If you’ve read my last article (shameless self-promotion) you’d know that I was in London. Now that I’m back, I’ve been crying myself to sleep in the fetal position with the Union Jack wrapped around my bod.
Like, look at this:
Ridiculous.
I’ve talked about London so much that I’m annoying myself so why not talk about it some more? Logic! Anyways, here’s an assortment of information nuggets, suggestions and what I’ve learned during my time in London.
A disclaimer of sorts: I was only in London for three weeks so my advice comes from a minimal amount of exposure and, obviously, I cannot speak for experiences in other foreign countries. If you’re a fellow Saint Rose bud and you want to study abroad, go talk to the lovely people at the International Programs office. (I mean, you have to to go talk to them if you want to go, but this is just to say that they’re ridiculously helpful. If you saw me at all last semester, I was probably quietly screaming and pulling out clumps of my hair because I consistently and constantly had problems with going abroad. So, thanks to the Study Abroad office for preventing me from going bald.)
1. Don't beat yourself up about not being able to see and do everything.
Especially because I was in London for the first time, I wanted to check off as much as I could on my to-do list. Unfortunately, because I was only there for a limited amount of time and had classes to attend every day, it’d be impossible to experience the entirety that London has to offer without burning out. It’s OK to chill out and stay in the moment; Buckingham Palace isn’t going anywhere.
2. The Tube is idiot-proof.
Aka it’s me-proof. It’s wonderful.
3. Go see a show or a play.
Chances are, no matter what season, there’s something good showing. Treat yourself to a West End show or catch something at the Globe. I somehow managed to snag tickets to Les Miserables at the Queen’s Theatre and I died, more or less.
Are your eyes feasting?
4. You don’t necessarily have to choose a class that’s for your major.
I took a Shakespeare class which yes, yes I know, I’m a walking, breathing parody of myself but our class wasn’t just English majors. (#notallEnglishmajors) Our class had everyone from the sciences to business to design and right back around to the humanities. Explore your interests! It's summertime; hang loose a little.
5. Save up before you go.
London isn't kind to your wallet and while it's not impossible to budget yourself, it's just a lot easier to start pinching your pennies before you're jetting off. Also, carry cash around with you! Some places either tend to have a minimum for credit cards or just don't take cards at all.
6. Bring an umbrella and a raincoat.
People weren't kidding about English weather.
7. The best food isn't your box standard fish and chips.
The population is so multicultural which is reflected on all the food options you have. Hands down, I've had the best milkshakes and Indian food here.
8. Passionfruit cider is always a good idea.
Cheers.
And there you have it! These are relatively general points, but it's something nice to keep tucked away. Bon voyage, folks.
