My first view of Norway was from the sky, where the world below looked almost unreal blanketed in frost and snow, covered in white powder that made everything feel quiet, untouched, and entirely new, it looked like something out of a postcard. It was hard to believe that this was my new home for the next 6 months. When I arrived in Trondheim, the first thing I felt was the temperature. It was around minus twelve degrees, something I had never experienced before. The cold was sharp and unfamiliar but the city itself seemed built to withstand it, calm and still in a way that matched the weather.

Growing up in Dubai, a big, fast-paced city full of noise, energy, and constant movement, Trondheim felt strikingly different. Although the city is much larger than Liechtenstein, one of the most striking cultural differences I noticed was how reserved the people are and how social interactions are slower and more deliberate. Back home small talk with strangers happens naturally in buses, on the streets, but in Trondheim, people rarely speak unless spoken to first. At first, this felt cold and confusing however came to realize that this distance is not unfriendliness but simply part of the social rhythm. Once I took the first step to break the ice, the initial formality quickly faded, and I discovered that most Norwegians are warm, kind, and often surprisingly silly, especially when shared interests like music, nature, or travel come up.

Nightlife, however, is limited compared to what I was used to with the streets empty by 10pm, yet there is something quietly comforting about a larger city that moves at a gentler pace. Life here follows a clear rhythm, from morning routines to work, studying, and perusing personal hobbies all in a single day! Observing this made me more aware of how different environments can shape daily life.

Having friends I was already familiar with in Trondheim made the city feel less overwhelming and gave me a sense of comfort during the first weeks. Knowing I had people I could rely on helped me navigate a new culture, climate, and environment with more confidence. At the same time, living further away from them meant that I had to step out of my comfort zone and find my own way in many ways. I learned to manage daily life independently, trying new activities alone, and build connections with people I had never met before. 

Seeing how differently people experience life while still finding common ground broadened my perspective. I made a conscious effort to step outside my comfort zone, trying new activities like snowboarding and hiking, which were intimidating at first but became some of my most meaningful experiences. Solo traveling has also definitely been an eye opener for me further allowing me break personal barriers and grow comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings. 

I had promised myself that I wouldn’t leave Trondheim during Erasmus without seeing the Northern Lights. Remarkably, just two days after arriving, I got to experience them for the first time with friends. The aurora was faint, but the memory of running out into the freezing cold, looking up at the sky in awe, is one of my clearest and most cherished from my time here.  A lot of new experiences in the first month, I hope the next one is even more promising!