As my departure date has quickly shrunk from three months to three days, I’ve found myself swept up in a whirlwind of emotions, challenges, and seemingly endless bullets on my to-do list. My ten months in France have gone from a silly abstract trip to very, very real. From spending hours comparing sim cards and the best banks for international use, it seems like there’s always one more thing that needs to be figured out. Where’s the nearest grocery store? What if I get sick (what’s a girl gotta do to get some acetaminophen :/)??
It’s 48 hours before my departure, and while there’s still much to be done, I can say that there is a lot that I have figured out. I’ve chosen an area I like in the city, signed a lease on a Banksy-themed studio apartment, acquired my visa, and registered for classes. I’m almost through the process of packing and filling in anything I might not be able to get when I arrive (resisting the urge to fill my bags with mac & cheese cups and chick-fil-a sauce).
I’m finding my excitement to be closely matched with anxiety, and can go from being thrilled to tearing up about leaving my friends and family in seconds. The thought of not knowing anyone in a new city is daunting, and I’m finding myself running through countless scenarios where things are wonderful or horrible or anything in between. So, if you’re also feeling nerves or guilty about the excitement being bogged down by fear, I can assure you that you’re not alone and that it’s a perfectly normal way to feel! Change is hard but there’s so much to be gained! I keep thinking back to how hard it felt when I first left my hometown to come to DU, and how many incredible people I got to meet and I’ll the experiences I’ve gotten to have.
Here’s to new beginnings!!
DU Abroad 