On further exploration…
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28. “I advise choosing a good university, of course, but also take your host country’s geographical location into account. One great thing is do on Erasmus is to travel, and if you choose a fairly central country you can visit many place at low cost as the price of transport is drastically reduced. Such is the case in Belgium; you can visit London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin and many other destinations very cheaply.”
Juliana Caicedo | Belgium
29. “Plan a bigger budget. Calculate around 4,000 euros for the three months , so you have enough money to travel around.”
Vanessa | England
30. “Take a night train across the border, go on a bike ride to the beach and see Europe like you’ve never seen it before.”
Maria | Portugal
On days in the life…
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31. “I would tell future students to take risks, to try new things and don’t focus on the stereotypes that people have about the experience (party, drinks and sex). It’s better to learn all you can about the language, culture, people and cities where you’re living.”
Juan Antonio Lorca Antón | England
32. “Any normal daily task – whether withdrawing money from the bank, shopping or even laundry – will feel like an adventure. I remember almost crying my way out of the bank because they couldn’t make a transfer for me to pay my rent.”
Patricia Jiménez | Germany
33. “Make sure you bring enough cash with you. There’s no harm having a bit more than you end up using. There’s really nothing worse than being somewhere new and seeing your money slowly dwindle while waiting on your new credit/debit card which should’ve arrived days ago but is nowhere in sight. It’s a real nightmare.”
Álvaro Jiménez | Germany
34. “Get a bank account that has good conditions for use abroad. For example, one that doesn’t charge commission each time you withdraw, allows online transfers and queries, and provides more than one card (in the case of theft or loss). There are many banks that don’t offer all these features, and it’s so important not having money problems when you’re living abroad on your own.”
Celia Ramajo | Belgium
35. “That the Italian police would come to your apartment (twice in 10 months!) to see if you really lived where you said you did.”
Carla | Italy
36.”I wish I had known how to adapt like a local to really enjoy my stay abroad. Be sure not to live like a tourist. There are things from your home life that you will want to continue doing (going to the gym, buying certain products) so investigate before arriving at your new site.”
ESN Barcelona UPF | Spain
37. “I think my single biggest piece of advice would be to find out what resources there are for Erasmus students and how active they are. Is there an international or erasmus society? Does the uni plan events? Are there programs to encourage exchange student integration? Also, it’s a great idea to talk to students from your university who have been there before. They’ll give you the best insight into what your experience is going to be like.”
ESN Strathclyde | Scotland
38. “Try to do something new every week!”
ESN King’s | England
39. “Finland is an icy paradise!“
Naddel | Finland
40. “Nothing is ever how you imagined it.”
Lulu Sinnott | Germany
41. “Don’t rely too much on the “your year abroad is what you make it” advice – sometimes it’s hard to make just any place seem good. Go somewhere you really want to go.”
Julia Neimann | Germany
42. “The vast majority of your time will be spent on Facebook.”
Adam Lambert | France & Germany
43. “Don’t worry about things not going to plan on arrival. Things will get better.”
Katherine Steel | Spain
44. “Apply for advertised work placements instead of contacting people you know. These generally have more structure and you’ll know what to expect from the job description.”
Fi Spencer | Germany
On getting hungry…
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45. “You will get fat. This is a fact. Do not go against it. I suggest you try the typical dishes of every country you visit, which are normally not included in a low calorie diet. Almost every day you will have a large meal, or may be eating in the city like a typical tourist. And don’t forget national holidays and alcohol. But do not deprive yourself of ANYTHING. You’re only on Erasmus for a year, and one that you have to enjoy it to the fullest. Socialising will always consist of food and drink, but don’t stay at home worrying about next summer. You will regret not experiencing everything.”
Inés Pérez del Molino | Poland
46. “I’m from Spain and I wish I had known how much people abroad loved Spanish food. When I was on Erasmus, every week someone asked me to make an omelette or paella or gazpacho. The student associations were always organising international dinners where everyone was expected to bring a typical dish from their country. Paella was always a winner.”
Celia Ramajo | France & Germany
47. “They don’t have the same brands and products all over Europe and it’s only once you’re out there shopping that you realise how important your normal brands can be. Keep an open mind and be creative.”
On going home…
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48. “Be aware that it’s a stage of your life, and it will end just as it begins. Coming home is hard and you might experience post-Erasmus depression.”
Jorge (Xipo) | Belgium
49. “Like it or not, Erasmus will come to an end. It seems so obvious but it always feels so far away that you don’t appreciate each day and you should! Enjoy every moment, every conversation, every beer with friends, each new friendship … Because you’ll inevitably find yourself crying inconsolably as you say goodbye to your Erasmus family.”
Álvaro Jiménez | Germany
50. “Home may still be the same, but I most certainly am not.”
Claire Hennessy | Germany
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