I chose Sarajevo almost without knowing what to expect, and that turned out to be a very good decision. What struck me most from day one was the warmth of the people. In Sarajevo, an invitation for coffee is never just a coffee: it's an open door, a conversation, a genuine connection. Bosnians have this incredible ability to make you feel at home even when you're thousands of kilometres away from yours.

Living in Bosnia also meant being surrounded by history, complex and deeply human. Learning about what this country has been through, and seeing how its people carry that history with resilience and pride, was both humbling and necessary. It changed the way I see the world.

But Sarajevo was also our base for incredible adventures across the Balkans. We spent a beautiful weekend at Neum, Bosnia's stretch of coastline (quieter than Croatia, with a sea that was absolutely stunning). We explored the breathtaking Kravice Waterfalls, wandered through the iconic bridge in Mostar, and visited Foča. We drove through the dramatic landscapes of Durmitor in Montenegro, fell in love with Ljubljana and Bled in Slovenia, and ticked off Split, Zagreb and Dubrovnik in Croatia. Every weekend felt like a new chapter.

One of the most special moments was when our families came to visit, and seeing them fall in love with Bosnia just as we had. Watching the people you love discover this country through your eyes makes the whole experience feel even more real and complete.

And then there were the little things that stayed with us too. The food (ćevapi, burek, and the incredible restaurant scene Sarajevo has to offer) was a genuine daily pleasure. And one night, completely by surprise, we found ourselves in the streets celebrating as Bosnia and Herzegovina qualified for the World Cup. The energy was electric. Now we have two countries to cheer for.

But if we are honest, what we take home from Sarajevo above all else is the people. The friends we made here are the real souvenir. Sarajevo has a way of bringing people together, and we feel incredibly lucky to have experienced that.

To any student hesitating about choosing Sarajevo: don't. Come with an open heart, say yes to every coffee, and leave with friends for life.