Three weeks ago, I stepped off the bus in Innsbruck unsure of what to expect. Since then, this Alpine city has quietly worked its way into my rhythm. As everyday passes and I become more familiar with the city, culture, and language, I’ve found myself learning not just about Austria, but how to truly live in it.

One of the first things that struck me here was how deeply history is woven into everyday life. In the Altstadt, medieval watchtowers cast their shadows over modern cafés, and frescoes from the Renaissance era decorate the walls of restaurants serving schnitzel and gelato. Walking through this district at night feels like stepping into a living storybook.

Another favorite spot of mine is along Mariahilfstraße, just across the Inn River. The colorful row of houses set against the backdrop of dark alpine peaks is iconic, and more than once, I’ve paused mid-walk just to take it all in. The contrast between the vibrant buildings and the swift, blue (though often muddy from rain and snowmelt) water reminds me that Austria is a place of strong juxtapositions: old and new, stillness and motion.

On clearer days, I’ve taken time to explore outside the city center. Perhaps most memorable was a hike up to Hafelekarspitze, where I could see the entire city below me like a painting. That kind of view reminds you how small you are, and yet how lucky you are to stand somewhere new, absorbing the world.

Adjusting to daily life here has come with its challenges, especially switching between English and German. Austrian German has its own rhythms and quirks, but I’m slowly learning the little things: how to order coffee properly, how to say “Servus” instead of “Tag,” and how to blend into a culture that values both formality and friendliness.

Studying abroad isn’t just about travel, it’s about humility. About learning to listen more than speak, and to embrace the awkward moments as much as the awe-inspiring ones. Innsbruck has already taught me a lot in just a few weeks. And I have a feeling the best is yet to come.