Moving to a new country or city for your masters is equal parts exhilarating and overwhelming. The thrill of a fresh start is often paired with moments of loneliness, frustration, and uncertainty. To truly thrive, it’s essential to adapt to your new environment.
At ESCP Business School, a diverse cohort is the norm and many programmes take you across multiple campuses and countries. However, with the excitement of moving between countries comes the reality of adapting to cultural differences, academic expectations, and social dynamics, often more than once in the span of a masters degree.
So how do you adjust? How do you go from feeling like an outsider to adapting and making a city (or two) feel like home?
Do your homework
Before moving, take time to research your new city – housing, transport, cost of living, and even local customs. It’s not just about logistics; having a sense of what to expect can ease culture shock and make settling in less overwhelming. Looking up your commute and key areas in advance can help you feel more oriented upon arrival.
Connecting with classmates ahead of time can be a reassuring exercise too. Most masters students join LinkedIn or WhatsApp groups where you can exchange advice, find flatmates, and even set up a first meet-up. Having even one familiar face can make a new place feel more welcoming and serve as a reminder that this is a shared experience!
Give yourself time
The first few days, or even weeks, can feel like a whirlwind of excitement. Everything is new, the possibilities feel endless, and the novelty keeps you energized. But then, at some point homesickness creeps in, the unfamiliar starts feeling exhausting, and you might even question why you moved. This is completely normal.
Instead of resisting it, it is helpful to remind yourself why you chose to move as you navigate difficult emotions. Adjusting takes time, and trying to rush the process only makes it harder. Let yourself settle at your own pace and before you know it, you will relax into your new environment.
Share how you feel to connect with others
Your cohort might be made up of people from all over the world, but chances are, they’re experiencing many of the same struggles you are – feeling a little lost, missing home, or wondering if they truly belong. The quickest way to break the ice? Talk about it. Sharing your experiences, whether it’s a moment of culture shock or just feeling overwhelmed, creates a connection with others. You’ll likely find that others feel the same way, and what starts as a simple conversation can turn into friendships that make your new environment feel more like home.
It’s okay to spend time alone
Although it might sound counterintuitive, making space for yourself is just as important as building connections. Navigating new social dynamics can be overwhelming, and sometimes you might feel a little isolated. That’s okay. Taking time to be alone isn’t about withdrawing, it’s about learning how to rely on yourself. Whether it’s figuring out how to cook a healthy meal, managing your studies, or simply enjoying your own company, self-sufficiency is a crucial part of adjusting to a new place. The better you know yourself, the easier it becomes to find balance in your new environment.
Utilise school resources and services
Settling into a new environment doesn’t mean you have to figure everything out on your own. ESCP Business School has plenty of resources to help you along the way. The Language Centre can be a great way to pick up or improve a language, making it easier to navigate new cities and connect with locals as you move between campuses.
Join a student society that interests you or get involved in the many sports available on campus—it’s one of the best ways to meet people, build connections, and feel a sense of belonging. And when things feel overwhelming, the Wellbeing and Mental Health team is always there to offer support. Adjusting to a new place comes with its challenges, but leaning on these resources can make the transition much smoother.
Adapting to a new environment is a gradual process that requires patience, openness, and a willingness to embrace change. While challenges may arise, they are also opportunities for growth. By preparing in advance, building connections, being independent, and utilizing the resources available at ESCP, you can navigate this transition with confidence and fully immerse yourself in the academic and cultural experience of studying across multiple campuses.