budget your money. It makes life that little bit easier, trust me.


Buying books
Speaking of budgeting…buying books second hand, or not buying them at all, is one of the best tips I can give in relation to saving money. University textbooks cost a small fortune so, if the book is a must have, then go to the Students’ Union and see if you can get it second hand. Chances are there will be previous students only dying to get rid of it. Now, some lecturers will tell you that certain books are compulsory and you need to have them, but this is not always true. If you can source the book out in the library or find extracts of it online then you might get away with not buying it at all and save yourself a few extra dollars.

Trying new thing
There is no time like the present and no better place than university to try out something you’ve been putting on the long finger. College is where you find out what really makes you tick so seize the moment, experiment with new ideas and discover who you really are.

Home sweet home
Just as it is a huge change for you, it is also a huge milestone for your parents. Don’t forget to check in with them and let them know how you’re getting on and what you’re up to. No one worries more about you than your mam and dad so keep them in the loop and everyone will be happy.