Name: Renée Roden
Graduation Year: 2014
Study Abroad Program: University of Notre Dame London Program
Majors: Theatre and Theology
Minor: Catholic Social Teaching
Dorm affiliation: Lewis Hall
What is your go to study spot?
Royal Festival Hall, on the Southbank of the Thames, or, if it’s nice outside, St. James’ square, just a couple streets over from our campus!
Where have you had the best “going out” experience?
London pub culture is seriously the greatest thing ever: so unique to the city, and so different from the states! My flatmates and I have a whole list of our favorite pubs, but I have to say one of my faves is the Lyceum Tavern, just across the bridge from us. It’s filled with little nooks and crannies—a very cozy little pub.
Favorite place you’ve travelled outside of your particular study abroad city?
Edinburgh. I was not expecting to love it as much as I did—I just joined my flatmates’ trip on a whim. It is beautiful, cultural city; very scenic; and full of fun. I am itching to go back.
What are your three essential travel accessories (e.g. clothes, items)?
- A sweet-scented lotion (keeps that skin fresh and makes taking a shower in a janky hostel shower space totes optional)
- A good pair of boots. These are the ONLY essential European fashion item. They need to be wearable for all occasions, and tough enough to navigate European cobblestone.
- A good “spy belt” aka passport pouch. Oh gosh. These things are so dorky, but so absolutely necessary. They make me feel soooo much more secure.
- Bobby pins. The most useful things ever. You can use them if your dress tears, if you need to fasten a belt in place, if you have a pesky stray hair, if you need to paper clip paper together, if you need to pick a lock, etc., etc.
What is your favorite or most interesting class?
My two favorite classes are London as a Theatre Centre, where, in addition to talks by working theatre professionals and touring famous London theatres, our class sees one show per week!
I also love Masterpieces, my art history class which meets for class in different art museums and galleries around the city. It’s such a fabulous exposure to the art that’s here in London, and leads me to a deeper appreciation for the art that I discover on my own,
Do you have an internship/volunteer position? If so, what is it?
I volunteer every other week at the Missionaries of Charity’s soup kitchen near our apartment building.
Best food you’ve had – and from where?
Oh my goodness.
I have to say the Penne Alle Vodka I had in Rome was absolutely spectacular.
Here in London, I’d say the hot spicy chicken pie from Pieminster. Or, of course, a Ben’s Cookie.
What do you miss most about Notre Dame?
AHHH. Oh my goodness. Everything,
I miss:
My friends
Lafun basement
My fabulous Lewis Hall quad
Candy Wall
The Lakes
Having class in the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center (especially the basement)
Late night trips to the Grotto with friends.
How do you stay in touch with friends and family in the states?
Skype and Gchat are my favorite methods. :)
Facebook is also SUPER helpful. It makes texting pretty much superfluous.
What’s your perfect day in London?
Go for a long run along the Thames down into St. James Park, then, on way back home, wander through the organic food market, and nab free samples.
Have breakfast with my flatmates (laugh a lot), then walk to the National Gallery, or a museum, or some little place we’ve found on Timeout, or just wander the city. Walk to Brompton Oratory or St Patrick’s in Soho (two GORGEOUS churches) for Mass. Have a picnic lunch in Hyde Park by the Italian fountains. Take the bus (LOVE the London bus) to Covent Garden for Ben’s Cookies. Wander through the Holborn area, and stumble upon a free lunchtime concert in a church. Evensong at Westminster Abbey.
Pubtime: dinner at a good restaurant, or an adorable pub.
Theatre. Then, after-dinner dessert and drinks!
What do you anticipate you will miss the most about study abroad when you have to return home?
I have fallen completely in love with London. Even when I leave London to travel, I miss it.
I will definitely miss being able to run by the Thames, Big Ben, and St. Paul’s Cathedral each day.
Do you blog? Could you share the URL for your blog?
I have had a blog for several years now, which I’ve continued while abroad!
Here it is:
http://finnabealightbearer.blogspot.co.uk/
Fun Fact: Renée travelled to Rome for the Papal Conclave and was in the crowd at St. Peter’s when Pope Francis was elected!