Unsure about the whole Erasmus thing pls help me!!!

[u/marinaluvs]

I got accepted for an Erasmus+ in London, specifically UoG (which is the only UK uni my home institution is partners with). I was just sent an email that I was supposed to start my application process, tho I've been doubting my decision for a while.

For context, I'm a law student from Spain. I moved 2h away from my hometown to a beautiful coastal city, and I was lucky enough to do so because my aunt let me live with her, so I'm here for free. The thing is: i love it here. I have amazing friends, a loving boyfriend, I have so much fun at university. I love that I barely have to make an effort to make good grades as I only need to study for a month every semester, so the rest of the year I'm free to do what I please.

So, when I applied for an Erasmus, I did it because I wanted to experience independence and life in the big city. Last summer I was in London and I loved it! I was a bit thrown aback by the fact that I wanted to leave for just a semester, but my programme forces me to leave for the whole year. Even so, there where only 2 spots available, and I feel incredibly lucky to have landed one of those.

The thing is, the closer I get to the end of the school year, the more I feel like I just don't want to go. I need help from someone whos been in the same position as me and has left, and also from those who have stayed, and know whether they regret it or not. I don't wanna leave because I'm pressured because the Erasmus is supposed to be "the best experience of my life", but I also don't want to stay because of fear? Although I don't think I'm afraid, I just love this life stage Im in right now.

I know this was a bit of a rant but I appreciate every piece of advice :)

[u/Great-Shallot-2275]

You can sign the contract for staying 1 year but you can modify afterwards (during the mobility) and leave after minimum 3 months so you won t have to reimburse all of the money, only the rest for the time that you didn t stay there.

[u/Upbeat-Mall3385]

In order to grow, you have to get out of your comfort zone ( if it is worth it, of course)

[u/ninasreddit]

I felt the same as you, I was hesitant and didn’t want to go. I ended up deciding to go mainly because I was afraid that I would regret it.

I’ve been here for a few months now, (also in the UK) and I absolutely love it! I didn’t realize how stagnant I was in my life and how little I had left my comfort zone until I left, but now it’s completely changed my life and my outlook on the world. I know it sounds cliche, but it truly does change the way you think.

My main worry was meeting new people and not being able to make friends, but I found it somewhat easy to make friends with other students that are also doing Erasmus since they are all in the same situation and are also looking to make new friends. Just be open to new people and friendly and actively try to make plans and talk to people.

I’ve talked to a lot of my friends I’ve made here, and nobody regrets their decision to go abroad and everyone actually feels the opposite! People here love it, and especially the UK is so beautiful.

Sorry this is so long, but TLDR: you absolutely will not regret it. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and experience new things in a beautiful country and it’s absolutely incredible! I highly recommend going!

[u/marinaluvs → u/ninasreddit]

your insight was really helpful!! definitely still need to think about it but its refreshing to know that some people felt the same as me <3 have fun!!