BA Languages student Gisela Sequeira’s expectations for her first semester were blown out of the water when she arrived in Barcelona, and what an experience it’s been!

I didn’t know that to expect when I first arrived in Barcelona as an exchange student but never in a million years did I ever think that the city would quickly feel like home – or that it would change the way I see the world.  

Barcelona has a rhythm of its own unlike anywhere I’ve lived before. Instead of the typical morning rush we’ve grown accustomed to in London; the days here are slower, beginning with a simple café con leche at the local cafetería and lazily stretching into vibrant evenings filled with friends and tapas in a bustling rincón. I learned early on that time works differently here – dinners don’t start until 9 or 10pm as there is no concept of being in a rush, everyone just lives. Barcelona has taught me to slow down and enjoy the present, productivity isn’t just about doing more but also living better.  

A simple task like taking a walk through the city feels cinematic. From the narrow streets of la Ciutat Vella to the wider avenues of Eixample, there is always something happening especially during the festive season and public holidays such as La Mercè. Just the architecture alone is enough to leave you in awe – even after several months. 

Studying here has been a unique mix of academic responsibility and cultural immersion. Classes are longer than back home but also more relaxed, focusing more on participation and discussions. Assignments are often group projects which quickly transform into social plans making it easy to make friends in this new environment as long as you are open to the culture and the people. 

Speaking of the culture, one of the biggest rewards of living in Barcelona is learning and adopting Spanish and Catalan culture. Barcelona is more than just beaches and tourist clubs. It is full of history, politics, art and beautiful architecture. There is something to do in every part of the city and with affordable travel there is no limit to what you can experience. A T-jove card will give you unlimited travel for 3 months across all modes of transportation allowing you to start your day in the outskirts of the city and end up in the city centre by nightfall.  

Aside from affordable travel, the activities are also affordable. From watching a Barça Femení match for 12€ to strolling the gardens of Park Güell for 16€. Not to mention the countless free activities in the streets during public holidays and the virtually cost-free days at the beach.  

Of course living abroad isn’t always easy, especially in the beginning – there are moments of homesickness, cultural shocks and days when things feel overwhelming. However, it is important to take them as lessons in resilience and self-awareness, using them as ways to build character. If shared, they often lead to strong bonding moments between new friends who become your family away from home; making a place that once felt foreign feel like home.  

Exchange life in Barcelona ends up feeling more like a whole chapter of your life that changes who you are intrinsically. Coming here by yourself gives you a sense of autonomy and confidence that you’d never be able to experience otherwise. As my time comes to an end, leaving is bittersweet. I am taking home more than souvenirs; I am taking home memories, friendships and a belief in myself. No matter where I go next, Barcelona will always hold a place in my heart.