From a small university of 713 undergraduate students to one of the largest cities in the world with nearly 9 million residents, studying abroad in London marked a time of transition and revelation for myself and many of my classmates. At Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia I enjoy the slow and quiet atmosphere that a small university features. After first arriving in London, England, I noticed that my surroundings were entirely different. I could no longer wake up thirty minutes before class and still expect to arrive on time as I had a one hour commute each morning. Each of these changes allowed for a moment of self-improvement as I learned how to not only navigate a new city but a new environment, one entirely different from my home.  

“Race Today: Black History is British History” at the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, showcasing the many facets of British identity. 

Getting Around London  

Right when I arrived in London, several classmates and I were met with an imminent complication: how to get around London. At my home university, I never found issues with navigation due to the small size and familiarity of the area. The everyday necessities could be found within thirty minutes of my university, so it did not take long before I was acquainted with the area, and it felt like home.  

Accessibility is a key aspect of London’s identity, particularly in their museums. While attending a field study at the Young V&A, I was able to see prototypes of robotic hands. 

Studying abroad in London was an entirely new experience, not only is the city extremely large but there are an endless number of options regarding access to transportation. My classmates and I were met with seemingly endless possibilities when choosing how we were going to get to our flat: black cab, bus, Uber, the Underground, and more. At first, these options appeared intimidating, but it was not long before I embraced the variety in London’s transportation offerings.  

By the conclusion of my study abroad experience, I was able to navigate the Underground without an app for guidance and found out my favorite mode of transportation is the Overground. Through this experience, I felt more at home in this new city and like a true “Londoner.”  

Anybody can be a Londonder at the Paddington Bear Mural! 

While studying abroad with CEA CAPA, I was able to attend several field studies with my classes. These field studies not only supplemented my learning beyond the classroom but broadened my perspectives of the world around me. At my home university, I cannot travel in an educational setting due to the lack of public transportation and distance between destinations. In contrast, London’s Underground system allows students to visit the very places they are learning about during class meetings.  

Through these field studies, I was able to visit London’s cultural epicenters including Brick Lane, Chinatown, and Brixton. Visiting these interesting and electrifying environments truly refined my understanding of what it means to be a Londoner. Additionally, my knowledge on global topics related to my courses including gentrification and immigration, was supplemented by visiting educational resources such as the Black Cultural Archives.  

Being Tourists: Crossing Abbey Road! 

This experience was truly unparalleled as I was able to see what I was learning about in my classes in-person including street art and cultural markets such as the Brixton Village. Each of these lessons supplemented my interpretation of the British identity as I continued to navigate London. The field studies brought my learning to life as I continued to shape my own understanding of what it means to be a Londoner, tourist, and student. 

Tourist vs. Student   

 One of the foremost challenges I faced while abroad was balancing being a student and tourist. After first arriving in London, I had a list of everything I wanted to see including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Camden Town. At the conclusion of our first day and over 20,000 steps later, I realized that being a tourist is exhausting. I needed to figure out how to balance being a tourist and student while still finding my “home” in this new city.  

At home, I am used to only walking five minutes to my class and having every meal available in the dining hall. This was not the case in London, and I absolutely cherish the experience of being able to grow while abroad through managing these changes. I learned how to take it slow and truly appreciate each aspect of London without feeling rushed to see the next tourist destination. 

One of London’s many cultural hubs, Chinatown features some of London’s best restaurants and grocery stores. 

 I specifically remember taking the time to fall in love with London’s wide array of grocery stores, particularly M&S. By stopping and appreciating the small parts of London such as Percy Pigs and the delicious fruits available at each shop, I was able to enjoy the city in a new way which felt appropriate for me. This approach, of a slow and steady admiration of the city made me feel like a true Londoner. While navigating this obstacle took a few weeks, by the conclusion of my study abroad I was able to truly call London my second home.