This is my love letter to Milan- a city that changed me in ways I didn’t even know possible. If someone would have told little college freshman Emma, who was nervous to even leave her hometown, that in just two and a half short years she would be moving across the globe all alone, she never would have believed them. But that is exactly what she did. 

The summer after my freshman year in college I had the opportunity to go on a month long study abroad trip to Montepulciano, Italy. This trip marked my first plane ride ever, and even though it was with a group of students and professors from my home university, I was so nervous about the unknown. Little did I know that this trip would spark a passion for travelling, that would lead me to move to Milan just a year later. 

I immediately fell in love with Italy. The people, the culture, the lifestyle, and of course the food. I ended that month feeling inspired and knowing that was not the end of my time in Italy. I came back home, enrolled in an Italian language course the following semester, and immediately started looking for exchange program opportunities. I worked as many shifts as possible and saved every dollar- I was determined to get back to Italy.  

In August 2024, all the hard work paid off, and I boarded a plane headed to Milan. I did not know a single person. I had also never lived in a major city before, let alone a foreign country. On my first day alone in the city I thought, What have I done? Four months is going to be a lifetime. Little did I know, this was the start of the greatest adventure of my life. 

Being pushed out of my comfort zone was possibly the best thing to happen to me. Since I didn’t know anyone, that meant I had to put myself into situations to meet new people, which ultimately led me to meet some of the coolest people, who would go on to become lifelong friends. 

I remember the first day of orientation at my new school. Everyone around me seemed so cool, with that effortless, chic European style. I couldn’t help but feel like a freshman all over again, anxious to talk to new people. I pushed through my nerves and marched up to a group of students and introduced myself. And guess what? The girls I met that day would go on to be my friends throughout my semester in Milan. 

While I cultivated many wonderful connections in Milan, being abroad can come along with a handful of lonely days. Being away from my home, my friends, and my family forced me to look inward and become in touch with myself more than ever before. When you’re abroad solo, you are the only person you have to rely on. There were days- especially when I came down with the flu- that I just wanted to be home. I wanted my mom to make me soup. I wanted to be in my own bed. There were also days when I wanted to experience something, but no one wanted to come along. This meant dining alone in restaurants or going to a museum alone. In the moment these things were a tad bit (or very) uncomfortable, but looking back, these are the moments that shaped me the most. I left Milan the most self-assured, independent, and confident version of myself I have ever been. 

Milan is a city like no other. While the Romans may call Milan boring, I would have to disagree. It’s a wonderful fusion of old school Italy, and modernization. If you are a fashion lover, Milan is a dream. There’s nothing like strolling the streets of Brera, and observing the timeless, classic style of the locals. Or a night out in Navigli. Or people watching at the Duomo. There really is no limit of things to do. I won’t drag on too much now, but stay tuned for future posts on all of my Milan recommendations! 

Each of the friends I made during my exchange are deeply interesting and wonderful individuals. Milan is an amazing city, but my experience would have never been as fulfilling without each person I crossed paths with. We may all live in different states and countries now, but I will never forget the moments we shared. Let this be your sign to be brave and put yourself out there. You don’t have to move to a foreign country to do this. Compliment the girl on campus with a great outfit or smile at the cute boy in the coffee shop, connections can be found anywhere. So many wonderful connections await you- whether they are platonic friendships or romantic relationships. I think, especially in a post-covid world, we have lost a lot of human connection. Making connections is a human need, and Milan reminded me of this. 

Milan is more than a city, it’s a feeling. An energy. It’s a feeling I will chase for the rest of my life. An energy I will carry with me forever.

Until next time, arrivederci Milano. 

Xoxo,

Emma