Hi, I’m Nikola, a third year MLang French and Spanish student and I am writing this a week into my return home, which feels like a truly sad and surreal time. I am still finding it difficult to believe that it is all over. My year abroad in Málaga was, without a doubt, a once in a lifetime experience, and already I miss it more than I ever expected I would.
At the beginning, adapting to life abroad was not easy. Moving to a new country and living away from home brought a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. There were moments where everything felt unfamiliar and overwhelming, and I did not know how long it would take before I truly felt comfortable. However, this transition was made a lot easier by living with three other girls from Southampton. Having that sense of familiarity and support made all the difference. What could have been an isolating experience instead became something exciting, reassuring, and full of laughter from the beginning.
Adjusting to Spanish university culture was another challenge. The differences in teaching styles, timetables, and expectations were initially quite a shock. It took time to understand how everything worked, and for the first few weeks I often felt out of place and shed a few tears of frustration. However, after about a month, things began to change. I started to settle into a routine, became more confident in my surroundings, and gradually felt more at ease both academically and socially. From that point onwards, Málaga began to feel less like a temporary destination and more like a place I could call home.
Now that it has come to an end, I can honestly say that I feel as though I have left a part of myself in Málaga. It is a city where it is impossible to feel bored. There is always something to do, whether that is spending time at the beach, exploring the city, trying new food, or simply enjoying the atmosphere. The international student culture was something I never expected to be as incredible as it was. It brought together people from all over the world, creating a vibrant and welcoming environment where friendships were formed easily. It made every day feel full of opportunity and ensured that there was always something to look forward to.
One of the most special aspects of living in Málaga was how easy it was to travel. Its central location meant that I was able to explore so many beautiful places throughout the year. I visited Madrid and friends from Soton, and spent time discovering towns along the Costa del Sol, including Nerja, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Marbella, and Mijas. Each place had its own charm and character, offering something unique while still reflecting the beauty of southern Spain. Beyond the coast, I also had the chance to visit some of Andalucía’s most iconic destinations, including Granada, Córdoba, Ronda, Setenil, and Seville. One of the highlights of my time was experiencing the Feria in Seville as I unfortunately will miss the Feria in Málaga, a traditional celebration filled with Andalusian culture, music, flamenco, and a unique atmosphere. I even visited Gibraltar and climbed the Rock from which you can see Africa, adding yet another unforgettable experience to an already incredible year.
Looking back, I do so with much fondness, and also with tears in my eyes. Leaving Málaga has been one of the hardest parts of this entire experience. It is not just the place itself that I miss, but the lifestyle, the people, and the feeling of being completely immersed in something new and exciting. It is strange to return to normal life after a year that changed me as a person.
Although it is difficult to say goodbye, I know that this is not the end of my connection with Málaga. It has left a lasting impression on me, shaping who I am and giving me memories that I will carry with me forever. I am certain that I will return one day, to revisit the places that became so familiar and to relive even just a small part of what made this year so special. This is not the last Málaga has seen of me.
Málaga Year Abroad Blog