living more like a local

Today I want to talk about a feeling that many people who have done Erasmus can probably relate to and a feeling that will come to all those who are still planning to do so. It comes very slowly and you only become aware of it when it has already happened, we are talking about the feeling of having settled in when you no longer feel like a stranger in the city or place you now live in, when the feeling of familiarity and well-being increases.

The first few weeks in a new surroundings are always strange and sometimes lonely. Especially if it’s a city because city life is known to be anonymous and it can be difficult to settle in. But in my last article, I already wrote about tips that can help to overcome this phase. Now comes the next phase – the change from walking through the city like a tourist, looking at all the tourist attractions and being excited about every new corner I discover – to I have already discovered a lot and am now walking through the streets of my university city less like a tourist and more like a local. But how does this process come along and what does it mean for you?

Sooner or later it happens, I’m standing at a traffic light and no longer have to look where I have to go, I now enter my favorite café more often to eat what I consider to be the world’s best cinnamon buns (or kanelbolle in Norwegian). For me, the way to get there was mainly in the little things, because, as we all know, even little things can make a big difference. This was the case for me, for example, when I moved a little further away from the tourist spots. Sure, at first the attractions are exciting and definitely nice to see, but at some point, you realize that the real life of the city is somewhere else and there is so much more and so much more beautiful to see, which will give you a much deeper insight into the new culture and city. Now comes probably my favorite piece of advice that has really helped me personally and I can only say it again and again, developing a routine is a total gamechanger, be it in the first few weeks to feel more comfortable or in the time you are trying to arrive – routines help you to feel rooted. Learning the local language, even if it’s just a few basics, can also help you feel more integrated. It’s not about speaking perfectly, but about actively engaging with your surroundings. For me personally, the challenge is to have the checkout conversation at the weekly grocery shop in Norwegian every time. I know exactly what questions are coming – “Would you like a receipt?” or “Do you need a bag?” – and yet it’s always a bit of a thrill. But it’s these little moments that make all the difference: the first time you get through a conversation without switching to English, it feels a bit like a small triumph. Everyday situations like these, as ordinary as they may seem, are essential in making you feel like a real part of the city rather than a guest. Getting actively involved in areas such as student associations can also be very important in this process, so if there is an opportunity to join associations at your host university, you should definitely take it. In my case, student life in Norway is characterized by a particularly active community. This gave me the opportunity to join a book club student association, where I was able to get in touch with full-time students and even locals.

Of course, the time is too short in the semester abroad to get a fully local, but the feeling of having arrived and of being rooted in the city is almost as nice as that feeling and, in my opinion, also important to truly understand the culture and the country. In the end, feeling at home abroad isn’t about becoming a local – it’s about finding your own place in a world that once felt unfamiliar.

See you in the next chapter of my „Study Abroad Diary“ and greetings from Oslo!