Written by Ana Manana, J-1 Exchange Student
As a 20-year-old Spanish student on a study abroad adventure, my first few weeks in San Francisco have been a whirlwind of excitement and discovery. Moving from Spain to this bustling American city was a big leap, but one I’ve been eagerly anticipating. Now that I’ve had some time to settle in, I’d love to share a bit about my experiences, the amazing things I’ve seen, and how I’m adjusting to life in California.
First things first, settling into my new apartment has been pretty smooth. I’m living with my two roommates, Caro and Lola, who are also from Spain. Even though we didn’t know each other until our arrival in San Francisco, we hit it off since the very beginning, which has made this few first weeks away from home much easier and more enjoyable. Furthermore, Lola’s dad, Cesar, stayed with us on the first days, which was honestly, live saving. He helped us with the cleaning, organizing and even cooking during his stay.
Our place is in a residential area, very quiet and full of families. Our apartment is full of light in the mornings, and we even spent an afternoon shopping to decorate it to our liking. After a few days, we already feel it is our home. Besides, our neighbors are also Spanish, so we often share plans, recipes, laundry tips, and our days in general. We’ve gotten into a nice routine— cooking meals together, exploring San Francisco, and figuring out the public transport system, which, while a bit different from what we’re used to back home (where we often just walk to places), has become our trusty way to get around.
One of the best parts about the first few weeks has been exploring the city’s landmarks. I was totally blown away by the Golden Gate Bridge. Its striking red color and the views from it are just as incredible as everyone says. We walked across it one sunny day, and the cool breeze coming off the bay made the experience even more memorable. It was the perfect way to kick off our adventures.
Another must-see was Baker Beach, where I went to catch the sunset. There’s something magical about watching the sun dip below the horizon with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. It’s one of those moments where you just take a deep breath and think, “Wow, I’m really here.”
We also had a picnic at the Painted Ladies, those iconic Victorian houses that are a staple of San Francisco’s landscape. It was a fantastic spot for hanging out with Caro and Lola, enjoying some food, and soaking up the local vibe. The neighborhood around them is just as charming, and it was a great way to spend an afternoon.
Pier 39 was another highlight. It’s bustling with tourists and street performers, and the seafood is top-notch. I treated myself to a classic San Francisco clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, which was absolutely delicious. The atmosphere there is just so lively, it’s hard not to enjoy yourself.
Visiting Lombard Street was definitely one of the most fun experiences I've had here in San Francisco. The famous “crookedest street in the world” really doesn’t disappoint. Watching cars wind their way through its eight tight turns while walking along the sidewalk feels like being on an urban roller coaster. But what really blew me away was how steep so many of the city’s streets are. Every time I climb a hill, it feels like I'm scaling a vertical wall. It’s a thrilling mix of challenge and fun, and the panoramic views that open up as you climb make it all worthwhile. The breathtaking vistas of the city and the bay are simply stunning, and the steep streets add a unique twist to the adventure.
One of the coolest things I did was organize a barbecue with other Spanish exchange students in San Francisco. It was a fantastic way to connect with fellow students and enjoy some familiar Spanish dishes while getting to know new friends. The evening was filled with good food, laughter, and plenty of stories about our experiences so far.
On a couple of nights, I also hit up some local pubs. It was fun to check out the city’s nightlife and see what the local bar scene is like. The pubs here have a really relaxed vibe, and it’s been great meeting people and hearing their stories.
One of the most surprising and fun experiences has been discovering the differences in products at American supermarkets. There are so many things here that just don’t exist in Europe. From unique snack foods to quirky beverages, it’s been like a treasure hunt every time I go shopping. I’ve been trying out all sorts of new things and enjoying the variety.
Adjusting to life in the U.S. has had its challenges, of course. The American way of doing things, from the education system to daily routines, is different from what I’m used to in Spain. Classes here are very interactive, with lots of participation and discussion. It’s a bit of a shift, but I’m finding it to be a rewarding way to learn.
Socially, things have been great. The city is so welcoming, and people are friendly and open, which has made it easier to feel at home. I’ve also been taking part in events organized by our exchange program, like cultural nights and group outings. These activities have been fantastic for meeting new people and making friends from all over.
Looking back on these first few weeks, I’m amazed by how much I’ve experienced and learned already. From iconic landmarks and delicious new foods to meeting new people and adjusting to a different culture, every day has brought something new and exciting. I’m looking forward to the coming weeks, eager to explore more of what San Francisco and California have to offer. Each day here is an opportunity to discover something new and make the most of this incredible journey.