DU 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/

Believe it or not, the Irish have been celebrating Christmas since late November. (Well, if they’re not “celebrating,” they’re certainly eager to start). This is obviously a big change from home, since we have Thanksgiving to break up the slog between Halloween and Christmas. So it was a bit odd for me that Cork decided to throw a Christmas parade on November 15th:

It was actually the first annual “Corkmas” parade, so now I can say I was part of Cork’s history. Kind of.

Usually, it’s easy for me to get into the Holiday spirit. Christmas is my favorite holiday- and not just because of the whole presents thing. Christmas, for me, makes me feel nostalgic for when this time of the year had a sort of magical feel. There’s something special about it that brings family, friends, and even strangers together. But for some weird reason that I can’t put my finger on… it doesn’t exactly feel like the Holiday Season here in Cork.

I’m not used to being away from home during this time of year, so maybe it’s that. It’s not for a lack of trying. The city itself is very merry, lit up on every block, a Christmas tree on every other corner in the city center.

I think it also has something to do with the fact that I’m not typically still doing school work at this time of the year. (Which, I am thankfully almost done with. I submitted my fourth- and final- paper yesterday and only have one exam left next week!)

All of this to say, it’s difficult to get into the Holiday Season mindset away from home. A lot of my friends here have expressed a similar sentiment. I guess there is something to be said about the notion of being home for the holidays.

And I only have about another week here in Cork, so I think seeing all the holiday decorations also kind of signals an end to my study abroad experience. It is almost unfathomable to think that I’ve been in Cork since early September- it sometimes feels like I’ve just gotten here. I suppose the Holiday Season is kind of a physical reminder that my time abroad is winding down, which obviously makes me sad. All good things must come to an end. But I still have some time in Cork, a city I have truly grown to love.

Reflecting on who I met abroad

The Holiday Season in Cork