Hello, my name is Ann-Marie, I am currently a third-year student studying Business and Spanish, and I am spending my Year Abroad at the University of Málaga. Going into this experience, I intentionally set no expectations for myself. I didn’t want to risk my disappointment if things didn’t go to plan, and in hindsight, this allowed me to fully embrace everything as it came.
Looking back now, choosing Málaga has been one of the best decisions I’ve made during my university experience.
Why Málaga?
When deciding where to spend my year abroad, I wanted somewhere that would offer both academic value and an amazing lifestyle- and Málaga delivered exactly that. The city offers beautiful beaches, incredible weather, and a rich variety of landmarks to explore.
It also has a very accessible airport with excellent transport links and super cheap to get to, making travelling both within Spain and internationally incredibly easy- something that has been a huge bonus throughout the year. Málaga is super safe, even at night, and I feel completely comfortable in my surroundings. Being in the sun and surrounded by the sun has definitely had a positive impact and overall wellbeing.
University Life
That being said, adjusting to university life here wasn’t without challenges.
University life here in Málaga is very different compared to Southampton, particularly in terms of organisation. There is a much greater emphasis on independence- you are responsible for creating your own timetable and managing your studies, which I didn’t expect as I was used to getting it done by Southampton. This was initially quite challenging, but it has helped me become more self-disciplined and proactive.
There is also a noticeable divide between international and local students, which can sometimes make integration more difficult. However, most lecturers are supportive and approachable, and they are willing to guide you if you ask for help.
Another key difference is the structure of classes: there are fewer lectures throughout the day, but they tend to be much longer-often double the length of those at Southampton. While this requires more concentration, it also leaves you with more free time to explore and enjoy life outside of university- which is a huge plus.
Life outside of University
Outside of academics, this year has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
One of the most unexpected and rewarding aspects of my experience has been the friendships I’ve formed. I live with three other girls who also go to Southampton, yet I had never spoken to them before coming to Málaga. At first, I was quite shy, but we quickly bonded- especially as we navigated the challenges of adapting to a new environment and university system. We have become incredibly close, and I know these friendships will last well beyond this year. I have also met many people from different backgrounds, creating memories that I will genuinely cherish for life.
Of course, it hasn’t all been easy. There are moments of homesickness. Going from seeing friends and family regularly to being far away can be difficult. However, staying in touch through calls and visits has made a big difference. Also being away from my boyfriend has definitely been one of the more challenging parts of this experience. However, it has helped us build stronger communication and trust, and we’ve both grown individually while still supporting each other. It’s also made the time we get to spend together feel even more special.
Culture and Language Development
Immersing myself in Spanish culture has been one of the most valuable parts of this experience. Life here operates on a different rhythm- people eat later, spend more time outside, and there is a strong social culture centered around sitting outdoors, especially in the warm weather, which I love.
There were definitely elements of culture shock at the beginning. For example, social norms differ- people don’t apologise as frequently as in the UK, and there is generally a more relaxed attitude towards most things. Initially, this took some getting used to, but I’ve come to appreciate the slower pace of life.
Language-wise, the experience has been both challenging and rewarding. Before arriving, I had heard that the Andalusian accent could be difficult to understand, but I underestimated just how true that was. In my first few days, I felt completely overwhelmed- it genuinely felt like being thrown in at the deep end. Over time, I’ve definitely become much more confident speaking Spanish. At the beginning, I was quiet and worried about making mistakes, which sometimes held me back from speaking. However, being surrounded by the language everyday has really pushed me out of my comfort zone, and now I feel far more comfortable starting conversations and expressing myself.
Travelling
Another highlight of my time in Málaga has been the opportunity to travel. Thanks to the excellent transport links. I’ve been able to visit a wide range of places, including Ronda, Córdoba, Marbella, Benalmádena, Torremolinos, Granada, Nerja, and Setenil de las Bodegas. As well as going to Madrid and many more places in the following weeks.
Travelling has not only allowed me to see more of Spain but also to experience its regional diversity. While these places may seem geographically close , each one has its own unique culture, atmosphere, and identity. For example, Granada and Málaga, despite their proximity, feel completely different in terms of history, architecture, and overall vibe.
Final thoughts and Advice
Overall, I would wholeheartedly recommend spending your year abroad in Málaga. It is an experience that offers so much, both academically and personally. My biggest price of advice is to put yourself out there- don’t let shyness hold you back. You only have this opportunity once, so make the most out of it.
When it comes to language learning, try to stay committed. Even if locals switch to English, continue speaking Spanish if you can. It shows your willingness to learn and helps build your confidence and skills.
Most importantly, embrace every moment. The year goes by incredibly quickly – I can hardly believe its almost over. It feels like I only arrived yesterday.
Málaga has truly become a second home for me, and this experience is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Thank you for reading, hopefully this will help and give you a rough idea of what Málaga is like. Here are some photos:
