A Swedish Student's New Life Chapter in the USA: Leaving Home and First Impressions - Week 1

Leaving Sweden wasn’t as hard as I expected. After saying goodbye to my family and friends, I felt a sense of relief. I was nervous, sure, but excited too. This was my opportunity to grow—not just as an athlete and student, but as a person. Traveling with my dad made the transition smoother, and I’m incredibly grateful that he was able to come with me. It meant a lot—thank you, Dad. <3

The most nerve-wracking part, of the whole journey, happened during the drive to Arlanda Airport. My stomach was in knots, and I couldn’t help but think about the massive change I was about to embark on. But once I got my boarding pass, everything started to settle down. Security, boarding, and the flight itself went smoothly. The trip from Arlanda to New York felt surreal, like the calm before the storm. Was I really about to move to a new country? Immigration was straightforward—I just had to wait in line, show my visa, and I was on my way. After a short connecting flight to Pittsburgh, it really hit me: I was officially starting a new chapter of my life.

Pittsburgh’s airport was fairly empty, and after picking up our rental car, we drove to my new home: Wheeling University. On the drive, everything felt a little strange. The surroundings seemed worn down compared to Sweden. At first, I was a bit overwhelmed by how different it all looked. But as I learned quickly, this feeling wasn’t about the actual quality of the place—it was just the shock of adjusting to something new and unfamiliar.

We checked into our hotel, and thanks to its location, I got my first glimpse of the campus that would be my home for the next few years. It was a weird cocktail of emotions—excitement, curiosity, and an intense homesickness all rolled into one. The closest comparison I could make is the feeling of going away for a long training camp, where you’re excited but can’t help but miss home.

This journey has only just begun, but it already feels like I’m growing as a person. If you're considering studying abroad, I can tell you it’s worth it—although it comes with its share of challenges, the rewards far outweigh them. I can't wait to see where this adventure takes me next.