December was an incredibly busy month for me at the University of Manchester. My friends organized a wonderful Christmas dinner, featuring some of the most delicious food I’ve ever had. We decorated the flat, listened to Christmas music, and went for a snowy walk after our meal. This evening is one of my most fond memories from my time in Manchester and highlighted just how special the friendships I made were to me.

If you are studying abroad, forging connections with those around you is incredibly important. The support system you build with your peers is priceless. For instance, my English friends and their families welcomed me into their homes during the winter break, giving me a glimpse into domestic life in England during such a special holiday. Three different families invited me to their homes across the country, allowing me to spend time in Peterborough in the east midlands, Godalming, which is an hour southwest of London, and Christmas Day and New Year’s in London—an experience many Americans dream of! While it may be more comfortable to stick with fellow Americans when you’re abroad, branching out and strengthening relationships with locals will provide the most authentic experience. They can share their culture with you, and if you find the right people, they might even give you an in-depth tour of their hometowns.

Many people studying abroad for the year tend to go home during winter break, but I would highly recommend staying if you can. This break is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of your proximity to other countries and travel! My mom and sister found a cheap flight from St. Louis to Amsterdam on Christmas Day, so I took the Eurostar from London to meet them. Traveling between countries is so convenient here, and in just ten days, we explored London, Amsterdam, and Swansea, Wales.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: University of Manchester