Wow—time flies! I have officially been living in London for two months now, and there’s no place I’d rather be. London is such a vibrant, social place with so many fun things to do and almost not enough time to do them!
I’d say it took me about a month to become fully comfortable with traversing the city, and to recognize it as my current home. Thankfully, I am now familiar with many different areas, and can finally walk around the streets without having my eyes glued to Google Maps. Every time I go out and explore the city, it helps strengthen this sense of familiarity and comfort more and more.
That’s my number one tip for exchange: While you’re away, push yourself to explore your new home; go see all the attractions, attend different events, go to new places with friends.
The BEST parts of my exchange so far have been the things I had to push myself to do or see, the things I had to navigate to, and the stuff I’d done when it really would’ve been easier to stay home. You’ll see so much more and have an enriched experience if you make yourself try new things and see new places.
Some of the things I’ve done so far, and have very much enjoyed, include: going to markets (e.g., Portobello, Spitalfield, Borough, Seven Dials), seeing the museums (so far the British Museum, Natural History Museum, and the V&A), walking alongside the Thames, exploring the different boroughs (I really like Shoreditch/Brick Lane), going to different pubs/bar nights (e.g., comedy nights, board game nights, etc.), seeing the popular attractions, going for walks in the parks (Hyde Park is beautiful!), and so much more.
Not only will engaging with the opportunities and sights of your exchange city help you feel more at home, but immersing yourself in what it has to offer will help you experience its culture and life more fully.
Going out is also great for meeting new people. London is a hotspot for travellers, so along with many native Brits, I’ve also met several people from around the world who are all eager to share new, cool places to visit, and who I can give suggestions to likewise.
I’ve found that being around others and engaging in an interest of theirs with them has been one of the main things that has encouraged me to explore, and has ended up showing me some of my favourite places. Making friends and doing activities with them is one of the most rewarding and fun parts of the experience. And I would definitely suggest making friends with other exchange students—one thing about exchange students is that they will always be down to do things with you!
My educational experience has been really fulfilling as well—it’s illuminating to learn from different perspectives and teaching styles, an amazing benefit of studying at a new place. My professors are all great—super smart, helpful, and always providing interesting topics and ideas.
So, yeah! Two months down and things are going really well! I am so grateful for all the things I’ve done and seen thus far, and I can’t wait for everything else I’ll do and see in the coming weeks! London is sick, travel is sicker, and going on exchange is such an amazing, worthwhile experience. Make the most of it when you go!
