Navigating London Life as an International Student: Tips for a Memorable Abroad Experience
by Ariele Palmer
Photo by Getty Images
Like most of the student body at Westminster, I am an international student studying here for one semester. Navigating university life as a semester abroad student has been rewarding yet challenging, and I know many students and friends in my shoes feel the same. Throughout the past two months of my time here I have gotten to navigate London life, school and work and really immerse myself in British culture. Here are some tips that have helped me during my time here that may help others studying abroad here now or in the future.
1: Explore all you can! London is huge with something distinctive in every borough. It is crazy that I am almost halfway done with my studies here and I still have much to see and do! If you have a free day, feel free to grab some friends and go explore an area of London on your bucket list, and maybe even something you would not expect to explore. Even taking a day to yourself to discover a market or take a walk in a park can be great for self-care.
2: Try something new! Whether that includes traditional British foods (like beans on toast), an activity, or sampling a local lager from the pub, exposing yourself to a culture different from your own can immerse yourself further into the English lifestyle. Specifically, try something that is not available in your home country!
3: Stay connected with friends and family back home! I know people that have created a blog to write about their time here and what they’ve been up to. Personally, I created an Instagram account dedicated to my time in England, which is how my family and friends back in the States keep up with me and my busy schedule. Of course, sending your loved one’s texts (or even better, a postcard) will reassure them you are doing okay and having the time of your life. Of course, it is totally normal to feel homesick after being away for so long, so I always make sure to give my family a call every week so we can update each other, and this helps tremendously.
4: Join a society! Even if it is something you have never tried before, joining a society at an international university like Westminster is a great way to make friends from all over the world and share common interests. Experiencing the social side to an international university can be very rewarding and these experiences can transfer over to your home university.
5: Go to a concert, which is my personal favorite! London is one of the world’s largest music hubs, and one of the reasons I decided to study abroad here. I have already attended four concerts and I am aiming for ten by the time I leave! London’s music venues have a show for everyone, whether you are looking for something calm and classy, or something more upbeat.
Not only are attending concerts entertaining, but you can meet other fellow music enthusiasts at these shows and bond over the acts.
While my time here is short, my mission is to make the most of it and do all that I physically can. Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I am very fortunate to partake in and considering these tips has helped in making my experience fulfilling. If you are currently here on an abroad semester, take these tips with you and embrace and enjoy every second of your time in London!