Studying abroad is an uncomfortable experience.  You are in a strange city, with people you have never met, trying to speak a language you might not know, and expected to live and survive for four months.  Now, don’t let me scare you because I am currently living that situation and it isn’t really as bad as it sounds.  Actually, it’s pretty amazing! However, I sometimes miss the comforting feeling of the familiar.  So, in order to cure my longing for some comfort, I discovered places in Vienna that make me feel at home.

First, I searched and searched for the best place to get coffee.  At Penn State, there are great places to kick back, drink some joe, and do homework or people watch from the window.  I wanted someplace like that in Vienna and thankfully this city is full of amazing cafes.  My favorite place is Phil, a tiny caf� only a short walk from my apartment.  It is full of books and comfy couches for me to study on or just hang out with friends.  The Viennese custom of coffee houses is to let the customer sit as long as they want with their coffee and to not bother them unless they call the waiter over.  I love this tradition because I never feel rushed or rude if I want to sit for an hour and just enjoy my time.

Next, I went in search for the best reading spot in Vienna.  I absolutely love to read and could probably do it anywhere, at anytime.  But, all readers have those special places that make a book even more amazing.  For me, that spot is the park.  It can get crowded on weekends and especially on sunny days, but reading under a tree in a European park was a dream for me, so I don’t mind any of those little inconveniences.

The third place that makes me feel comfortable is my actual home!  My apartment came already furnished with colorful decorations and great furniture, but I wanted it to feel homey for all of my roommates.  So, we started to collect little trinkets from Vienna and all the different places we visited in Europe.  Slowly, all our souvenirs have been hung up or placed around the apartment.  Now, it feels like our home and not just a temporary place to sleep.

I believe it’s important to step out of your comfort zone and experience new and weird things.  But, I also think it’s important to make sure you have those spaces to relax, unwind, and enjoy your time as you study abroad.

Location: Vienna, Austria, Europe