Small Rituals That Make Living Abroad Feel Like Home

One of the biggest things that’s made living abroad feel like home is creating small daily rituals. For me, that starts with my morning coffee. I love making it and enjoying it at my desk while the light comes through the window. Even on the days when there isn’t much sun, there’s something comforting about slowing down, sipping my coffee, and just easing into the day — as corny as that might sound. That little ritual has honestly become one of the most grounding parts of my day, and the coffee machine I’ve been using here has made it even better (Link to machine) — especially if you’re someone who genuinely loves your morning coffee.

Another thing that’s helped is simply exploring the city I’m living in — even if it’s just going out for a walk with nowhere to be. Wandering around without an agenda has helped me feel more at home in my surroundings, and I’ve noticed that I rely on Apple Maps less and less. That’s been a small but meaningful sign that this place is starting to feel more like home, rather than somewhere temporary.

Evening routines have also played a big role. Winding down at night by watching a show on Netflix or curling up with a book has been huge for me. These are things I did back home, so continuing them here adds a sense of normalcy to my days. Lately, I’ve been reading more — especially on nights when I want something quieter — and having my Kindle has made that easy, whether I’m in bed or on the couch.
(Link to Kindle.)

Having at least one consistent weekly routine has been another game-changer. For me, that’s going to a workout class each week. It’s something I do regularly, surrounded by people who actually live here and call this place home. Being in an environment where I’m interacting with locals — even in small ways — helps me feel less like a visitor and more like a resident.

Lastly, having my own space has been incredibly important. I touched on this in my last blog, but it deserves repeating. After being out all day, having somewhere I can come back to and truly decompress makes a huge difference. My room has become my safe haven in a way. It’s where I keep my clothes, my laptop, my journal, and little personal items from home. Just having a space where I can sit, breathe, and fully relax is so comforting — especially in a place where so much still feels unfamiliar.
(Link to journal.)

Living abroad doesn’t suddenly feel like home overnight. It’s built slowly — through routines, rituals, and moments that feel familiar even when everything else is new. And honestly, those small things have made all the difference for me.