{"id":839,"date":"2017-01-18T19:03:14","date_gmt":"2017-01-18T19:03:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.societies.ncl.ac.uk\/pgfnewcastle\/?p=839"},"modified":"2017-01-18T19:03:14","modified_gmt":"2017-01-18T19:03:14","slug":"five-tips-for-an-erasmus-semester","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.societies.ncl.ac.uk\/pgfnewcastle\/2017\/01\/18\/five-tips-for-an-erasmus-semester\/","title":{"rendered":"FIVE TIPS FOR… AN ERASMUS SEMESTER"},"content":{"rendered":"

I spent a semester at Leiden University, Netherlands, under the Erasmus scheme. I t was a great experience; I gained new skills, made amazing friends, and saw wonderful places.<\/p>\n

Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your semester abroad:<\/p>\n

\"One\"One. Pack well<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the best things I did before I left was really think about what I wanted to take with me. I flew, so I only had hand luggage and a 20kg bag in the hold. Sounds loads right? Nope!<\/p>\n

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It turned out to be quite hard to pack 4 months into just two bags.<\/p>\n

My suggestion is to make a list of the essentials before you pack\u00a0so you don’t leave anything you\u00a0really need behind.<\/p>\n

But all is not lost, the postal service is great!<\/p>\n

\"Two\"<\/a>Two. Get to know your neighbours <\/strong><\/p>\n

Accommodation varies between cities. You may end up halls, or in private housing. But, wherever you end up get to know those around you.<\/p>\n

I lived in a studio flat in a building made up of likewise apartments. It was great living on my own but if I hadn’t met my neighbours I think I would have been quite lonely, especially as I lived far away from the friends I made at Uni.<\/p>\n

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So…<\/p>\n

If you live in a building or halls there may be a group on Facebook you can join – I posted on a group like this saying knock on my door to say hi, and people did!<\/p>\n

You should also knock on your neighbours doors, go out and say hi when you hear people talking outside your room. And, if there is a communal area, use it!<\/p>\n

\"Three\"<\/a>Three.\u00a0 Explore<\/strong><\/p>\n

A semester abroad is a great opportunity to see and experience new places. Start by getting to know the city you live in, I find walking the best way. Arm yourself with a map and don’t be afraid of getting a \"14724503_10209569534026775_7442367674849148446_n\"<\/a>bit lost, sometimes the best places are found this way<\/p>\n

Also, take advantage of being in Europe, there are\u00a0loads of cheap\u00a0connections by coach and train to various European cities. Have fun!<\/p>\n

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\"Four\"<\/a>Four. Embrace new Language<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although there are many who people\u00a0begin an Erasmus semester as part of a language course there are also just as many who don’t and could spend their whole time speaking their native language. Yes, this is easy, especially when a lot of people speak good English, but why not take advantage of your new location to learn a new language! Or at least a few words, it is respectful and they will always come in useful.<\/p>\n

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\"Five\"<\/a>Five. Look after yourself<\/strong><\/p>\n

You’re in a new city, there is so much to experience –\u00a0A new nightlife to explore; a different dating scene. Have fun, but remember to look after yourself. No one wants to get ill, or even worse, hurt! So remember to be careful, and look after yourself..<\/p>\n