Studying abroad is one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences you can have in your college career. This semester, I am lucky enough to be studying at the Kent State University campus in Florence, Italy. 

I am almost a month in and am having the time of my life, but it didn’t all start out perfectly. If anything, my arrival didn’t go how I had envisioned it would. However, I was able to conquer my hard feelings and turn my experience around for the better. 

As many others, I expected to land in Italy and automatically feel euphoric and want to explore. What shocked me more than anything was the fear and loneliness I felt instead. 

Once the adrenaline of traveling wore off and I was in my apartment, I began thinking about my friends and family at home and realized that there was no going back and that I was here for the long haul. 

What helped me get over my negative thoughts and feelings were calling my mom, allowing myself to take my time unpacking and settling in, showering and taking a nap. Waking up feeling refreshed and clean helped me feel like I was restarting my experience and helped me to see my situation with a new perspective. Instead of being scared I became hopeful. 

When going out in public (the first few days specifically) I realized how important it was to be curious. Walking into the store I thought looked intriguing, researching the certain architecture of buildings that jumped out to me and simply looking around. 

Navigation is helpful when needed, but it’s more freeing to allow yourself to be present in the city, to see it in its natural state and beauty, rather than going to places TikTok recommended. Try to avoid staying on an electronic path for your whole stay. 

While traveling and exploring new areas, being curious about your surroundings and the people around you will make your stay much more comfortable and make you feel more at home. 

Socialization and connections are very important during this time. Whether you strengthen bonds with people you already know from school, or you meet new people around the city, creating new bonds. 

While it is good to maintain healthy independence and have alone time to regroup and learn more about yourself, social isolation abroad is real and easy to slip into. It’s important that while being abroad, you try your best to be as outgoing and curious as possible.

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Hi! I’m Hannah Planey, A Magazine’s editor-in-chief. My staff and I are committed to bringing you the most important and entertaining news from the realms of fashion, beauty and culture. We are full-time students and hard-working journalists. While we get support from the student media fee and earned revenue such as advertising, both of those continue to decline. Your generous gift of any amount will help enhance our student experience as we grow into working professionals. Please go here to donate to A Magazine.