Vienna University of Economics and Business, Austria

I’d tossed around the idea of studying abroad for months, deciding not to go.  Until 2 nights before applications closed when the fear of missing out on a once in a lifetime experience forced me to hurriedly put my application in.  I’m only 2 weeks into my exchange in Vienna, but I can already say that it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Before arriving in Vienna I spent 3 weeks in England where I wandered the colleges of Cambridge, experienced the English seaside, walked through the streets of Shakespeare’s hometown and, just as any other London tourist, visited Buckingham Palace.

I remember feeling nervous the night before my flight to Vienna, yet excited to begin my solo travels. After lugging 2 massive suitcases through the underground, I stepped outside and looked up in awe. Tall buildings with magnificently traditional architecture towered above me. This is a common sight here in Vienna, yet one that still doesn’t cease to amaze. Strolls through the streets of Vienna, basking in the beauty of this City, are one of my favourite things to do here.

The public transport system is also so accessible. With trams, trains and buses that come every 5-10 minutes, getting around Vienna is never an issue. Vienna is also so centrally located, making it a great base for further travels around Europe. Classes don’t start until October for me, so I’m using the month of September to explore Vienna.

2 weeks in and I’m feeling quite at ease. I’ve met people from all over the world. I no longer have to Google translate my way through the supermarket aisles, and even mundane tasks such as doing the weekly groceries have been a welcome taste of independence. I’m quite surprised how my directionally-challenged self has managed to manoeuvre a foreign city alone. Perhaps this is one of the greatest benefits of solo travel – it forces you to do things you’d otherwise rely on others for.

I’m excited about the coming months and the new experiences that lie ahead for me. As classes begin, the weather becomes colder, and the Christmas markets pop-up. I’m also curious to see how I will evolve by the end of my exchange semester.

Arashdeep Singh
12544399
Bachelor of Accounting
WU Vienna (Vienna University of Economics and Business)
Austria