This past summer, I spent thirteen weeks in London taking classes, interning and exploring the city as well as other European cities whenever I got the chance. During this time, I learned and grew more than I ever thought I could. I made amazing friends, I was extremely independent, and by the end, I became so accustomed to my life abroad that I truly felt like a Londoner. My time in London wasn’t perfect, especially due to the terrorist attacks, fires and other scares that I dealt with, but overall it was an incredible experience that I will never take for granted! After coming home and reflecting on my time in London, I realized that I have a decent amount of wisdom that I could share with future world travelers that could make their time a little easier. So, with that I give you, the top five things I learned from study abroad in London.
1. Learn the Lingo
Even though English is the most widely spoken language of the United Kingdom, their English has small word differences that can get confusing if you’re not used to them. When I first arrived in London, I quickly learned the way to my flat, that I would need to dispose of my garbage at the rubbish store, that my main method of transport would be the tube (and you must mind the gap!), and that it is polite to say cheers as a greeting or to thank someone. These may seem strange at first, but trust me, you’ll get the hang of it!
2. Things to Never Take for Granted: Free Toilets, Free Water, Ice Cubes, Air Conditioning
I don’t know what it is about Europe, but nothing is for free around here! Be prepared to have to pay to use public restrooms, to get a glass of water with your meal at a restaurant, or a plastic bag to carry your groceries in. You’ll also need to specifically request if you would like ice cubes in your drink as well as your check (although it’s better if you ask for the bill) at the end of your meal. The dining culture in Europe is much more leisurely compared to America, so you should be prepared for slower service and a culture that is not as customer service oriented as we are used to. If you want something, you need to speak up.
Another American norm that I realized I truly take for granted is air conditioning. When I first arrived in London in May, the weather was chilly, as expected, and I spent my days wearing the jeans and boots I brought with me. However, as the summer progressed and it transitioned into July, I needed shorts and tank tops to survive and I was practically melting as I slept in my steaming hot flat. Pro Tip: If you are going to London in the summertime, invest in a large fan! Trust me, it will save your life.
3. Go to Primark
If you’re anything like me, packing for a three-month long trip in one, under 50-pound bag can seem like an impossible task. I’m telling you in advance, you’re going to need to leave some of your clothing at home (I know, it’s sad), and you’re going to need to buy some things when you get there. Luckily if you’re going to London, there are many stores you can visit to fulfill your needs, but my recommendation is to go to Primark. It’s like Forever 21, but better. When I went to Primark for the first time, a weight was lifted off my shoulders because I was able to buy the essentials I needed (a laundry basket, a mattress pad, hangers) as well as some cute new outfits, all for extremely reasonable prices. Primark became my best friend when I studied abroad, and if you can get past the crazy crowds, it can be your best friend too!
4. Learn the Tube Lines ASAP
One of the best things about London is by far the tube system. For a relatively inexpensive price, you can get an oyster card (which gives you full access to both the tube and the busses) that can get you basically anywhere you need to go in London. When you get to your first tube stop, you may wonder, how in the world am I going to figure this out? For starters, there are free pamphlets that you can get at any tube stop as well as maps on the wall and I encourage you to look at them. Often, there is more than one way to get to any given destination, but if you look at a map, you can get a better idea of which line will be the shortest route. As you are getting used to taking the tube or even if you just want some reassurance, Citymapper is an app that made my transportation around London so much easier! Citymapper is specifically designed for cities so it knows that types of transportation available to you. With a quick input of your start and end destinations, it generates all the possible routes you can take, as well as the time it will take and how much it will cost you. I know it may seem daunting at first, but the tube is super user-friendly and in no time, you will figure it out and become a pro on your own!
5. Travel, Travel, Travel
While my summer in London was truly amazing and I have a love for London that I am not even able to fully express, some of my best memories from the summer were actually made around Europe when I got the opportunity to travel with both my friends and family. One of the best parts of being in Europe is that, unlike America, you can get to any other country in just an hour or two and for a relatively cheap price if you search for deals and check budget airlines like EasyJet or Ryan Air. Given the time restraints of my program, I was only able to go to each city for a few days, but the taste of Europe I got this summer has made me even more eager to go back, spend more time in my favorite places and visit more places I didn’t get the chance to go to. Whether it was roaming through the narrow streets of Venice and taking a gondola ride, going completely out of my comfort zone and jumping off cliffs in Wales, eating delicious meals in Paris with my grandparents, or getting burnt like a lobster on the beach in Barcelona, I came back from every trip with amazing stories, memories and the desire to see and do more. If you get the chance to study abroad or go to Europe at all, I strongly encourage you to travel as much as possible because there is so much to see and I promise you, you won’t regret it!
If you’re currently in London or just thinking about going to London, I hope these tips will help you make the most of your time and navigate through the city as successfully as possible. I know it’s cliché to say, but make the most of your time abroad because in the blink of an eye, you’ll be back home in the Motherland wishing you could turn back the time. If you get the chance to go to London before I do, say hello to the Queen for me!