I knew before I even started college that I wanted to study abroad in London. With years of experience watching Mary-Kate and Ashley travel around the world in their iconic series of direct-to-video movies, I felt properly educated about all of the possible countries I could choose from, and confident with my final decision. London is exciting, diverse and the primary language is English which is an added bonus when attempting to navigate an entirely new city. I spent the fall semester of my junior year going to school and working an internship through the CAPA Program, and it was by far the best thing I’ve done in college.
Unfortunately, fanfiction’s promises failed me and I did not run into anyone from One Direction or any other British celebrities on the street, but I still managed to have an incredible time. If you are fortunate enough to be able to study abroad, these are some of the reasons why you should consider London.
1. The tube.
I will admit that everyone I knew, including me, complained about the tube incessantly after having to ride it to and from work and school at rush hour. But, it truly is the fastest, most convenient form of transportation. It is far cleaner than New York City’s subway, and you will feel a profound sense of accomplishment once you’ve mastered it.
2. Museum admission is free.
I highly recommend taking an art history class, as mine visited a different museum every other week. I was so grateful that it forced me to take advantage of the endless array that London has to offer.
3. Students can get discount theater tickets.
A lot of shows also offer a limited number of tickets through a lottery system, which is how my friend and I won ÂŁ20 front row tickets for "Book of Mormon."
4. The Royal Parks of London.
London is famous for its rainy weather, but on beautiful days Kensington Gardens is absolutely stunning. At Christmastime, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland has roller coasters, carnival rides and ice-skating.
5. There are so many other scenic places to visit in England.
You can make a day trip by train to the seaside at Brighton Pier or visit the botanical gardens in Oxford.
6. Traveling in Europe is easy and inexpensive.
You can get to the airport by tube, and prices for plane tickets to places like Paris or Rome are as little as ÂŁ30 or less (about $44). My biggest regret is not traveling more while I studied abroad, so go to as many countries as your finances will allow.
7. Golden Union fish and chips.
Saying that you’ll have the most authentic fish and chips experience in England is nothing earth shattering, but the one I had at this restaurant certainly was.
8. Made in Chelsea.
This flawless reality show made me miss "The Hills" in all of its scripted glory. The premise is pretty much the same: young, attractive rich people hooking up, breaking up, fighting, gossiping about each other and vacationing in exotic places. What more could you ask for?
9. The Warner Brothers Studio Tour - The Making of "Harry Potter."
Technically this isn’t in London, but it’s a short train ride away and was by far my favorite thing I experienced while studying abroad. It is truly magical in every way, and completely worth the pricey admission. Kind of like London.
10. This is an actual cake I bought at the grocery store.
Enough said.
