A new city can flip your routine, your rhythm, and sometimes even the way you see yourself.

For many exchange students, Pamplona becomes the place where time slows down, friendships feel like home, and a tiny neighborhood bar turns into the heart of weekly life. Sara, a student from Milan, shared with us the moment she realized her Erasmus had truly begun, the discoveries that shaped her stay, and the practical tips she would give to anyone preparing for the same adventure.

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What was the very first thing that struck you when you arrived in Pamplona and made you think, “Okay, this is really happening”?

The first thing that made me actually realize that this experience was starting was when I arrived in my empty room in my apartment. That made me understand that I was starting all over from zero in another city and that I had to do that on my own.

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How does your daily routine in Milan differ from your life here in Pamplona — in terms of studying and free time?

Well, my daily routine in Milan differs a lot from the one that I have here. I live a very frenetic life in Italy — it’s like I have the minutes counted and I have everything scheduled for every hour of the day. On the other hand, here I learnt how to live more slowly. I have more free time, and at first it was very upsetting because I didn’t know how to spend it, but then I learnt to appreciate it.

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What has been the most unexpected discovery of your Erasmus so far: a place, a person, a habit, or something you never saw coming?

The best discovery was the bar where my friends and I always go to during the week after classes: Bar Slalom. It has the best formula of selling beer. We love to go there because it’s close to our houses and the owner now is our friend, so he makes us stay a little longer than the closing hour.

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If you had to give three practical tips to an Italian student arriving in Pamplona for the first time, what would you tell her to help her settle in and make the most of it?

The first advice I would give is to go to university even when you don’t have a lot to do: just go and stay with your friends, trust me it will help you not feeling alone in a new city and university.
The second one: plan the grocery because on Sunday everything is closed, so be sure you have what you need. This is also useful to have a good schedule and organize your routine.
The last one: do not say no to what people propose you to do. You are here for a short time — make the most of it and enjoy every experience.

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Is there something this experience has taught you about yourself that you hadn’t realized before living in Pamplona?

Yes, there is actually something that I learnt about myself. I understood how strong I actually am and that I should be prouder of myself. It’s never easy leaving your house and your comfort zone to start a new journey, but I think I felt it a little more. At first, having a completely different lifestyle than what I have in Milan was quite difficult and it made my experience have a hard start. But then I realized that maybe taking things a little bit slower could be better and could make you enjoy things more.