If you are thinking of studying abroad, and London is in your top places as a main base, read this for some of my favorite things about this wonderful city!
1. City Life
As someone who comes from a small town, I knew I wanted to try my luck at living in a big, metropolitan city to see if I would enjoy it. Now, after being here for over three months, I can safely say it is one of my favorite things about being in London. I love that there is always something to do and see, whether that’s by myself or with my roommates. Whether it’s hidden neighborhoods, new cuisines, or unexpected pop-up events, there’s always something new around the corner to explore. While it can be overwhelming at first, I have come to love the noise, the fast-paced attitude, and the chaos that living in a city brings.
2. The Food
Since London is such a large city, there are always new foods to try. Forget the tired jokes about bland British cuisine—London is a global food capital, and every meal here feels like a new passport stamp. Every street has a food stand to grab a bite from, and the options are so diverse that you will never feel as if you are eating the same thing constantly; in a single day, you could have a Turkish breakfast, Ethiopian lunch, and Korean dinner. Since studying abroad is all about new experiences, I recommend expanding your palate and trying as much new food as you can!
3. The Parks
Even though London is filled with buildings, roads, and cars, there is a multitude of fantastic parks around the city if you are craving some time in nature. My favorites have been Primrose Hill, Hyde Park, and Regents Park. These parks are massive, so you never feel as if you are surrounding by a bustling city. I recommend trying to visit as many as possible to find the one that you love the best. Pack some food, a blanket, and a good book, and you can spend a nice, sunny day in the most relaxing way!
4. Pub Culture
On every street corner, you will run into a pub here. That’s because they are ingrained in the culture here. It is normal to stop by one after work or class just to mingle with friends. The food here is delicious; try a classic Sunday roast or some fish and chips to get the real British experience! If you can, try and find a pub that does trivia nights. Most pubs offer them, and they are a blast! My roommates and I go every Thursday night, and it helped us feel more connected to the city and more like locals, since we have become “regulars” in the neighborhood!
5. Free Museums
As someone who is trying to live on a budget this semester, finding free things to do is pertinent. Luckily, London is full of museums that you can enter for free! In most other European cities I have been to, museums, especially the more prominent ones, cost money. London, on the other hand, lets patrons enter for free! You will be able to get lost in historic paintings, sculptures, and artifacts for hours without spending a dime. Just make sure you don’t need to book a certain time slot, as some museums are very busy and require an entry ticket for a specific time (even though it is free). If a museum isn’t free in London, look to see if they provide student discounts, as a lot of them do (this goes for almost anything – always look for student discounts!).
Choosing a location to study in can be a challenging process, but once you find the one that’s right for you, you will have the best experiences of your life! Each day in London has been fantastic for me, and I hope you consider this amazing city for your next adventure!