Onwards and upwards: the end of BA1

A couple of weeks ago,  I had my very last exam, marking the end of the first year of my degree! Tomorrow, I'll be packing my bags for the last time this academic year. Wish me luck; I definitely have more stuff than I started with! I may have to enlist the help of one of my flatmates to sit on my suitcase as I zip it shut.


If I said that I wasn't sad about leaving for a few months, I'd be lying. I'm going to miss Paris a lot. But since exams ended I've had such an amazing time just being a tourist, going to exhibitions, concerts, and day trips (Giverny is amazing). I even went to a reception at the ambassador's residence, which was an incredible experience. I've spent so much time with my favourite people, some of whom won't be here next year. It's been bittersweet.


Everything's fixed for my return in September- I've finally got a room with a balcony, shared with the lovely Clara (cheeky shoutout). I can't wait to get back and decorate it with my postcard collection (yes, I'm ridiculous), fairy lights, and who knows, I might even go the whole way and get a houseplant. Yolo.

I see Paris as my home now. I can't quite explain this. I know that I've only been here a year, and there's a lot of people that I love back in the UK. I'll always feel at home with my family, but (and I mean this in the most sensitive way possible) my life is here now. I'm where I'm supposed to be. I feel centred, balanced, here.


I don't want to be over-emotional but I just need to say this: this year has been the happiest of my life so far. It hasn't been without its challenges, but I've had the confidence and the right people around me to help me through. When I look back at my life this time last year, I'm reminded of how much more positive I've become and the self-belief that I've gained. I'm going to do my utmost to ensure that next year is even better. Onwards and upwards!

This summer is going to be a good one. It won't be long before I'm packing my bags again, and I'm so excited. As always, I'll be posting snippets of my adventures, and all the experiences and funny disasters along the way!



Until September, Paris. You've been everything I hoped for and more.

K x