If I Could Start My Exchange Year Again: Lessons from Calgary

Deborah Oshidero, University of Calgary, Canada

Spending a year abroad at the University of Calgary has been one of the most exciting, challenging, and eye-opening experiences of my life. Looking back now I feel like there was a lot of things I would do differently if I had the chance to start it all over again. So this last blog from me is essentially me telling you what to consider and do when on your own year abroad experience! While I wouldn’t change the friendships, the memories, or even most of the mistakes, there are definitely a few practical things I wish I had known from the beginning.

First and foremost: I would save more money before arriving. Calgary is an incredible place, especially if you’re even remotely interested in skiing or snowboarding. The proximity to the mountains is something I massively underestimated. However, the cost of making the most of it adds up quickly. A full ski pass that gives access to multiple resorts can cost around $1,600, which initially felt like a lot but in hindsight, it’s absolutely worth it if you plan to go often. What I didn’t realize is that these passes are usually discounted early in the season, often until mid-October. If I could do it again, I’d lock that in early and budget for it properly.

Another thing I would prioritize immediately is opening a Canadian bank account. At first, I thought I could get by using my home account, but the international transaction fees and general inconvenience quickly became frustrating. Having a local account just makes everyday life smoother – from paying rent to splitting bills with friends (they also have student accounts where you can get a free $100 plus, similar to the UK student accounts!). It’s one of those small administrative tasks that saves you a lot of stress in the long run.

Similarly, getting a Canadian phone number is something I wish I had done sooner. It seems like a minor detail, but it actually makes a huge difference. From setting up services like Coinamatic for laundry (for some reason did not work with a UK number for me, but I could change it to my UK number when I ended my Canadian phone contract), to contacting campus services or even making reservations, having a local number simplifies everything. Without one, you either rely on Wi-Fi-based apps or end up paying for international calls, which can become expensive very quickly. It’s a small investment (was $20 a month) that makes you feel much more settled and independent.

Beyond the practicalities, I would also remind myself to say “yes” more often, especially at the start. The exchange goes by incredibly fast, and it’s easy to fall into routines or stick within your comfort zone. Some of my best memories came from spontaneous trips, last-minute plans, and meeting people I wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise. An exchange year isn’t about getting everything right, honestly I think some of it is about getting things wrong; it’s about learning, adapting, and making the most of every opportunity. And if there’s one thing Calgary has taught me, it’s that the best experiences often come when you least expect them, provided you’re ready to take them.