The Fordham London semester is coming to a close and abroad students reflect on fond memories. (Courtesy of Grace Galbreath for The Fordham Ram)

Unfortunately, this is the end. 

I have reached my final two weeks in London, and with that, my final study abroad column. Although this will not be my last article for the Ram, it is definitely my last “fun” article (unless the Student Athlete Column wants me back?). After this, I will return home to the News section. Culture, it has been a blast.

This semester has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have visited more than 20 cities across 11 countries. I have made new friends (and grown closer with old ones), tried awesome food and explored every inch of London. 

Two weeks ago, my grandparents asked what trips I had planned for my remaining weeks in Europe. I told them I had planned to visit Germany first, and then Portugal the following weekend. When they asked where I would go after Portugal, my response was simple: Pennsylvania. It was a bittersweet thought. My time abroad is ending, and soon enough I will be a senior (not just a rising senior, but a true senior!). Although I could not be happier with my time abroad, it is time to return home. In no particular order: I miss my bed, my family and Wawa hoagies.

To wrap up my final article, I have decided to pen some tips and tricks for anyone planning a semester abroad. If you are taking advantage of Fordham London’s summer program, have fun. Sarah Urbano, take care of London for me!

One: spend every second with your friends, you probably won’t have this much free time again. While traveling, we met two European girls who studied abroad in America. They told us that their time abroad was a very influential period in their lives, and recommended we take advantage of every opportunity. So take their advice, if not mine, and live in the moment while abroad.

Two: always stand on the right side of the right-hand side of escalators. If you stand on the left side, people trying to pass will get upset. I’m not sure if this is a universal rule or a European rule, but I am sure that it is strictly followed. Trust me, you do not want to get into an altercation with a commuting millennial. 

Three: make time to call your friends and family at home. The time change can be daunting, but making the effort is worth it. They will definitely appreciate the late-night phone calls.

Four: make time for school, but don’t stress yourself out. It’s all about balance. You are in Europe for a reason, and your professors understand that. Book that trip even if you have an upcoming test. Don’t worry, you can study in the airport!

Five: don’t be afraid to be a tourist. You wouldn’t visit New York City without seeing the Statue of Liberty, so why would you visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower? Remember to take plenty of pictures and get souvenirs too. You need proof of your travels.

There are so many more lessons I could include. (Always carry a few pound notes on you, try the Sainsbury’s Roasted Red Pepper Houmous, make sure you walk carefully in the Paris subways so you don’t fall down the stairs, etc., etc.) But as this article’s deadline closes in on me, so does my time in London. (It was due two days ago!) I will see you in the fall, readers! In the words of Taylor Swift: so long, London.