Welcome to my website everyone!

My name is Ryan and I have created this website to tell everyone about how the second half of my Erasmus stay went. I will here share my daily life, tips for future international students, pictures and more. 

Taking part in the Erasmus program has honestly been one of the best experiences of my life, despite some issues I have faced. It gave me the chance to live abroad, meet amazing new people from all over the world, and really grow as a person. I learned how to adapt and to be more independent. Obviously, there were challenges along the way, but every one of them helped me become a more grown adult. 

Looking back, I'm overall so grateful for the memories I've made and the lessons I've learned. Erasmus wasn't just a study exchange, it was a life-changing experience.

But for now, let's just go back to where I ended last time.

Daily routine

Daily life during my Erasmus stay in Bremen has set in a routine that is both stimulating and comforting for me. Mornings tend to be spent getting ready for university, trying to put myself in a good mood to start the day. Classes are stimulating and packed with students from all around the world, so every conversation is passionate and engaging. After class, I typically have lunch or a coffee with friends or flatmates at one of the cafés or the university cafeteria. Afternoons are filled with walks to different areas of Bremen, walking along the old Schnoor neighborhood, relaxing in Bürgerpark, or seeing a new exhibit at a local museum. On evenings, I usually spend cooking and eating a nice meal (mostly pasta). Some nights we'll head out to a bar or try something fun like karaoke or darts, and other times we'll just stay in and watch a movie together on my projector. I try to have a real sense of balance between study, adventure, discovery, and connection, and that's what makes everyday life in Bremen during Erasmus so special for me.

My experience

I chose Bremen, Germany as my Erasmus destination because I had already visited the city almost a decade ago, and in my memories, the city had impressive architecture, nice people, great museums, and I was excited to get the chance to engage in everyday life in a German-speaking culture, and to speak German daily, something I was sure would be a valuable addition to my English-speaking cultures bachelor. I expected to become more academically advanced, exposed to a large range of cultures and individuals, and enlightened in my experience with perspectives of new cultures before my arrival. Those expectations have indeed been met, and maybe even surpassed. Learning and living here has expanded my views on language and literature to now international views, and pushed me to be more critical and creative in thinking about my field of study. It has also reinforced my self-confidence in my ability to talk in public, thanks to the many oral presentations I was expected to do. It has more actively engaged me in shaping my professional goals, maybe even pursuing further education or work abroad. The toughest moments were definitely at the beginning — adapting to a new university system, being in a foreign language, and being away from home. However, those early struggles only made the most precious moments, like building relationships, doing well in my classes, and becoming comfortable in a new culture, so much sweeter. Erasmus in Bremen was a truly amazing experience both in my personal life, and in the future for my career.

Tips for future Erasmus students

If you're a future Erasmus student, my number one tip is to be open, open to new people, new experiences, and even the awkward moments that come with adapting to a different environment. It really takes time to settle in, so don't worry if everything doesn't feel right or perfect in the blink of an eye. Try to step out of your comfort zone and say yes to every opportunity you get to make new friends, even if they feel a bit intimidating at first, whether it's joining in the Erasmus events, attending a class teaching the local language, or simply asking someone to go for a coffee after class. Getting to know your flatmates or classmates early on can make a huge difference, as those connections often turn into close friendships that shape your entire experience. Another important thing to keep in mind during your Erasmus stay, is to be mindful of your money. It's easy to get carried away with trips, night outs, and trying new things, and while that's all part of the fun, setting a simple budget can really help you enjoy everything without the stress later. Look out for student discounts, cook at home when you can, and keep an eye on those little daily expenses that add up quickly. With a bit of planning, you can make the most of your experience without emptying your bank account.

For those of you heading to Bremen specifically, you're in for an unforgettable time, it's a beautiful, easy-to-go-around city with a relaxed vibe, except for the train station, which is an incredibly sketchy place. Make sure to explore the historic Schnoor neighborhood with its fairytale-like streets, and spend sunny afternoons in Bürgerpark or along the Weser River for a picnic. For food, check out the Viertel neighborhood, it's full of cozy cafés, great bars, and international spots where you can eat well without emptying your pockets. Little Mary's is a popular bar among international people from all over the world, and if you're in the mood for a delicious döner kebap, definitely go to Kismet. Don't forget to take trips outside the city too, Hamburg is just a short train ride away and perfect for a day or a weekend adventure. Most importantly, have fun and don't overthink everything. This experience will fly by faster than you expect. And while studying is important, the real magic of Erasmus lies in the people you meet, the places you discover, and the moments that you don't expect. Take it all as it comes, embrace every part of it, the laughters, the tears, the random night outs, the boring afternoons, because it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.