Back to Reality: Returning to Campus After a Year Abroad
After a year of studying abroad, I've returned to campus and am experiencing a reverse culture shock. Everything has changed in my absence, and I'm struggling to adjust.
I went from navigating the trams of Gothenburg to standing in the rain outside my campus accommodation, locked out of my room. The rules have changed, and doors now self-lock - no longer an acceptable excuse for locking myself out.
Returning to university accommodation feels familiar yet different. I'm now surrounded by Freshers, whose late-night parties are a stark contrast to my quiet evenings spent watching TV or going to the student cinema.
The age gap between me and the Freshers is noticeable, and I feel like my year abroad has aged me in ways I hadn't expected.
I am back and am now experiencing what I can only describe as a reverse culture shock.
Author's summary: Returning to campus after a year abroad brings unexpected challenges.