When we think about applying to college, one of the first questions that crosses our minds is “where should I go?”. A good number of young people choose to study at the University closest to home and stay with their parents, which is very comfortable and allows them to save some money. However, many others prefer to study in another city, thus embracing a real life change at various levels.
If you have been thinking about moving to Lisbon to study but are afraid to take the first step, you will want to read this article. Studying in a city other than the one where we have lived since we were born, can bring us a wide range of benefits.
Studying in another city: an opportunity you don’t want to miss
Leaving your parents’ house and studying in another city is a great opportunity for personal growth and an adventure that you will certainly never forget.
Going to university is much more than learning new subjects and getting good grades. It is a very enriching phase of our life, which will give you the first real taste of independence and freedom, as well as the opportunity to open up horizons and meet a ton of new and incredible people.
But what are the real advantages of studying in another city? Check below.
1. You will become independent
Studying in an unfamiliar place can be challenging and living far from home will mean you will be far from the care of your parents, the company of your childhood friends and all that comfort you have always been used to. However, all of this can be seen in a positive way, as an excellent opportunity to grow, redefine yourself and become an independent person.
The courage and resilience needed to start your life in a new and different place will be very useful to you later. You will be on your own and that will force you to be more organised and responsible.
The place where you are going to live is also important and can even be a good help in this phase of change. The best accommodation option for you may even be a university residence in Lisbon, as you will meet people who are in the same situation as you and still enjoy good facilities, tranquility and a fantastic set of services that will make your journey easier. to your independence.
2. You grow as a person
For many students, the first time they feel fully responsible for themselves is when they go to study abroad. Although it is fun and exciting to travel to new places, it is also extremely challenging to face a new life (new people, new places, new habits and, often, new ways of being and thinking), and creating a daily routine in an unfamiliar environment.
This new experience is fraught with excitement but, of course, also with moments of frustration. Thus, there is no escape from your personal growth:
- You become a more confident person by realising that you have the capacity to face challenges independently.
- You make new friends that can last a lifetime.
- Because you relate to new people, observe and learn new ways of thinking, being and seeing the world you will gain other perspectives on life.
- You learn to deal with your personal finances and to understand the importance of good financial management to get the things you want and need.
- You increase your capacity for organization and discipline (because if you don’t, nobody will do it for you).
- And much, much more!
3. Your relationship with your family and friends improves
As they say, “you have to leave the island to see the island”, and that expression applies here. Placing thousands of kilometers between you and your family and friends – which you used to take for granted – makes you value your relationship with these people much more. When they’re not always around and accessible, you miss all the little things that were so obvious before and you didn’t even notice them – like dinner ready on the table or that coffee at the right time to let off steam. Furthermore, you understand who your true friends are, who are all those who strive to keep in touch with you.
In fact, studying in another city has many more benefits than studying “at home”. It takes you out of your comfort zone and is financially riskier. However, it allows you to grow on several levels. You grow as a person, you expand your network of contacts, you learn to manage your finances, you know new places, people and ways of being, your relationships improve (including and, above all, the one you have with yourself), and you become more strong, resilient, organized and responsible.
We hope this article has helped you to make your decision. Whatever you choose, it will certainly be a unique and unforgettable experience. 🙂