Studying Abroad in Sardinia: Emma’s Semester in Cagliari

For Emma, studying abroad was never just about academics. It was about perspective, personal growth, and experiencing everyday life somewhere completely new. After an exchange semester years earlier, she knew how powerful living abroad could be, and when the opportunity arose again, she chose to take it.

This time, that decision led her to Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia. Known for its coastal lifestyle, relaxed pace, and strong sense of local culture, it became the setting for a semester that offered both structure and space to reflect.

Choosing Sardinia

Emma’s path to Sardinia wasn’t entirely planned. After several years of studying and building a life in Sweden, she found herself at a crossroads. Instead of seeing uncertainty as a setback, she chose to see it as an opening, a chance to return to something she knew had shaped her deeply before.

Sardinia stood out as a destination that offered more than just a university experience. It promised a balance between studies and everyday life, where learning could happen both inside and outside the classroom.

First Weeks in Cagliari

Arriving in Cagliari felt calm and welcoming. The city is compact and walkable, with the sea always nearby. Compared to larger European cities, the pace of life is noticeably slower, making it easier to settle in and feel at home.

Practical matters like housing turned out to be less complicated than expected, with most students living in or around the city centre. This made it easy to quickly build routines and feel connected to both the university and city life.

Academic Life

Emma studied at the University of Cagliari, taking courses in public management, politics and communication, macroeconomics, and marketing. The courses were taught in English, which made the academic transition smooth and accessible.

One thing that stood out was the structure of the semester. Classes were organised into focused sessions, often with a flexible schedule and Fridays off. This created a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and time to explore, reflect, and recharge.

Everyday Life Outside the Classroom

Life in Cagliari quickly became about more than just studying. Days often included coffee at local cafés, long lunches, or time by the beach. After class, it wasn’t unusual to meet friends for an aperitivo or spend evenings wandering through the city’s historic streets.

Weekends were filled with discovering Sardinia beyond Cagliari, local food, coastal views, and a strong sense of community. Sharing these experiences with other international students from across Europe became one of the most meaningful parts of the semester.

What Stayed With Her

Looking back, Emma describes the semester as something that offered far more than academic knowledge. Living abroad again reinforced her confidence and reminded her how valuable it is to step outside familiar routines.

The friendships formed, the slower pace of life, and the feeling of independence all contributed to a deeper sense of perspective. It was a reminder that growth often happens when you allow yourself to try something new, even when the timing feels uncertain.

Advice for Students Considering Italy

Emma’s advice to others thinking about studying abroad is simple: don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. Opportunities don’t always arrive neatly planned, and that’s often what makes them meaningful.

Being open, saying yes to new experiences, and allowing yourself time to settle into a new place can make all the difference. Studying abroad isn’t just about where you go; it’s about what you learn about yourself along the way.

Looking Back

As her semester in Sardinia came to an end, leaving Cagliari felt bittersweet. The routines, the people, and the everyday moments had become part of her life.

Studying abroad in Sardinia gave Emma lasting memories, meaningful connections, and a renewed sense of confidence, experiences that will stay with her long after the semester ended.

Read more about the University of Cagliari here!

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