The main thing my last year of high school has taught me is to trust in myself. I had to learn to minimise the overthinking and put a little more trust in me and my decisions turning out alright. Once I stopped undermining every decision, I quickly learned that my life is much easier.
Traveling somehow feels like the best way to learn. Because even when you mess up, it usually turns into the funniest anecdote and makes it worth it. I have learned a lot this year. Like, always apply sunscreen, even on places you would not think twice of – like your lips (I have learned that the hard way). Olive oil can serve as a magical calming cream after you do get sunburnt. Do not put your food in a public fridge in a camp if you are too scared it will get stolen (because it just might – even if the locals assure you nobody steals in Austria). Always, always check-in online for your flights. It will save you time and sometimes even money. Check beforehand how you are getting home from a trip so that you do not find mid-trip that no trains are running between Budapest and home. And no matter what, do what scares you because you might just find those experiences the most rewarding.
The biggest lesson I learned since moving to university is that the people who want to be in your life will truly go out of their way to be. Moving to a completely different country to study I was scared to lose the friendships I had already built in my life. I was glad to find out that the people who wanted me to still know them have made their best to include me in their life. And vice versa, if you want someone in your life, call them, text them, drop them an email or a BeReal. Go out of your way to include them and they will get the hint.
And one last little fun lesson, if you are cooking a meal for yourself, always make an extra portion. Believe me, it will come in handy. Leftovers are lifesavers in university.