When I first packed my bags and left Nigeria, Slovenia wasn’t exactly the country everyone expected me to choose. People usually ask, “Why Slovenia? But that’s the beauty of my journey — sometimes life takes you to unexpected places.
Living in Slovenia as a Nigerian girl has been a mix of culture shocks, quiet discoveries, challenges, and surprisingly soft life moments. Here’s my honest story.
First Impressions of Slovenia The first thing that hit me when I arrived was how calm and quiet Slovenia is. Compared to the lively streets of Lagos, the small towns and mountain views felt almost too silent at first. The air was fresh, the streets were clean, and the people seemed reserved but polite.
I remember my first bus ride — nobody was talking, just scrolling their phones or staring out the window at the Alps. I thought, “Wow, I really am far from home.
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| The capital city Ljubljana |
Food, Culture, and Everyday Life
As a Nigerian girl, food is a big part of my identity. At first, I struggled to adjust because I'm a chef , a food enthusiast and a picky eater , Slovenian dishes are simple and not as spicy as Nigerian meals. I missed my jollof rice and suya! But slowly I learned to adapt:
Local dishes like ลพganci, cornmeal porridge) and potica (nut roll) became part of my experience.
I discovered African stores in nearby cities Ljubljana and neighbouring countries Austria and Italy where I could find Nigerian spices and ingredients.
Cooking my own Nigerian meals became a way of keeping home close to my heart.
Culturally, Slovenians value nature, skiing, hiking, and family gatherings. It was different, but I loved how much time people spend outdoors.
The Cost of Living
One of the realities of living in Slovenia is the cost of housing. In cities like Ljubljana, rent can be high, but in smaller towns like Jesenice or Kranj, you can find more affordable options. As a newcomer, I had to adjust to budgeting in euros, paying for health insurance, and dealing with paperwork for my residence permit.
Compared to Western Europe, Slovenia is still cheaper, but for a Nigerian student or worker, you need to plan carefully.
Challenges as a Nigerian Girl
It wasn’t always easy: Language barrier : Slovene is not an easy language, and while many people speak English, it can feel isolating when you don’t understand conversations around you.
Finding community: At first, I didn’t know many Africans or Nigerians here, but joining Facebook groups and meeting other expats helped.
Weather: Winter is freezing compared to Nigeria — I had to learn to love snow boots and thick jackets! But every challenge also came with growth.
Soft Life Moments
Despite the challenges, Slovenia has given me beautiful experiences:
Drinking coffee in Ljubljana’s old town by the river.
Weekend trips to Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj.
Crossing the border to Italy in less than an hour.
Enjoying peaceful walks surrounded by mountains.
It taught me that “soft life” is not always about luxury — sometimes it’s about peace, safety, and the chance to reinvent yourself.
Advice for Other Nigerians Thinking of Slovenia
Budget wisely– Rent can be high in cities, so explore smaller towns.
Learn basic Slovene Even a little effort goes a long way in connecting with locals.
Find community early – Join groups, churches, or student communities.
Be open-minded– Life here is slower, calmer, and very different from Nigeria — embrace it.
Final Thoughts
My life in Slovenia as a Nigerian girl has been unexpected, challenging, and rewarding. It’s not always easy being far from home, but it’s a story I’m proud of — one that continues to unfold every day.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live in Slovenia as an African or as a Nigerian abroad, I hope my story inspires you to step into the unknown and create your own soft life wherever you are.
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