Studying Abroad can be one of your best memories from college. You get a break from your normal campus routine, meet awesome new people, and living in a foreign country always means adventure. If you decide to study abroad in London, England I'm here to tell you that you won't regret it. For those who have studied in London I'm sure you know what I mean. The museums, the gardens, the accent, and the easy access to explore other European countries makes it an easy place to fall in love with. Here are a few experiences I'm sure you discovered while getting settled and can look back fondly on.
1. Going to a Pub is a Daily Social Activity
Londoners love a good drink and pubs are as frequent as your local CVS. You might start out grabbing a drink solely on the weekends, until you notice that pubs are standing room only at 2pm on a Wednesday. That's right, a beer with a mate is highly encouraged any day of the week and your happy to oblige.
2. You Learn to Stand on the Right Side of the Escalator
You'll never forget your first encounter on an escalator in London, because it probably resulted in you getting pushed and shoved. The rules state that if you plan on standing and riding the escalator you must stand on the right side, enabling those in a rush to run down the left. Not standing on the left takes some getting used to and you'll be thankful for the large signs posted that remind you of the taboo. You also wonder how you missed those signs the first time.
3. You Find Yourself at the River Thames More Than Once
The walk down the River Thames was probably the first thing you did when arriving to London. I mean almost every iconic landmark resides there, from Big Ben to the London Eye. You know that it is so touristy to visit, but it's so beautiful that you can explore guilt free numerous times. In fact, the River Thames was probably the last thing you did as a formal goodbye to London.
4. You Never Have Any Money
London is listed as one of the top 10 most expensive cities to live in worldwide and this is no joke. Not knowing the exact conversion rate for everything you buy may feel good in the moment, but not at the end of the month when you've spent hundreds over your budget. You end up finding comfort in your housemates that are all in a similar situation and have started to compile a list of "free" things to do in the city.
5. Traveling Past Zone 2 Feels Like an International Travel Day
Have an activity or site you want to see in Zone 4? You know you'll have to map your trip prior to your departure, because it will probably require you to walk, take the Tube, an Overground, a taxi, and three buses. Don't even mention that you bought an airplane ticket out of Luton. You'll be spending half your day just getting there.
6. You Know Being Silent on the Tube is the Key to Success
No one talks or makes eye contact on the Tube and you know you are better off because of it. Londoners have a much harder time picking you out as a visitor when they can't hear your American accent. You also have learned that spotting a tourist is easy: they are literally the only ones chatting away without noticing everyone is staring at them.
7. Primark is Your One-Stop Shopping Choice
You don't need Walmart or Target - you have Primark, which is kind of the same thing. Primark can handle any of your needs from clothing to linens and you happily except the cheaper prices.
8. You Groan Every Time a Cashier Hands You Coins
It just doesn't seem natural to receive 10 pounds in coins, yet it seems to happen to you over and over again. The last time you stepped on the scale you were told you gained weight, which made you panic, until you realized you still had your wallet on you.
9. You're a Pro at Walking
You could take the Tube, but why? On the occasion that a day is not grey and rainy, fresh air feels good. You find that you don't need to buy a gym membership, because you're walking more than expected. And what's a better way to learn your way around the city?
10. You Can't Help But Think of London As Your Second Home
London has so much to offer visually, historically, and socially. You learn the city like the back of your hand, and although you know you can't live there forever (not right now, anyway) that it will always have a piece of your heart.
