My Second Half of Second Year

Coming back to Falmouth after spending a semester in the fast-paced, electric world of New York City felt like stepping into a different rhythm of life—slower, saltier, and somehow more familiar. As the plane touched down in the UK and I made the long journey back to Cornwall, I was filled with a strange mix of nostalgia and quiet anticipation. The second half of my second year was about to begin—re-adjusting to the coastal calm, reconnecting with friends, and rediscovering the beauty of Falmouth’s creative community all became part of this new chapter. In this post, I want to share what it’s been like re-rooting myself in this little town by the sea after months of skyscrapers, subways, and a city that never stops.

1. New Friends 

One of the most unexpected joys of my time abroad was the friendships I formed—people from completely different backgrounds who quickly became my everyday constants. Whether we were navigating the chaos of Manhattan or grabbing late-night pizza, those connections made the city feel less overwhelming and more like home. Coming back to Falmouth, I’m grateful not just for the memories we made, but for the reminder that meaningful friendships can grow in the most unfamiliar places. As well as this, returning to Falmouth, I was more open to meeting new people and reconnecting with old friends, which ultimately expanded my social circle and made the past couple of months truly amazing.

2. New Habits 

Living in New York pushed me to adapt quickly and build new habits that I didn’t even know I needed. From planning my days with more intention to embracing early mornings and solo outings, the city taught me how to make the most of my time and space. Now that I’m back in Falmouth, I’ve brought some of those habits with me—morning walks, journaling, and even meal prepping. They’re small things, but they’ve helped me feel more balanced and present in this new phase.

3. Living a Slower Life  

After months of rushing through crowded streets, dodging subway delays, and constantly feeling like I had to keep up with the pace of the city, coming back to Falmouth felt like an exhale. Life here moves slower—in the best possible way. There’s space to breathe, time to pause, and a kind of quiet that invites reflection rather than distraction. I’ve started to notice the little things again: the sound of the sea, the way the light changes over the harbour, the comfort of familiar routines. Slowing down hasn’t meant doing less—it’s meant doing things more intentionally, and finding joy in the in-between moments.

4. Working Hard 

One of the biggest shifts since returning to Falmouth has been how much more time—and mental space—I have to focus on my studies. Without the constant noise and overstimulation of the city, I’ve found it easier to concentrate and really engage with my work. I’m spending more hours in the library, staying on top of deadlines, and actually enjoying the process of learning again. 

As I settle back into life in Falmouth, I’ve come to appreciate the contrast between where I’ve been and where I am now. New York pushed me to grow, to explore, and to stretch beyond what I thought I was capable of. But being back here—surrounded by familiar faces, wild coastlines, and the steady rhythm of student life—has reminded me of how grounding this place can be. A chance to bring everything I’ve learned abroad into the spaces and routines that shaped me in the first place. 

Love, Aria 

XO