My First Two Weeks in Amsterdam

So my first two weeks in Amsterdam are done and it’s been a lot. Between getting over the jet lag, finding my way around a new city, preparing for classes, and just being in a new country, it has been a wild fourteen days. People often say that the first couple of weeks abroad is the “honeymoon stage.” You explore a new city, make new friends, and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And my first two weeks have been all that and more but it’s also been overwhelming and humbling, to say the least. Here are some of my recommendations for how to cope with your first weeks in Amsterdam.

1. Bring a travel journal

It does not have to be anything fancy and you do not have to be the most artistic person or the best storyteller but journaling helps you reflect on your time. I try to spend some time each day writing about what I did and what was most interesting to me. In five years from now, you’ll be able to go back and remember your time abroad. It’s a great way to check in with yourself and see how you're doing. Being away from your family and friends can be isolating so getting all of your thoughts out can be very grounding. 

Journaling doesn’t just have to be reflective and therapeutic; it can be fun as well. My friends and I went to a cafe and bagel place one morning and started crafting our travel journals. It was a great way to bond and we took inspiration from each other as well. We spent the morning collaging, talking about our first week in Amsterdam, and stealing crafting supplies from each other. We now have outstanding plans to meet up at a different place every week, journal, and catch each other up on what’s been going on in our classes and what we’ve been doing around the city. 

2. If you are biking in Amsterdam, prepare to be humbled

This is not to deter anyone from biking. It’s probably the best mode of transportation to get around and it’s a great way to see the city. That being said, it does take some time to get used to. I would be lying if I said that multiple people didn’t yell at me and I definitely didn’t fall on my first day. Having thought I was physically capable of biking around, I’m exhausted and I’ve realized how weak my legs are. It’s definitely humbling when someone who is older than my parents speeds past me on my way to class. Give yourself time to get used to the city and definitely learn the rules of the road for biking. 

3. Remember to take time for yourself

Being abroad can be very overwhelming and you may feel that you have to do everything and go everywhere. Traveling every weekend and doing something new every day might be great for some people but it can also be chaotic and exhausting. Remember that you have four months here and so there will be time for traveling and exploring. You don’t have to stay out late every night or do a million things in one day. Know yourself and your limits.   Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is relax, work on a hobby, or watch Netflix.

The “honeymoon stage” is not always the same for people so it’s okay if in your first couple of weeks you struggle. You do not have to have a picturesque and dream-like first two weeks. Definitely get to know Amsterdam or whatever city you’re traveling to but remember to take care of yourself.