Adjusting to Life in the UK

The inevitable end has arrived after a tumultuous and unforgettable year abroad. It is a shock to transition from an exciting and chaotic lifestyle to a stagnant one. Where my days were once filled with questions of where to explore next, they now consist of job hunting and pulling out winter jackets despite it being June.

It’s not all bad though. I had seeing family and friends to look forward to and my first night sleeping on a mattress. A full fridge, tap water and space to walk on sidewalks (Hong Kong was like playing Mario Kart every time you needed to get from point A to point B) were all comforts I enjoyed regaining.

My 3 Tips for Transitioning from Life Abroad:

1. Get busy

Set plans with friends, go seek and secure a job (you will probably need to anyway), bake, sleep, spring clean, ANYTHING to ease you straight back into life at home. It is a big change from how you were likely living before so make it as easy as possible to get used to.

2. Don’t look back too soon

Stay away from your camera roll, don’t get photos printed just yet, and unfollow / alter your algorithm so you don’t get those montages of your host country that set off the water works. Detach yourself a little from the life you just had so you can look back in a positive light and not in mourning. It may seem dramatic to some, but you don’t want to resent being back in the UK so take a minute to adjust before looking back at the memories you made.

3. Keep in touch

Although I said to detach yourself for a bit, it’s important to keep connected with the people you met during your time abroad to not lose all that you gained as soon as you leave. Incorporate them into your life back home with the power of technology.