Today, as people are wondering how they’ll manage the last, intense, week of classes, what the final exams will consist off, or even what will be on the dinner table at Christmas, I have one question of my own: where did the time go? It may sound like a cliche, but it truly feels like it was only last week that my dad dropped me (and my four suitcases) off at my accommodation, and waved goodbye.
Being a student in a new university is scary and exciting for everyone, so for an Erasmus student who just moved to another country, the feeling is increased even more!
However, my college made sure that there was no time for me to get bored or homesick. Fresher’s week was a flurry of activities, people and laughter, and it was one of the best weeks of my life. Because despite not knowing anyone, and being on my own the first two days, there is nothing quite like discovering things for the first time: the flat where you will spend a year with new flatmates, the beautiful campus, and the city.
Even though I had not been there that long, it didn’t take me long to realize that York was where I was meant to be. As I am from France I relished the student life here in the UK, the sense of community you get from being part of a college, society or club. Walking to class every day through the beautiful campus, exchanging with friendly staff and inspiring lecturers, I feel blessed that I got the opportunity to study here, even if it is only for a year. Indeed, as an Erasmus my experience here will be shorter than others, which is why my other Erasmus flatmates and I try to make the most of it, by often strolling around campus, or taking the bus to the city centre to wander in the streets or get some tea and cakes in one of the many cafes.
If I can give some advice to future Erasmus students considering York, it is to throw themselves into any activities they can find, whether it be a recycling contest, a pub crawl or a bake sale; because the clock is ticking and at the end of your experience, there should be no regrets. Get to know your flatmates, you might end up forging some long-lasting relationships over late night talks over tea and chocolate cookies, and get to visit them the following summer in their home country. Take advantage of the opportunities presented to you and travel across England and the rest of the U.K. to discover the wonderful country you’re in, and its surroundings. In the short time I’ve been there, I spent a weekend in London with friends, went to an author’s signing in Birmingham, and on day-trips to Leeds, Cambridge and the Lake District. Next up, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dublin!
And finally, don’t be lazy! Walk the short distance to town or take the bus for a quick ride to the city centre to breathe in York, its beauty, liveliness and history.
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