NEW BEGINNINGS

Mar 3, 2015
2 min read

The time has finally come for the dreaded yet extremely exciting move to Milan. I was feeling slightly apprehensive about my decision to be a part of Erasmus as I heard mixed opinions and varying experiences people have had in the past, including stolen phones and trips to the hospital. However every time I spoke to someone who has previously done it, they ensured me that it was the best thing they’ve ever done. Besides this kind of opportunity only comes once in a while.

I was also worried about the money aspect of the trip as I thought I wouldn’t be able to find another student who could take over my rent for the house I was living in. Luckily I found several different websites that were extremely helpful in this type of situation, as there were a lot of students looking for rooms for rent. Some of these included: http://erasmusu.com, https://www.spareroom.co.uk and http://uk.easyroommate.com.

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Sadly none of my family could get the time off work to take me to the airport so I had to catch the train on my own with two fully packed suitcases and a heavy backpack to add to the fun. I must’ve looked pretty hilarious trying to force all of my belongings inside a train full of people travelling to work. I felt quite lucky as I managed to buy a ticket for under £60 including all the charges, as I later found out some of the other girls paid a lot more than that, even if it was with Ryanair. The best part of the flight was getting to see the Alps as the views were absolutely stunning, and even better was arriving to a hot and sunny weather - apparently people can tell you’re from England because as soon as we see sun, we tend to take most of our clothes off.

I found it a little difficult at first to find our apartment as, after getting on a coach from the airport to Centrale Station, not many people were willing to help me find the metro or bus that would take me to Bovisa. Finally, after an hour’s journey in a taxi with the sweetest Italian woman, who after getting us lost three times gave me a kiss and a hug, I arrived at the flat to be greeted by Alannah and some of the other flatmates.