At Queen's I study French and International Relations and the year abroad that always seemed so far away is now here. So now I am in Toulouse at L’instituit d’études politiques, also known as Sciences Po studying Comparative and International Studies.

Here is what life has been like since I first landed...

The first night alone

The first night I was alone I sat there and questioned why I ever thought this was a good idea. I called back home, and the realisation hit that I was in a different country, but I knew I would be okay because I had moved to Belfast and did not know anyone, so I had it within me to start all again, but it seemed daunting.

The first day at university

Anyway, I didn't have long to dwell on it because the next day I had a welcome international student breakfast. So I was nervous, stood and walked around until finally I decided to go up to two people and say hello, and then someone else came to join us too. Once we got talking, I felt completely fine, it was the fear of taking that initial step. You hear it all the time, but we are all in the same boat. And I'm glad I did because ever since I have spent most of my time with these people. Once the event ended, I suggested we go for a picnic and the rest is history. Sometimes you have to be the one to initiate and people will be grateful for that.

Be prepared in welcome week to say the same thing repeatedly, it was like freshers again. Even so, still go to all the welcome events offered and chances are someone will come up to you!

A good way to make friends

My biggest tip so far would be to find your city's Erasmus group. ESN Toulouse had a whole month of welcome activities. This is a great place to meet students outside your university. Again, some people I met at my first Erasmus event I have spent so much time with ever since. Also, the more and more events you go to, you will recognise more people.

The weekends

I have been taking advantage of my weekends when I do not have classes. I have been on an ESN event to Carcassonne:

My region (l’occitanie) does 1 euro train tickets at certain times of the month so take advantage of any similar schemes! I am shortly going to Montpellier because of this. As I write this, I am visiting my friend from Queen's who is at Université de Tours.

Take advantage of cheap coaches like BlaBla and Flixbus- my coach was under £18 which was much cheaper than the trains. Go on day trips to explore and take the opportunity to visit other Queen's students who are on their year abroad too. I have hung out with fellow Queen's students who I hadn't spoken to much before.

Also, if you can get an Erasmus card you also get discount on Flixbus and RyanAir!

The first month

Be prepared for the first month to be quite hectic - just throw yourself into it. I have never met so many people in my life and from the first day spoke to people from UK to Japan, which I never had the opportunity to do before this year.

What my first month looked like....

Am I speaking much French?

Because I went to Sciences Po via the HAPP department, most of my classes are in English but I also take compulsory French classes and other French modules. Fellow international students speak English so in my French modules I challenge myself to speak French and also when we go for coffee after. I am planning to join a sports club to meet French students too. My university has a buddy scheme where you are matched with a French student, this is also the case for Erasmus groups too.

The first month flew by, and I was surprised how quickly I settled. There are definitely challenging moments and aspects I miss about home but keeping myself busy has been the best way to not think too much about it.

Tune into more blogs throughout the year on my time in France.

Au revoir!

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Jadzia Armstrong  French and International Relations| Undergraduate Student | England Hey! I am a French and International Relations student from Nottingham, England currently on my year abroad in France. At Queen's, I am involved in various societies such as QUB French and Politics. In my free time you'll probably find me drinking hot chocolate in various cafés with friends but for now you'll probably find me somewhere in France!