I’m Jolene, a BSc Nutrition student in my final year of studies. As graduation draws closer, I’ve been thinking a lot about my past 3 years here, all the good and bad that comes along with it. As exciting as it was to start this new chapter, the reality of living abroad came with adjustments that I didn’t fully anticipate.

One of the hardest things for me to adjust to was the weather, mainly because it was completely out of my control. Coming from a tropical country, I was used to consistent warmth and sunshine all year round, so when winter replaced autumn and the days became shorter, greyer, and colder, it took some getting used to. Over time, each winter became a bit easier as I learned what to expect, like layering up properly before heading out. The darker days and cold also took some adjustment, as they affected my energy levels more than I expected. Over time, I learned to embrace it, finding small ways to romanticise it, like unwinding with a mug of hot chocolate or getting cosy under the covers with fuzzy socks, which made the season feel like a movie.

Another big adjustment was learning how to live independently. Back home, I had my family around me – we shared responsibilities, and there was always food on the table or someone helping out with groceries and chores.

Here, everything is on me. If I don’t plan my meals, I don’t eat properly, and if I don’t shop, the fridge stays empty. While there’s freedom in having full control over your life, it can also feel overwhelming without that shared support. Because of this, time management is crucial. Balancing academics, a social life, house responsibilities, part-time work, and sports can get exhausting. There were times I felt completely drained, but it pushed me to become more organised and disciplined. Using timetables and to-do lists definitely helped me stay on track.

Socially, I came to learn people come from such different backgrounds, cultures, and upbringings, and in my first year, I found it difficult to form meaningful friendships. It wasn’t easy accepting how different people could be. But over time, I learned to appreciate those differences and that everyone is shaped by their own experiences, and that’s what makes them unique. At the same time, I’ve also learned that it’s okay to choose who you keep close, while still putting in the effort to work through differences with people who matter. Building genuine connections takes time, intention, and placing ourselves in the right environments.

I was definitely homesick a lot and there were so many days I wished I could just teleport home instead of dealing with a 14-hour flight and expensive tickets. I missed the familiarity of home, my family, and my friends – my main support system, especially on tough days. But distance only makes the heart grow fonder, made me appreciate them so much more. I stay connected mostly through videocall and I’m so really grateful that it’s such an easy to stay in touch for this generation, even from far away.

Looking back, my personal growth since studying abroad has been huge, probably more than any other phase of my life, though it came with challenges I didn’t expect and moments that really pushed me out of my comfort zone. Those experiences, however, are what made me more resilient, independent, and self-aware, and I wouldn’t trade this growth for any different route.