Blog: I moved to Birmingham for a semester abroad... here's how it went

My recollection of the past six months brings a wave of mixed emotions. As my semester abroad at the University of Birmingham comes to an end, I find it hard to put into words how I’m feeling.  

To briefly introduce myself, my name is Hiba, and I am an exchange student from Strasbourg, France. Despite being from a neighbouring country, this was my first time in the UK and, more importantly, my first time moving to a different country on my own. As I reflect on all the memories I’ve made here, it feels like everything happened in the blink of an eye. 

Before moving abroad, I had been looking forward to this experience for a very long time. I am elated to say that my adventures in Birmingham have instilled in me a new sense of identity, like a new puzzle piece that has enriched my soul and shaped the person I am today. With that, I would like to share my journey at UoB and how it has laid the groundwork for a better version of myself. 

Becoming the person I wanted to be

Some would argue that a semester abroad hardly changes you as a person, but I would argue otherwise. I believed I would return home the same, but to my surprise, I’ve grown and learned tremendously. It baffles me to see how far I’ve come. I took on roles, joined societies, and attended events I’m passionate about. I fully immersed myself in student life, which was something I had always wanted to do. 

As someone who loves content creation, I had the opportunity to work as a Student Content Shaper. I not only got to put my creativity to work and do something I enjoy, but I also received support and feedback from the team and made new friends. This experience eventually helped me become more outgoing and confident. Prior to this, I was extremely introverted, but now I feel more at ease around others. 

Dealing with life’s lows 

Speaking for myself, I come from a small city. Therefore, adjusting to the fast-paced lifestyle of a big city like Birmingham was definitely a challenge. I often got so wrapped up in doing things quickly that I forgot to just pause and breathe. At first, it was hard to slow down. Ironically, this struggle taught me the importance of slowing down and being mindful of the present moment. 

Coupled with the fact that I sometimes felt homesick and burnt out due to my tendency to put a lot on my plate, it became overwhelming at times. However, as the semester went on, I learned to take a step back, make time for myself, and prioritize my well-being. These tough moments have been instrumental in teaching me to be patient and kind to myself. 

Exploring the UK

As an English major, one of my main goals was to deepen my understanding of British culture. By immersing myself in it, I not only had the incredible opportunity to learn more about Britain’s culture, but also met students from all over the world. I connected with people from South Korea, Egypt, Vietnam, USA and so many more! Getting to know so many different cultures completely opened my eyes and challenged the way I see the world.  

I also explored parts of the UK such as Scotland, London, Bath, Manchester, and Cambridge. These trips gave me a greater appreciation for British culture and history and ultimately illuminated my study abroad experience. 

What I’m taking with me 

This semester abroad was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I have become better at handling difficult times and discovered small habits that help me manage my stress. For example, taking a walk after dinner without any music or distractions helps me practice gratitude, reflect on my day, and end the night on a positive note. 

I’ve also learned not to be too hard on myself and to allow myself to feel whatever emotions arise. By doing so, I’ve slowly but surely become better at listening to my intuition and doing what’s best for me.  

Moving forward, I choose to bring home the confidence and friendliness I’ve gained, along with the habits I’ve developed to live more fully and intentionally. On this joyful note, I’m also taking with me all the unforgettable and magical moments that UoB has given me, the big ones and even the small ones, like moments spent seeing Old Joe and enjoying the beautiful and remarkable campus.