Settling In

I don't properly move back to university until Sunday, as my lectures begin on Monday. However, our squad is competing at a cheerleading competition on Valentine's Day so I am splitting my time between Keele and Liverpool for until then.

It's been great getting back into some sort of routine and getting back into cheerleading, because I have missed it. Even though there as been a huge influx of new people and I'm not overly on the ball with the routine just yet, I don't feel as if I've been away, which is great. Having said this, people have entered my old friendship, people have left it and relationships have changed within it, dynamics have completely changed. That's a struggle. I keep reminding myself, much like when I first went to The Lone Star State, Texas, that I would rather be here than not but it is hard. I also need to keep telling myself; the study abroad students were constantly told it would be difficult coming back, but the people we were returning to were not warned. Also, their exams are way more important than me right now. Obvs.

Patience is key, it's going to be ok and it was all still, definitely worth it.

How To Cope Once You're Home From Studying Abroad

Since returning home from Texas on 23rd December, I have been surrounded by chaos. However, without the festive plans instructing my days, and consistently reminding me what the date is, I am fairly confident that I would be still wandering about in a jet lagged induced trance complaining about the affected sleep I hadn't had. As I sit here though, after a catch up over sangria with a good friend, I have time to create a little list about how to cope with coming home.

1. Keep travelling
You've just spent around 4 months at least, in a completely different place, I am positive you now have the travel bug. Don't lose it! On in the background to me writing is a Newsnight special about the incredibly saddening shootings at the Charlie magazine in France. I cannot help but think that if more people went to different places, experienced different cultures and learned to live with other people, even for a short time, xenophobia would lessen across the world and peace may actually be a reality.

2. Take any opportunity to talk about it, but don't over do it
Studying abroad will probably be one of the biggest things you've ever done in your life, at least it will be when you initially return from it. Hopefully, it will also have been one of the greatest things so of course you will wish to talk about it, and share your experience with all willing to listen. From my experience, most people will wish to hear all about your adventure, even if they have kept up with your blog, but only to a point. It can get repetitive, boring and a little arrogant, so be mindful. To combat this, I am hoping to keep this blog going, and have applied to become a Peer Advisor back at Keele. As a Peer Advisor, I will be sharing my experience with those looking to study abroad in the future.

3. Stay in touch and reconnect
Especially with the festive season occurring as I arrived home, I have been constantly surrounded by plans to meet up with people I haven't seen since July/August last year. Despite it being incredibly busy, it has really helped me settle back and reconnect with home. Having said this, the odd message and email between the friends I made in Texas has been really welcome, helping me balance this new stage of my life.

4. Stop comparing home to abroad
Liverpool, UK is not San Antonio, US nor is Keele, UK. They are never going to be the same place. Home and abroad are different and let that be so! Embrace the fact! Though people will ask you to make comparisons, oblige but only to a point. There is no point saying abroad has the greatest university system ever if you have no option of returning there as a university student, it will just depress you. Instead, look at positive things you can implement in your life back home. For example, I really hope I keep the work ethic I gained in Texas so I can achieve 3 As and a B again!

5. Indulge in your home - be a tourist in your area
If money and time are a bit tight, don't let that kill your new found adventure bug! Go somewhere in your city you haven't been before, or take someone who hasn't been there. Keep an eye out for exciting things going on, maybe a fun run, marathon, theatre show, band playing or museum exhibition, and go to them!

6. Make everything an adventure
Whatever you do, wherever you go, record it! And start off with a run a la Bilbo Baggins, it helps ;)