A Semester in London, Fall 2005

What better way to explore the world and broaden your horizons than to study abroad!

I did just that for my 1st semester of my junior year of college. This was my 1st time flying by myself, and I remember feeling nervous, but also excited for the adventure to come!

I flew out of Boston on Virgin Atlantic and, around 6 and a half hours and 2 movies later, landed in London, England. Someone from the school met us at the airport, and I discovered quite a few people on my flight were also students studying through the same program.

The bus took us into the city, and it was some people's 1st time riding on the opposite side of the road. It was my 2nd time, my 1st being a few months earlier in Northern Ireland. It dropped us off at Atlantic House, the dorms for study abroad students at Richmond University, in Kensington (a burough in London).

Atlantic House, Richmond University in London

When we arrived, I climbed the stairs to my home away from home for the next 3 and a half months. I was there before my roommate, so I got to choose which bed I wanted. I would normally choose the one by the window, but decided to go with the one closer to the door. This ended up being a wise choice since my roommate was out most nights and slept in late, the complete opposite of me.

When going to college, whether abroad or in your own country, expect to meet a variety of interesting characters.Some good and some not so good! I've found one can learn something from everyone, and you may be surprised to find yourself being friends with someone who comes from a complete different background:)

During our 1st week, the college offered many day trips to help orient us in our new city. I took advantage of several, including a walk in Kensington Park, and a walk along the Thames and riding the London Eye, a huge Ferris Wheel by the river with nice views of Parliament and Big Ben.

London Eye

Big Ben

I also went on a day trip outside the city to Bath and Stonehenge. The archeologist in me loved exploring the Roman Baths and neolithic structure of Stonehenge.

Stonehenge

I majored in Anthropology concentration Archeology, and minored in History. London and surrounds was a perfect place to step back in time, but still be in the modern world.

The classes I took were: History of London, Art and Architecture, Museums and Galleries of London, and Creative Writing. All of which had several field trips throughout the city. I got to explore many different parts of London, including many of its renowned museums and galleries, Buckingham Palace, its many parks, and even got to stand on both sides of the Greenwich International Date Line!

Me at Buckingham Palace

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Me at the Princess Diana Memorial in Kensington Park

I also went on 2 long weekend trips with some friends. We used Ryanair, a cheaper airline to get around Europe, and went to Sweden and Italy.

About half way through the semester, one of my sisters came over to visit for a few days and we got to explore more of the city, as well as took the train to Warwick Castle and up to Edinburgh, Scotland. I would later go to grad school there!

Me in English countryside near Warwick Castle

All in all, my semester in London was full of new friends and experiences, and left me with a thirst for more travel and adventure! I highly recommend studying abroad to all college students who want to spread their wings and learn more about a different country and culture! Happy Travels.

* all pictures are from film and were scanned, since this was 2 years before my 1st digital camera!