What if your dream move turned out to be your biggest challenge? Six months ago, I packed my bags and moved to Australia to pursue my Master’s in Counselling. I had imagined a fresh start, filled with new experiences and growth. But what I didn’t expect was how much this journey would test me mentally, emotionally and physically. Looking back, I see this time in two distinct phases: the first three months of survival and the next three months of slow adaptation. Phase 1: The First Three Months – Survival Mode The first three months felt like a whirlwind of logistics, learning curves and an overwhelming sense of loneliness. The Basics: Navigating a New System From opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, finding a house, and settling in, it felt like my life revolved around checklists. Finding a part-time job was another challenge, but one that I knew was necessary. At university, I quickly realized the education system here was nothing like what I had known at DU. Lectures were just...