Week One of Becoming British
’Ello from London!
It has officially been a week since I left for England. Today is my first day of classes! Ah! Things might actually settle down a bit now, because this week has been completely full of “orientation activities” such as a walking tour of the neighborhood, a bus tour of the city, a river cruise down the Thames, and, of course, nightly rounds at the pub. Sorry mom, but I’m quickly blowing my budget on beer.
So about the program: I’m studying at Richmond University, an “American International University,” at their Kensington campus, which is only about three buildings spread out over a few blocks. The main campus, in Richmond Hill, has about a thousand students, but this Kensington campus has only a couple hundred – basically just all the kids from around the country here for the semester.
Kensington, or “The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea,” is the most beautiful and expensive borough in London (average home price around $2 million), so I feel like a princess. Speaking of princesses…William, Kate, George, Charlotte, Harry, and Meghan all live down the street in Kensington Palace! I’m fangirling already. This neighborhood also has many embassies (except for the US embassy now, as you’ve probably read in the news…), which is, like, a dream. I’m excited to take a class on diplomacy in one of the most international cities, and specifically neighborhoods, in the world. Here are some pictures of the neighborhood:
So far, I’ve been having a great time meeting new people and exploring London. This city is much bigger than I thought it would be–so I’m slightly overwhelmed–but I think I’m settling in just fine. Some highlights from this week are:
- Taking a walking tour of the neighborhood (which is South Kensington, Gloucester Road) and seeing Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, High Street, Royal Albert Hall, and all the beautiful houses
- Taking a bus tour of London to see pretty much everything – Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, etc
- Touring the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels – plus, I was completely geeking out to be at a real 11th century castle
- Going to the top of the Shard, the tallest building in Europe (which, to be honest, is not saying much, but still), and seeing a panoramic view of this ridiculously massive city
- Watching the Manchester City vs Liverpool football game at the Old King’s Head pub
- Touring the inside of Kensington Palace to see recreations of the rooms of King George II, Queen Ann, and Queen Victoria, as well as a collection of Diana’s dresses (*freaking out*). No sightings of Prince Harry yet, though…
Hopefully I’ll soon be writing more niche posts about observations of London life rather than just a list of my weekly activities. Also, my program, AIFS (American Institute of Foreign Study), chose me to be one of their bloggers this semester for their national website! I’m writing 5 posts throughout the semester for them, so if they publish those, I’ll link them here too.
Overall, although London is a huge city and I’m a little frazzled, I’m becoming more adjusted as I learn my way around, avoid the topic of Trump or Brexit, and as Guinness becomes part of my daily diet. Adventures for the upcoming week include seeing Wicked at the West End and taking a day trip to Oxford. Looking forward to that!!
Cheerio and God Save the Queen!
