Having moved to a new country and been immersed in a university life so vastly different from St Andrews, it’s difficult not to feel like a ‘silly little fresher’ all over again.
Relocating abroad for a year is nothing short of a complete reset. While it’s exhilarating, there’s also a profound sense of vulnerability that comes with being a newcomer. It evokes memories of my first day at university—moving into halls, nervously meeting my flatmates for the first time. In these moments, the significance of that initial “hello” and a warm encounter becomes strikingly clear.
Credit: Unsplash/Mitchell Orr.
Meeting people when you’re abroad isn’t just a matter of socializing. It’s about creating a sense of belonging in a place where you might not know anyone. As an extrovert, I personally need that sense of connection to feel grounded and happy. It’s through daily conversations, spontaneous meet-ups, and little moments of shared experience that I find my place in a new environment. While I know not everyone feels this way—some people thrive in solitude—I’m someone who needs that social buzz to feel alive, and that’s made all the difference in Cádiz.
The funny thing about moving abroad is that, in the grand scheme of things, your ability to settle in often depends on the smallest interactions. It could be a casual chat with a cashier, a friendly wave to your neighbour, or introducing yourself to someone at your work. These little "hellos" act like stepping stones, leading to larger connections. In my experience so far, they’ve been the key to making Cádiz feel like home rather than just another stop on my journey.
On my first day in Spanish class, I felt the all-too-familiar nerves of being new. After a few tentative "holas" and some exchanged smiles, I met Lucie, a friendly German girl. That simple “hello” changed everything. Suddenly, the campus didn’t seem so vast, the language didn’t feel as intimidating, and I no longer felt alone. Had Lucie not reached out that day, things might have turned out very differently. She has no idea just how much I value her kindness in that moment—we’ve since become great friends, and she’s enriched my time here beyond measure. Now, we regularly socialize with our groups, and my experience abroad has been made infinitely more fulfilling thanks to her.
Credit: Unsplash/Sincerely Media.
Being proactive has been essential. As an extrovert, I can’t sit back and wait for people to come to me. I’ve had to put myself out there, even when it’s uncomfortable. Whether it’s joining local events and tedious Whatsapp groups, saying yes to impromptu gatherings, or making the effort to talk to someone in line at a coffee shop, that initiative has been key. And more often than not, people have been receptive. Cádiz is a place where people seem to appreciate a friendly gesture, and I’ve been grateful for the warmth and openness I’ve encountered.
That said, not everyone needs constant social interaction to thrive. I’ve met people here who are content with quiet weekends or solitary adventures, and I respect that just as much. We all adjust to new environments in our own ways. For me, hitherto, it’s those first hellos and gestures of kindness that make all the difference to my mood, that transform a foreign city into a familiar one. The connections I’ve made already have turned this year abroad from a daunting experience, into an exciting chapter, filled with laughter, friendship, and new memories.
Ultimately, whether you’re an extrovert like me or someone who prefers solitude, those initial interactions matter. They set the tone for your time abroad and shape the way you experience a new place. So, never underestimate the impact of that first “hello”—it could be the doorway to a profound connection or simply the pathway to feeling at peace in your new surroundings.
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