Studying overseas didn’t feel transformative all at once. It happened slowly, over a few years, in ways that were easy to overlook at the time. When I look back now, what stands out most isn’t a single defining moment, but a growing list of firsts that slowly shaped my experience.

In my first year, the firsts were small and practical. Living alone for the first time meant learning how to manage daily life without relying on anyone else. Cooking meals for myself, doing groceries alone, and figuring out how to budget became part of a routine I had never needed before. These weren’t exciting milestones, but they were the very first steps of becoming independent.

As time went on, those firsts became less about survival and more about exploring. Taking a train to another city alone didn’t feel intimidating anymore, it felt natural. Navigating stations, planning trips, and exploring different towns and cities around the UK slowly became something I enjoyed. Each journey made the country feel more familiar, and each experience made me trust myself a little more.

Over the years, studying abroad also gave me opportunities I never expected to experience at all. Sitting on a plane alone for the first time. Visiting places I had only ever seen online. Watching live games, carving pumpkins, and taking part in traditions that weren’t part of my upbringing. Some moments were spontaneous, others carefully planned, but all of them added memories to my time abroad.

There were also firsts that felt almost unreal. Seeing the northern lights, something I never thought I would witness in person. Learning how to ski, despite having no background in it. These experiences weren’t essential to my degree, but they became some of the most memorable parts of my journey.

What changed over these years wasn’t just what I experienced, but how I approached new situations. I didn’t become someone who was constantly chasing novelty. Instead, I became more comfortable saying yes to unfamiliar experiences. Each first made the next one feel less scary and gradually, independence became something I carried naturally rather than something I had to force.

Looking back, studying overseas wasn’t defined by a single achievement or turning point. It was shaped by years of firsts, some small, some unforgettable and that taught me how to navigate life on my own. Those experiences didn’t happen overnight, but together, they became one of the most meaningful parts of my time abroad.

I hope that everyone reading this gets the chance to experience many firsts in their own lives, and to explore the possibilities of who they can become. If there’s anything my experience has shown me, it’s that growth often starts with stepping into the unfamiliar. I hope my journey encourages you to step out of your comfort zone, take chances when you can, and work towards the dreams that matter to you.