18 Dec notes for the next generation

I’m a sucker for inspiring quotes that make you gag slightly, but also have a solid truth in them. So here I go, life is both about getting to know yourself but mostly about creating yourself. And that is what most of us are doing during our exchange program. Since my five months in San Francisco are almost over, I thought that some of my experiences might be of help to the next generation of exchange students. First of all, before you go, think of one concrete thing that you want to do and achieve during your time here, apart from studying. For me, it was cycling from San Francisco to LA. Achieving one simple task can really increase the value of your exchange experience, and it will probably also lead you to meet many great new people.

Speaking of meeting people, the IEEC has some of that covered, but maybe you want to meet people outside of the university bubble. Like I wrote in a previous blog posts, I have met one of my best friends here in San Francisco through a dating app. You’ll be amazed how many new people come to this amazing city and are looking for others to make memories with. Can I through in another cheesy quote? “The world is full of lonely people waiting for others to make the first move”, its from the movie Green Book, which is by the way an incredible movie. So when you arrive here alone, take any measure to get to know new people.

And if you do not really feel like extending your social life, if you just want to spend time in the city, please check out some of the neighborhoods that are often a little forgotten. I live up in Richmond, a neighborhood that is not necessarily renowned for its vibrant nightlife, and justly so. But there is an adorable little pizza place (pizzetta 211) where your can have real Italian pizza’s. The restaurant has only four tables, so its very intimate, on top of that, the staff is incredibly friendly and will make you feel comfortable right away.

But my favorite area in San Francisco is definitely Dogpatch. Kind of secluded from the rest of the city by Potrero Hill, you find this lovely little neighborhood that is peaceful and quiet but where you’ll find cute little shops and brunch places that are not too expensive.

Those are my tips for the next exchange students. Please, do me a favor and make the most out of your time here. Because it flies by like if it were seconds, not months.