This semester, I have the opportunity to study abroad in London through Fordham University. It is an experience that I highly recommend to anyone who is interested in expanding their horizons. There is so much to see and do, and it feels like there is a bit of history and culture around every corner. Even my first day in London was met with new food, new people and new experiences. The area my friends and I are living in, Clerkenwell, is home to a plethora of historical sites, restaurants and pubs. I can tell this semester is going to be an experience we will remember for the rest of our lives.
In only my first week here, I have been able to see more significant cultural and historical sites than I have in the first 20 years of my life. On one of my first days, I went to Camden Market, a giant street market with foods from all over the world, as well as vintage music and clothing stores. I left with an Oasis poster. The next day, the Fordham London class was invited to board a cruise through the River Thames. The following day, we got to explore the Tower of London, which has been around for almost a millennium.
During my first week of classes I was able to explore all over London, with one of my professors taking us on a class field trip through the financial district. It was an exciting way to translate the in-class material into an immersive experience in the city. This past weekend, I had the opportunity to take a school trip to Stonehenge to see one of the greatest natural mysteries of the world, and to the town of Bath, a historical and beautiful city. It is incredible how much I have seen, and how much I have yet to see.
Last Sunday we got to enjoy a nice roast together, which was a plate of beef, potatoes and the famous Yorkshire Pudding. We have also tried Scotch eggs, fish and chips and bangers and mash. Not only has the food been extremely different from what I’m used to in New York, but it’s also delicious.
The biggest shock to me so far has been the massive cultural difference between London and New York. Coming from such a culturally diverse location, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The most noticeable difference between the two locations is London’s drinking culture. It’s casual to grab a pint after work, catch up with an old friend over a beer or even to do your homework in the corner with a Guinness. This is opposed to what I’ve seen in New York, where there is more of a “party-style” drinking culture. Another obvious difference I have experienced is the tipping culture. It’s extremely different from what I’m used to, as I am often factoring in 20% to my bill for the tip alone. These are just two of the many differences I have noticed, which are truly eye-opening.
I would strongly recommend this opportunity to everyone at Fordham. Since I knew I was going to college, I had always dreamed of studying abroad. Growing up in a household that didn’t travel very much, I had a strong desire to see what was going on in the rest of the world. This experience has been amazing and I’ve really been able to immerse myself in a culture that I’ve always read about online. To be able to experience this with my best friends has made it that much more memorable. If you had told me while I was applying to Fordham that I’d be celebrating my 21st birthday in a penthouse apartment in London with three of my best friends, I would’ve told you to take a hike. It has been and will continue to be an amazing experience.
