I’ve been living abroad in London, England, for almost a month now, and the novelty has worn off just enough for the city to become funny instead of intimidating.
Studying abroad has been something I’ve always wanted to do, mostly because I had never been anywhere outside of the United States. I have found it truly is the experience of a lifetime. I even got to opt-out of First Day Complete.
I am very much enjoying London. The drinking age is 18, the architecture here is beautiful (in the right places), British people are actually real and have British accents and Big Ben is, in fact, very big.
The people here love to drink. However, they are not familiar with the term “Thirsty Thursday.” The concept does not land, which is surprising for people who drink Guinness at the crack of dawn.
Shopping here has been an adjustment. A cute “vintage” jacket priced at 35 pounds looks like a good deal until you remember that pounds are not dollars. That jacket is actually around $48 , and my pockets are hurting.
Crossing the street is another daily reminder that I’m not home. Every crosswalk says “look left” or “look right” in large letters because cars drive on the left side of the road. You’d think I’d get used to that quickly, but there’s been a few close calls between me and a couple of taxis.
The double decker buses are honestly one of my favorite things here. It just reminds me that I’m actually in London. Every time I see a normal bus, I’m bored.
Instead of taking a teal shuttle to Chanticleer Drive, I take the tube from Piccadilly Circus to Cockfosters station. Yes, you read that right.
Some phrases simply do not translate here. “Beers, cheers, and Chanticleers” does not register in the minds of the British.
I have also learned at this point that telling someone you’re from America is not exactly a conversation starter. When I mentioned it to someone at the pub, they just responded “oh,” followed by a long silence.
Still, you do get to meet so many new people, experience different cultures and see things you never thought you would.
Classes are structured a little bit differently. There is no Monday/Wednesday/Friday, or Tuesday/Thursday classes. Instead, I have one three-hour class four days a week. So, I guess you win some and lose some.
Despite the learning curve, I love it here, even the part where I step outside of my student housing at 10 a.m. to cigarette smoke in my face. It makes me feel fierce.
The study abroad application process is probably one of the most draining things you’ll ever have to do. It is exhausting, and no one really talks about that part. But once it’s over, you find yourself living in some of the most beautiful and famous places in the world. If you can study abroad, do it! I’m having the time of my life so far. It’s good to experience things that are different from what you’re used to.
