Author: miadervisevic

It’s crazy how it’s already time to leave. It seems like forever ago that it was September and I was moving in, but at the same time its also flown by at an insane speed. My time here in England, has been filled with so many wonderful adventures, friendships, laughter and jokes, as well as of course, classes. Its been a phenomenal experience, and one I will never forget. I had always dreamt of studying in England, and living some part of my life here, and it’s so surreal to now have finally done it.

These past few months have shaped me as a person inside and out. I’ve grown in many different ways, and have loved living and experiencing it all. It was so amazing to wake up everyday, and realize I was living the dreams my younger self had. I was actively fulfilling my dreams, and it was phenomenal. This abroad experience was everything I thought it would be, and more.

I was able to explore the countryside of England, meet amazing people and friends from all over the world, traveled to Scotland and France, and I hosted friends in England when they visited. I was able to do so much, and it’s crazy to reflect and look back and realize just how much I’ve done.

As the abroad experience comes to a close, and things start winding down, I haven’t gone out and done as much as I did when I first got here, and at some points it has felt like I haven’t done a lot. It’s easy to forget how much you’ve truly done, because it all goes by so fast, and you’re looking forward to the next event that’s coming up, that you don’t truly reflect on what you’ve done so far. However, looking and reflecting on my entire time here, I realize just how much I’ve done, and how lucky I’ve been.

It’s bittersweet to leave this abroad experience. I am sad my London time is coming to an end, and sad that I’ll have to leave so many wonderful parts of my life here, but I am also so excited to see what going to come in my second abroad experience in Rome!! Thats right! I’m doing a full year abroad! I’m so excited to start this next chapter of my life, in Rome and see how I can grow there as well.

London has treated me well, and I will forever love this city and all the remarkable experiences and friends it gave me. At certain times it felt like it wasn’t even real life, because I was living out the dreams I always wanted. So, thank you London, you’ve given me a part of my dream life, and I’m so sad to be saying goodbye. Farewell, London.

https://www.instagram.com/mias_abroad/

With only 2 weeks left in this semester, I’ve been reflecting on my time here, specifically, the friends I’ve made. I’ve created such amazing bonds, with so many people, that it’ll be sad when we have to leave. They’re all from different countries, and states, to which I may never see them again. While we’ll be sure to try and make plans, life will start up again with intensive work at our home universities, being in senior year/finishing our degrees, and thinking about post-university. It’s kind of scary to think about. Scary to think about how our lives will change again, and how we’ll all be separated.

The people I’ve met abroad, are genuinely some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. They all bring something amazing to the friendship, and I know I can count on them. Of course, I have my friends at home, but the friendships I’ve made here, are something different.

Coming to London knowing no one, I knew I had to start again, make new friendships, and get a new support system. I knew it would be daunting and maybe hard, yet, it all worked out with amazing people. My flatmates were my first friends here in London, and everyday I’m grateful I’ve met them. They bring such life to our flat, and it puts a smile on my face knowing I can always come home and talk to them. We can laugh in the kitchen together, and talk about random things. All it took, was one “flat dinner” (as we call it), to become so close and form tight friendships. Then, came the rest of my friends. People from Austria, Australia, different pars of the US, and of course, those from the UK. I know I’ll always have an amazing time with them, and they’ve never made life boring.

Life in this big city is more manageable with all the friends I’ve made. The activities we’ve done and all the adventures have been so incredibly fun, memories I’ll hold forever. From traveling to Scotland with them, to iceskating at winter wonderland, and even just getting dinner together, made my experience abroad flourish.

Some friends and I recently went to London’s Winter Wonderland! Which was similar to a fair one might have at home during the summer; but it was filled with winter activities and themes, such as Christmas market stalls, ice skating, ice sculpting, hot chocolate, and more! We all had a blast, and it was so much fun spending this time with my friends, away from the approaching final tests and papers.

I truly will miss all of the friends I’ve made here, and will constantly think about this time. This abroad experience has gone by so quickly, but at the same time, it seems forever ago when I moved in. It’s a bitter sweet moment; I’m excited to see my family again, and be in the comfort at home, but I’m sad that I’ll have to leave London, and this part of my life behind. The past few conversations I’ve had with my closest friends here, has just been about how and when we can see each-other after this abroad.

It will be somber to go from seeing these friends everyday, to only seeing them online, or with many months in between seeing them in person. Yet, I’m grateful I still have 2 weeks left with these wonderful people, and know we will make the most out of it!

https://www.instagram.com/mias_abroad/