Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

London has been an incredible experience so far. Everything from the courses I am enrolled in, to trying out coffee shops, to riding on the double-decker buses and ending the week with exploring the nightlife, London is a city that is indescribable. It's hard to pin just one favorite memory as I’ve truly had too many to count in just my five weeks of being here. I'm astonished that five weeks have already gone by, it feels almost surreal that I've been here that long, but I guess the saying time goes by fast when you’re having fun does apply here.

London is a massive city, and to add context I’ve only been in zones one and two, but neighborhoods here expand out to six zones. This city has a unique blend of different cultures with all different parts of the world affecting the food here. For example, the influx of Southasian food has definitely played a pivotal role in what I have been eating here! Aside from the amazing food, the arts and theater also have a significant impact on British identity, and that has been really interesting to study both in and outside the classroom. Adjusting here has not been that challenging, I may be biased coming from a big city like Chicago, but I love the hustle and bustle energy that London radiates, nothing is ever still. In fact, when I think about my time here, I become saddened that there is still going to be so much undiscovered. Fortunately, from my experience so far I have already been looking into programs that can bring me back here to hopefully call London home a little bit more permanently!

Alvaro '23 in front of Big Ben: