Moving away on your year abroad

The idea of moving away from home, from your friends and family, from you culture, your home town, your favorite cafés and restaurants - it is daunting. I was so worried, most of my friends were off to Paris or Montreal and I seemed to be the only one chosing Geneva. I had no idea what to expect of the people, I had some expectations but I certainly did not know what to expect of the people. I had no clue what the city could offer me but I made my decision based upon my instincts of wanting to be somewhere different and put Geneva down as my first choice.

As the departure day got closer I found out that a couple of my friends from Uni were also going to Geneva so this calmed my nerves.

I remember packing for my trip. Having to pack half of your life in two suitcases is impossible, especially when one is filled up with a duvet and the other with pasta and pre made sauces bought from Italy. I had no idea what the weather was going to be like, I knew it would have been cold but how cold? London cold? Canada cold? Anyway I fit as much as I could and that was it, I was ready to leave and explore a whole new lifestyle.

I think moving to a completely new country, being slightly rusty with the language may be one of the hardest accomplishments that many people underestimate. Finding your way around the city, renewing bus passes and studying hard is not enough - you will need to set up a phone contract, open a bank account and pay your bills - it's a lot more complicated than it seems. But I must admit, once you have ticked these things off of your list you feel more integrated and part of this city.

I remember trying to get everything done in a couple of days which is very possible here in Switzerland as everyone is very quick and efficient. So I opened a bank account with UBS and opened a phone contract with Salt. I went to buy my monthly bus pass near the Station Cornavin and looked for my local supermarkets. Once all these technical things are done, you need to figure out where to pay your rent (in my case, I had to pay cash to the Post Office and they would sent it off), where to pay for your phone contract (with Salt, you can pay in stores) and where to renew your bus pass (in most tabacs).

Anyway after all these slight complications everything is downhill from here and the fun stuff starts. You can finally explore, find your favorite cafés and try out new restaurants. I will share with you a few places I have found here which you must go and visit if you are ever in Geneva!

Since I have been here it has been a rollercoaster ride between wanting to go home and not wanting to ever leave Geneva. The only advice I can give you is to appreciate and really make the most out of your time abroad - The start may always seem slow and long but time will suddenly speed up and you will really realize how quick time flies. This is a unique opportunity not many students get, so of course study but also make sure you enjoy yourself and make this an incredible experience you will always look back to.

Here are a few amazing people i have met so far:

Photo gallery