The plane touched down smoothly on the runway, jolting Lily awake from her light sleep. She blinked at the bright morning sunlight streaming through the window, the landscape of Italy sprawling out beneath her. Her heart raced with a mix of excitement and nervousness—she had finally arrived.
As the passengers began to unbuckle their seatbelts and grab their carry-ons, Lily reached for her phone. She was eager to call home, to let her family know she was safe.
After passing through customs and collecting her luggage, she found a quiet corner near the airport exit and dialed her mother's number. The phone barely rang twice before Margaret picked up.
"Lily! Are you okay? Did you land safely?" Margaret's voice was filled with both relief and excitement.
"Hi, Mom! Yes, I just landed. The flight was fine, and everything went smoothly."
Her father's voice chimed in the background. "Good to hear, sweetheart. How's the airport? Is it crowded?"
Lily smiled at the familiar concern. "It's busy, but everything's fine. I'm about to head to the university now."
Jamie's voice joined the call, shouting, "Don't forget to send pictures!"
"I won't forget," Lily promised, laughing softly. "I'll call you all again once I get settled in."
After a few more reassurances and a tearful goodbye from her mother, Lily ended the call and took a deep breath. She was on her own now, in a foreign country with so much to explore and learn.
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Navigating the City
Lily stepped outside the airport, greeted by the warm Italian sun and a gentle breeze. She pulled out the detailed instructions sent by the university, her first task being to find transportation to the campus. The bustling city of Florence unfolded before her, with its mix of historical architecture and modern vibrancy.
She approached a taxi stand and showed the driver the address of her university. "Università di Medicina, please."
The driver, a cheerful middle-aged man, nodded and loaded her suitcase into the trunk. During the ride, Lily gazed out of the window, marveling at the beauty of the city. Narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings with shutters, and lively cafés passed by in a blur. It felt like stepping into a postcard.
When the taxi finally pulled up in front of the university gates, Lily's breath caught. The campus was a stunning blend of old-world charm and modern facilities, with grand buildings framed by lush greenery.
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Registration and Dorm Room
Lily rolled her suitcase through the gates, following the signs to the registration office. The process was smooth but overwhelming, with staff explaining everything in a mix of English and Italian. She signed forms, collected her student ID, and received a detailed orientation packet.
"Your dorm room is in Building C," a friendly staff member informed her, pointing toward a map. "You'll find everything you need there, and your roommate will be arriving later today."
With the map in hand, Lily made her way to the dormitory. The building was modern and welcoming, with wide hallways and large windows letting in natural light. Her assigned room was on the third floor. She unlocked the door, stepping into the space that would be her home for the next few years.
The room was small but cozy, with two beds, two desks, and a shared closet. A large window overlooked the campus gardens, offering a breathtaking view. She set her suitcase by one of the beds and began unpacking, arranging her belongings with care.
As she worked, her phone buzzed with a text from her mother: Did you make it to the dorms?
Lily quickly replied: Yes! The campus is beautiful, and the dorm room is nice. I'll send pictures soon.
After settling in, she sank onto her bed, exhausted but exhilarated. This was it—her new life had officially begun.