I know student budgets are tight, but traveling is the most rewarding way to spend your money. Seriously, take off your pizza-stained hoody and explore Florence. Take impromptu bus and train trips around Italy and plan weekends in Barcelona, or Côte d’Azur, or Dublin. You’re never going to be 20-something again, studying in a foreign country and building friendships that could easily last the rest of your life.

The view from Colline du château

The gorgeous Côte d’Azur coastline

I used to be comfortable living in the same neighborhood with the same type of friends, for 21 years. This past year, I decided I desperately needed a change of scenery, a sense of adventure and independence— but I was nervous. Ever since I made the decision to study in Florence, I’ve been bitten by the travel bug and the more I itch it, the faster it spreads.

Could the water be any bluer?

Recently, I travelled to the Côte d’Azur, (the French Riviera) with Smart Trip and I could not believe how gorgeous everything was or how three days could completely alter my perception of who I want to be and what I want to work towards after I graduate in May. I know that sounds super grandiose, but sometimes when you take a step back, you can really get a clearer picture of where you want to go.

“Candid” shot

I signed up to go to France on my own because I wanted to explore France independently during the free time allotted, while still having two tour guides to ask for help if needed. To my surprise, I met some super friendly students on the trip who were also studying in Florence. (For those of you who aren’t used to doing things independently or have trouble planning trips, joining a group is a great way of having some structure and guidance, while still enjoying free time to explore.)

Feeling like Grace Kelly

The first day we were in Nice, my French was put to the test immediately because I had to find a Western Union to receive some much-needed travel money. I was so proud to be using my French for the first time in 4 years and able to understand what they were saying, but I still ended up getting lost because most of the locals didn’t know where the WU was located.

Pretty in Pink— Monaco

Despite the fact that I circled around downtown Nice for a solid 2 hours, with sand between my toes, a messy beach bun, clacking flip flops and only 21 Euros to last my whole trip, I loved the atmosphere of the downtown Vieux Nice. It was the perfect blend of tropical beach vibes, urban chic people and restaurants, and very regal and historic architecture.

Yachts of Cannes

I grabbed lunch from a nearby sandwich shop for only 3.50 euros and hiked up to the Colline du Château to enjoy the phenomenal view. I can’t describe what I felt that moment, but something clicked for me. I was staring out at the city of my dreams, eating a delicious chicken sandwich on toasted French baguette, getting a golden tan.

These moments don’t happen when you want them to. They won’t come right in time for finals or on the day you declare a major. They happen when you take a step back and relax, let yourself enjoy the moment you’re in despite the things that may be going wrong.

As the day progressed, I was still conscious of my financial situation, but it didn’t ruin my trip. Later that first day, we ventured to Cannes, where I picked up a postcard for only .40 cents and controlled my urge to buy frivolous purses and makeup the way I would back home.

Vieux Nice (downtown Old Nice, France)

On my first night in Paris, I enjoyed a nice meal of sushi for only 5.70 euros, including 6 avocado rolls, soy sauce, fancy French water, and the tip!

The next day, we went to the Picasso museum in Antibes, which was only 3 euros for students (always ask for student discounts!) and near the beach, I ordered a tasty tomato and basil sandwich for only 2.50 euros. I also made the most of the included breakfast from the hostel Saint Exupery and saved some yogurt and apples as snacks.

Coast of St.Tropez

I’m so grateful to have been able to study abroad and have these experiences. I can’t stress enough how important it is to travel, travel, TRAVEL!! Though I definitely don’t recommend traveling with only 21 euros to your name, if you’re a shopper like me, try to limit how much money you bring in order to test your ability to differentiate what you want versus what you need.

As a whole, that weekend in France was the most memorable trip I’ve had thus far. And the best part is that no two people will ever have the exact same experience and your perspective changes everything. I could have been bummed out about my money issues or the discomfort of not being familiar with navigating in France, but I focused on everything else.

I only spent three days in France and in those days, I realized exactly where I envision myself living in the future (when I have the money!) and what field I really want to pursue. Sometimes, you need to stop trying so hard to plan things or getting frustrated when things go wrong in order to help yourself realize what you really want and how you want to get there.

Home sweet home— Florence

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Mariam is a current student at George Washington University studying at Florence University of the Arts in Italy during the Fall 2015 term.