My Study Abroad Experience: 10 Years Later
I realized recently that I was coming up on 10 years since I started my study abroad program. On July 3, 2015, I hopped on a plane all by myself and flew across the country and the Atlantic to Heathrow, ready to embark on my study abroad journey in London. I was 21-years-old and so excited for this new experience.
My eyes had been set on London for years. I had traveled to the UK during a high school trip and was just completely taken with London. When I went to college and studying abroad became more of an opportunity, there was no doubt in my mind where I wanted to go.
When it came to applying and planning, it made the most sense for me to do a summer program. I didn’t want to miss out on my normal school year or be away from my friends and family for months on end. I ended up reviewing my school’s resources to find which schools were available to me, as well as what programs I could take. I ultimately decided on the University of Westminster, with a course dedicated to learning more about London culture. This included the arts, fashion, architecture, and more. I was only able to do the four week course, but in my head, that meant a whole set of new, exciting memories.
On the plane to London, I didn’t feel nervous. I was excited. I felt prepared, with my passport, visa paperwork, and information on where I was meeting program representatives. When I made it through customs, I came across a small group gathered just outside of the arrivals gate. I knew immediately these people were also in my program and that I’d be sharing this experience with them.
I lived at 17 Bedford Place, a short walk from the British Museum and Russell Square. I shared a flat with other girls who were also attending the University of Westminster. We lived on the fourth floor in a building with no elevator, so safe to say we always got our steps in. Outside of my flatmates, I became close with other girls from my program. We would walk to class together, ride the Tube together, and just hang out. We would try new restaurants, dance at clubs, and explore the different neighborhoods of London.
Me at my flat (2015 on the left, 2024 on the right)
I relished my time with my new friends and classmates, as well as my time alone. I spent a morning at the British Museum on my own and also went to see the musical Memphis by myself on the West End. I felt like I found an independence in London and a comfortability with myself that I don’t think I really had before. I wanted to soak up as much as possible when I was there, and sometimes that meant doing things alone. But I never felt lonely. I felt excited to confidently go out and do what I wanted to do and see what I wanted to see.
Going to class looked different every day. Some days we were in an actual classroom, at the University of Westminster campus on Regent Street. Other times we would take a “field trip,” like going to see a play or visiting a museum. The class I had selected was all about London culture, and getting out and actually experiencing the city was so helpful for that.
Another great part of my study abroad program was that, along with the course I was taking, the program itself planned a lot of activities and excursions. It allowed me to connect with other study abroad students in my program and really enjoy the experience together. We did a sunset cruise down the Thames, took a Jack the Ripper tour, and traveled to nearby cities and towns. We took trips to York, the Cotswolds, and Oxford. Every single day was an adventure.
Some other highlights from my time abroad:
Seeing a bunch of plays and musicals, including Memphis, Phantom of the Opera, and Mousetrap
Going on an excursion to York and falling in love with town
Meeting fun people and our nights out, especially at The Roxy
Becoming comfortable navigating the Tube
Visiting Oxford and seeing the stairs that Harry Potter walked up when he arrived at Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Exploring the Cotswolds and having tea
Meeting Matt Cardle after seeing him perform in Memphis (Matt Cardle won the season of the X-Factor that One Direction was on!)
Leaving my study abroad program, and London as a whole, was hard. I was so sad because it was such a transformative experience and I still look back on that time fondly.
I’ve been back to London a couple times since then. My parents and I visited in spring 2019 and I was so happy to return to a place that I loved. Last year, when Andrew and I visited London on a UK trip, I felt a strong wave of nostalgia. I visited my old flat, walked streets I used to walk when I lived there, and shared a place that was so meaningful to me with my favorite person.
I know London will always have a special place in my heart. Even 10 years later, I am immensely grateful for my experience. I’m a firm believer that traveling and expanding your world view is integral for growth, and that’s exactly what going abroad did for me. I grew as a person and built lifelong memories. And isn’t that what studying abroad is all about?