From the U.S. to Europe: How to Arrive Confident, Not Overwhelmed
(From a Student Who’s Been There)
When I first moved from the U.S. to Europe for my study abroad semester, I thought I was prepared.
I had traveled before. I had watched the YouTube videos. I had a packing list saved in my Notes app.
And still, my first week in Europe felt overwhelming in ways I didn’t expect.
Not because I wasn’t capable.
But because no one had explained what the transition actually feels like.
If you’re an American student getting ready to study abroad in Europe, this is what I wish someone had told me, and how you can arrive confident instead of stressed.
The Overwhelm Isn’t a Failure, It’s a Transition
No one really talks about this part.
You land in Europe and suddenly:
You’re excited and anxious
Everything is new, even simple things
You’re independent, but still figuring it out
I remember thinking:
“Why does everyone else look like they know what they’re doing?”
The truth? Most students feel overwhelmed at first. The difference is that some arrive with mental and logistical preparation, and others don’t.
What I Underestimated Before Arriving
Looking back, there were a few things I really underestimated.
1. How Different Daily Life Feels
It’s not just another country, it’s a different rhythm.
Stores close earlier
The food is different
Customer service works differently
Simple tasks take more energy at first
It’s not bad. It’s just unfamiliar. In my opinion, I thought that 95% of the things were similar, but 5% were different, and it was that 5% that was making everything so complicated.
2. How Little Guidance You Actually Get
Your program gives you information, but not always context.
No one really explains:
What’s normal to struggle with
What’s worth stressing over (and what isn’t)
How to prioritize your first weeks
3. How Much Comfort Matters Early On
The first nights in a new place hit harder than expected.
Feeling settled, even just a little, makes a huge difference. So if you can, bring some photos from home, maybe a blanket, or some snacks, because that will help so much!
What Actually Helped Me Feel Confident
Confidence didn’t come from knowing everything.
It came from having structure.
Here’s what helped me the most.
1. Knowing What to Expect (Not Just What to Do)
I felt calmer once I understood:
How academics worked in Europe
What the adjustment phase looked like
That feeling unsure at first was normal
What the culture is like
👉 Confidence comes from clarity, not control.
As I have graduated, I built Your Experience Abroad to help students who are now going to study abroad. This article is one example, but I also offer some coaching sessions. So if you need to talk to someone who has been there, feel free to book some time with me here
2. Preparing for the First Days, Not the Whole Semester
I didn’t need to plan every trip or social event.
What I needed was:
A calm arrival
A plan for the first few days
Fewer decisions when I was tired and jet-lagged
Knowing what to buy and what not to buy
Once I had that, everything else fell into place.
3. Letting Go of the “Perfect Study Abroad” Expectation
I thought I needed to:
Make friends immediately
Travel every weekend
Love every moment
That pressure made things harder.
The semester got better when I gave myself time to adjust and stopped comparing my experience to Instagram or TikTok.
If I Could Give One Piece of Advice
Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed to look for support.
The students who seemed the most confident weren’t magically better at this; they were just better prepared before leaving.
Preparation doesn’t take away independence.
It gives you a stronger starting point.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Behind, You’re Just New
Moving from the U.S. to Europe is a big transition. Feeling overwhelmed at first doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice.
With the right preparation, the transition feels lighter. And once that initial phase passes? It’s absolutely worth it.
Don’t hesitate to reach out by email or check out our Arrival Services section to get the preparation you need ❤️.
