Alve: Finding Home Away from Home

My First Sports Event at Örebro University

I’ve always loved sports, so when I heard about the university’s volleyball tournament, I thought it would be a great way to meet new people and feel part of the community.

The weather was perfect that day — blue sky, sunshine, and a little autumn breeze. The sand court was full of energy. Teams in bright colors — red, yellow, purple, and orange — were warming up, laughing, and cheering for each other. I was playing for the International Master’s team, and even though most of us had just met, it felt like we had been teammates
for a long time.

Our first game didn’t go as planned. We struggled a bit, trying to understand each other’s playing styles. But instead of feeling down, we learned from it and came back stronger. In the next three games, we found our rhythm, played with confidence, and really enjoyed every point we scored. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to the next round — but honestly, that didn’t matter much. What made the day special were the friendships we built, the laughs we shared, and the feeling of belonging in a new country.

It was my first sports event at Örebro University, and it gave me exactly what I was hoping for — connection, teamwork, and memories I’ll never forget.
When I look at this photo, I can still feel the excitement of that day — the sound of cheers, the energy in the air, and the joy of playing together. For me, it wasn’t just about volleyball; it was about finding my place and making Sweden feel like home.

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Finding Home Away from Home

When I left home this August, it felt like I was leaving a part of my soul behind. My old room wasn’t just four walls — it was where everything started. From my school days to high school, from late-night study sessions to university projects, that room had seen every version of me. It held the laughter of my friends, my quiet moments of stress before exams, and even the dreams that pushed me to take this new journey. Leaving that room,
my family, and my country was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

I arrived at Pine, Örebro University housing, on the night of August 30th. The streets were silent, the air felt colder than I was used to, and everything around me seemed unfamiliar. My new room felt empty too clean, too quiet like a hotel room where you stay for a few nights and then move on. For the first few days, I couldn’t shake that feeling. I unpacked my bags, but not my emotions. I missed home, my people, and the comfort of everything
familiar.

Then, a few mornings later, something small yet unforgettable happened. As I stood by my window with a cup of coffee and my favorite music playing softly in the background, I looked up and saw the most beautiful rainbow stretching across the sky. It was bright, wide, and perfect. For the first time since I had arrived, I felt a sense of calm. It felt like a message from life itself — that beauty and peace exist wherever you are, if you’re open to
seeing them.

That rainbow changed everything for me. I started to look at things differently. I began decorating my room with a few personal touches photos, small lights, a plant on the window sill. I started hanging out with my flatmates more often cooking dinner together, sharing stories, and laughing about little things. Slowly, the room that once felt temporary started to feel like mine.

Now, after a month here, the Pine doesn’t feel like just a student accommodation anymore. It feels like my new home — a place filled with new experiences, new friends, and new memories. Of course, I still miss my old room and everything it represents, but now I understand something important: home is not just a place, it’s a feeling — and you can build that feeling anywhere, one moment at a time. Every time I look at this photo of the rainbow, I’m reminded of that turning point. It wasn’t just a beautiful view it was a sign of hope, comfort, and a new beginning.