Dear Future Laura,
*¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás?* Hopefully you’re reading this somewhere in Spain, with your sparkly Owala bottle beside you, and your bike and a new adventure waiting outside. Before you become immersed in your international placement, remember where this journey really began—not in Spain, but on the cobbled streets of Copenhagen.
Travelling to Denmark as part of Queen’s University Belfast’s Sustainability Go Global Programme changed more than my perspective; it changed my habits. Copenhagen showed me what sustainability looks like when it becomes a way of life. Cycling wasn’t an inconvenience—it was freedom. Public transport wasn’t a second choice—it was the first. Walking allowed me to discover hidden corners of the city while leaving a smaller footprint behind. I realised that sustainable travel not only protects the environment but also creates healthier communities and richer experiences, reflecting the spirit of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The biggest surprise was discovering that sustainability can be fun. Charity shops weren’t just affordable—they were genuinely trendy. Suddenly, being an outfit repeater felt like something to celebrate. After all, the only thing worse than an outfit repeater is an outfit rememberer! Copenhagen taught me that style doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense. Choosing second-hand gives clothes another story to tell while reducing waste.
Another lesson that stayed with me was tackling food waste. Using apps like Too Good To Go showed me how simple ideas can make a real difference. It inspired me to develop a similar concept for Queen’s University Belfast, connecting students with surplus food from campus outlets instead of letting it go to waste. It reminded me that sustainability isn’t always about inventing something new; sometimes it’s about adapting great ideas to help your own community.
Then there’s the Owala bottle. Somewhere between the stickers, jewels and countless refills, it stopped being just a reusable water bottle. It became part of my identity. My favourite accessory is no longer a handbag—it’s a bottle that reminds me every day that sustainable choices don’t have to feel like sacrifices.
So, Future Laura, as you begin this next chapter, remember that sustainability isn’t something you pack in your suitcase; it’s something you carry in your habits. Choose the train when you can. Walk unfamiliar streets. Rent a bike. Support local businesses. Refill your sparkly Owala bottle. Visit the charity shop before the shopping centre. If you inspire even one other student to travel more thoughtfully, then the lessons you learned in Copenhagen will have travelled further than you ever could.
The goal was never simply to study abroad.
It was to leave every place just a little better than I found it.
Adios, Laura.
