7 things Vietnamese students should know about living in Europe for the first time

Before going abroad, most students spend a lot of time researching universities, tuition, accommodation and entry procedures. But once life in a European country actually begins, what surprises them is often small: a shop that closes earlier than expected, a bus you need to check the timetable for, or having to sort your own rubbish at home.

These differences are not really difficulties, and they do not mean life in Europe is more complicated than in Vietnam. Every country simply has its own daily habits and community rules. Knowing a little in advance helps students feel less lost and adapt faster in their first months away from home.

1. Sunday is not always a convenient shopping day

In Vietnam, popping into a supermarket on a Sunday evening is normal. In some European countries, many shops close or shorten their hours on Sundays. Germany is a typical example, with rules restricting Sunday retail, although there are exceptions.

In Bulgaria, supermarkets and large shopping centres can still open at weekends, so no single habit applies to all of Europe. Even so, students should get used to checking opening hours before going out, especially on public holidays, and buy food and essentials in advance.

2. Public transport means getting used to timetables

In many European cities, students use buses, trams or the metro to get to class and around town. In Sofia, the Bulgarian capital, public transport includes the metro, buses, trams and trolleybuses.

Using it well is not just about catching the right line. Students need to learn how to check timetables, buy tickets, validate them and know each service’s operating hours. Evening and weekend services may run less often than on weekdays.

It is a small skill, but worth learning in the first week, as it directly affects getting to class on time and managing daily life independently.

3. Sorting rubbish is part of community life

In many parts of Europe, throwing rubbish away is not just putting everything in one bag. Paper, packaging, glass and household waste may be collected separately, depending on the city and neighbourhood.

Bulgaria also has separate containers for some recyclables. However, bin colours and sorting rules are not always the same between countries. When moving into a dormitory or flat, students should learn the local rules rather than follow old habits.

Seemingly small things such as sorting rubbish, keeping shared areas clean and respecting collection times are also ways of showing respect for the community you live in.

4. Personal space is valued

In an international study environment, students meet people with very different communication styles and views on privacy. Some are open and chatty; others prefer to keep some distance when they first meet.

Asking too much about income, family matters or relationships, or using other people’s belongings without asking, can make them uncomfortable. This does not mean Europeans are cold, simply that personal boundaries may be seen differently from what we are used to.

When sharing a flat or dormitory, agreeing early on quiet hours, guests, cleaning and the use of shared spaces helps avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.

5. Punctuality is not just about classes

Studying abroad means managing your own schedule. Classes, appointments with lecturers, group work and administrative appointments may all require you to be on time and prepared.

Of course, not every European is equally punctual; it depends on the country, setting and person. But at university, arriving on time, giving early notice of changes and respecting other people’s time are always essential skills.

For Vietnamese students, it is also a chance to practise organising work and taking responsibility for their own plans.

6. You will do many things yourself, including ones you never thought about

When living with family, we often don’t notice how many small tasks relatives take care of: preparing meals, buying supplies, fixing a broken appliance or organising daily routines.

Abroad, these become the student’s own responsibility: planning meals for the week, where to buy food, when to do laundry, how to manage money and whom to contact when there is a problem with accommodation.

This is not unique to Bulgaria or Europe, but it is a clear change for many students living away from home for the first time. Independence should be prepared before departure rather than learned only after arriving.

7. English alone may not solve every situation

Bulgaria offers degree programmes taught in English, but the language of everyday life is still Bulgarian. At the market, reading signs, using local services or talking with older people, students who only speak English may find some situations inconvenient.

Bulgaria also uses the Cyrillic alphabet rather than the familiar Latin script. In the first days, reading street names or recognising some products in the supermarket can take longer than expected.

Students do not need to be fluent in Bulgarian before starting an English-taught programme. Learning some basic phrases and the alphabet in advance makes daily life easier, and is also a way to understand local culture rather than living only within the international student community.

Adapting to life in Europe starts with small things

Not all of the above applies in the same way in every European country. Life in Sofia differs from Berlin, Warsaw or Dublin, even on the same continent.

What every study abroad journey has in common is learning to observe, find out and adjust your habits to a new environment. The first experiences may feel unfamiliar, but it is through shopping on your own, using public transport and talking with local people that independence gradually develops.

For students preparing to study in Bulgaria, learning about daily life and culture should be part of the plan before departure, alongside language, documents and finances.

SHI Global wants students not only to choose the right programme but also to be practically prepared for life in a new environment. If you are considering Bulgaria, contact SHI for advice on programmes, admission requirements and what to prepare before moving to Europe: Hotline/Zalo 0358 998 599 · Contact us.