Adventures in Amiens

Coucou!

My name is Amelia, and I’m studying Law and French at our very own, Cardiff Uni. I’m officially a month into living in Amiens, France, and I’m absolutely loving it! Don’t get me wrong, the experience (so-far) hasn’t come without its challenges, especially on the administrative front, but all in all, I’m having a marvellous time!

My vision for this blog is not only to provide insight into the trials and tribulations of moving abroad, whether that’s to study, work, or just because you wanted to, but also to try and help those who are considering going down the studying route, by filling in all the boring (but necessary) gaps. When I started out as a bright-eyed, silly fresh, I always knew I was going to be going away, but the time seriously flew by – very cliché, I know – and before I knew it, I was staring at a mountain of paperwork and didn’t have the first clue where to begin. So, that’s what this blog is going to be all about! Providing insight, advice, and inspiration for all you future Globetrotters!

My first big piece of advice for those embarking on a year abroad is to visit the place you are planning on staying, before the term starts. I am aware that this isn’t accessible for everyone, it is expensive, and for those moving further than France, it is close to impossible. However, if it is possible, then I seriously recommend you try and go. I was fortunate enough to fit in a short trip to Amiens with my partner in June of this year. I had already decided on Amiens very early into my degree, but I had never actually visited the city before. Fortunately, I completely fell in love with the place! The architecture, the food, the people, all of it. I was able to find the university, the accommodation I had been assigned to, the bus lines and stops I would need to familiarise myself with, the grocery stores, pharmacies, and, most importantly, all of the local bakeries and patisseries.

Having already visited the city, it took a massive weight off my shoulders when moving day arrived, because I was in semi-familiar surroundings. I didn’t feel as insecure or anxious about needing to find everything. It really helped with the whole moving process, and I was excited to show my parents the place I would be living for the next 9 months. Seeing their faces when they saw the Cathedral de Notre Dame d’Amiens was really something, I mean, that building is really something! It already felt like my home, and I wasn’t being left on my own with no idea of where anything is, or how anything works.

I’m Welsh. I live in South Wales. Cardiff is my city. I’ve been going shopping there since I was a young girl, I’ve seen concerts and shows there. All of my friends outside uni live locally. I’ve not really had that whole student experience of fully moving away from my home and my family. So, moving to France on my own was a huge leap, and having seen Amiens beforehand was a huge help!

That’s all from me for now! If you have any questions, or suggestions for future blog posts, leave a comment!
Bisou,
Amelia