Finding your rhythm while studying abroad can be very difficult. At least it has been for me. I have been in Ireland for a month now and I still have not been able to fully find my rhythm.
I believe this has something to do with being the farthest from home that I have ever been and I am supposed to be doing school at the same time.
On one hand I am here and it seems like a vacation because I am exploring a new country and I am far from home. On the other hand, I have lectures, meetings, and assignments to go to and to complete. This duality makes it difficult to get things done.
Slowly, I am figuring out that getting out of my dorm room helps with finding my rhythm for the day. Going to the store to get groceries I need, going somewhere like the library to study, going to spend time with new friends.
Changing the scenery to study is a nice way to help with this, such as going to the library. This helps put your mind in an academic mindset since you are surrounded by other people studying quietly.
Another way to help with this is to get up around the same time every day. I have noticed that when I sleep in, it is much more difficult to find my rhythm for the day. Getting up earlier has helped me start to feel like I have enough time to do everything I need to.
Finding a schedule that works for me with my classes and shopping has helped a little bit with keeping some things consistent, so I am able to get more things done in a day. Keeping a to do list has also helped.
Even though it has been difficult to find my rhythm while abroad, it has slowly gotten easier. Just being patient with yourself and giving yourself some time to adjust is a good way to get accustomed to your schedule as well as being consistent with things that have to be done.
