Studying in Surabaya was never a part of my dreams. Leaving Malang, the city where I was born and raised, was something I never wished for. The idea of going far away from my family and childhood friends had never even crossed my mind. Yet, life often takes us to places we never expect, and here I am now, in Surabaya, living a life that was once beyond my imagination. And for me, friends are a vital part of my support system. It would be dishonest to say that friends are not important, especially for someone like me who loves to socialize and connect with people. Some might say that friends are not necessary, and maybe it feels that way for those who prefer to be alone. But for me, having friends gives me the motivation to keep going, even when days feel heavy and challenges feel too much to bear.
Arriving in Surabaya, I felt like a small boat in the middle of a vast ocean. Everything was unfamiliar, from the streets I walked on to the people I passed by every day. There was no family, no familiar faces, and no place that felt like home. I was nervous and scared, not knowing what to expect, and often wondering if I would be able to survive in this big, bustling city. In my first semesters, I found it hard to open up to new people. I only had two close friends, and the three of us would go everywhere together. We studied together, went to classes together, and spent countless hours in libraries and small cafes finishing our assignments. They were my comfort zone, the people I relied on to get through the overwhelming days of adjusting to college life and living alone for the first time.
But as time passed, I realized that I needed to open myself to new experiences and people. In my fourth semester, I slowly started to talk to others, join more group discussions, and participate in campus activities. Gradually, our small group of three expanded into a warm circle of nine people. We did not form a “gang” that excluded others, but we became a close-knit group because of the similarities we shared and the comfort we found in each other’s presence. Getting to know them was like discovering a new color in my life. Each of them had different personalities and stories to share, and they taught me that campus life could be fun and meaningful. Some of them were loud, some were quiet, and some were funny in their unique way. Their Surabaya-style jokes were sometimes too direct for me, and I used to feel hurt by their teasing. But over time, I learned that it was just the way they showed care, and I learned to laugh with them, letting go of my worries and insecurities.
We spent many days together, studying in the library, preparing for presentations, and participating in campus committees. We would often gather in my small boarding room, bringing snacks and stories, talking about everything from our dreams to our fears, from our struggles in classes to our plans for the future. Sometimes, we would talk until the evening, and some of us would end up falling asleep on the floor or leaning against each other, tired but happy. Those simple moments, sitting on the floor with instant noodles and laughter filling the room, made me feel less lonely. It made me realize that even though I was far from my family, I had found another family here, in this unfamiliar city that had slowly become a part of my heart.
Being in Surabaya taught me that life will not always follow the path we planned. It may take us far from what we know and love, but it will also give us opportunities to grow, to learn, and to find new people who will become a part of our journey. My friends in Surabaya have become a precious part of my story, reminding me that I am never truly alone, no matter how far I am from home. In the end, I am grateful for the friendships I found here. They have made my days brighter and my burdens lighter. They have taught me to appreciate the little moments, the laughter, the tears, and the simple joys of being together. They have shown me that home is not just a place; it is the people who stand by your side, supporting you as you chase your dreams in a world that often feels too big.
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