"Studying abroad can be scary, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!"
Published Tuesday, 12th November, 2024 in University news
Hi there, I'm Eulalia. I came to City St George's last year, after completing my undergraduate degree in Spain. I've put together this blog to cover various bits about settling into university and life in London generally. I hope you find it useful!
Studying abroad can be scary, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! In this blog post, I’m excited to share my experiences and top tips for international students embarking on this journey at City St George’s.
Settling in
The first few weeks in London were a bit overwhelming for me. There was so much to do—registering with a GP, getting a new SIM card, sorting out tax matters, and more. My advice is to take things one step at a time and don’t hesitate to ask for help. If you have flatmates or are in any WhatsApp group chats, they can be really useful.
One thing that really made a difference for me was decorating my room. It was such a fun project! I brought pictures and postcards from home to personalise my space and went out shopping for some new bits and pieces. Even though there were plenty of important tasks to handle, having something enjoyable to focus on helped make the whole experience more pleasant.
Finding friends
When I first arrived in London I was anxious about not knowing anyone. One of my early fears was “what if I don’t make any friends?” London is a big city, people are often in a rush, and I wasn’t sure how I could meet people. It’s a common concern, but it turned out that I didn’t need to worry – most people were in the same boat! City St George is a welcoming place with plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make friends.
I would recommend checking out the activities organised by the Students’ Union. I did painting and cookie decorating, for example, but there’s plenty! Most of them are for free and they’re designed to help you connect with others who are also new and looking to make friends. Moreover, you can also take a look at the different societies and interest groups, where you can meet people with similar interests as yours.
Learning at City St George’s
Classes at City St George’s were quite different from what I was used to back home in Spain. In my home country, university typically involved large lectures where you’d take notes and then face exams. Here, the focus was much more on seminars and writing essays. It was a bit tricky at first, but I’m really glad I got to experience a different approach to education!
To make the most of it, I’d recommend being active and participating in seminars, even if you’re shy. I was nervous about speaking up at first, but I soon realised that seminars are a safe space for everyone to learn together. My professors and lecturers were also very supportive, always encouraging us to engage and ask questions!
Another highlight was the guest lectures. These were fantastic for networking and getting a glimpse into the industry from the inside. It was a great chance to connect with professionals and learn about their experiences.
I also made sure to apply for various placements and internships while studying. As a Master’s student, I wanted to gain more insight into the professional world. Don’t feel pressured to do this, but if it’s something you’re interested in, it’s a valuable opportunity!
Finally, one thing that initially confused me was the grading system. My grades felt disappointing at first until I understood how it works here. Don’t hesitate to talk to your professors and ask for guidance – they’re there to help you. It also helped to discuss the grading system with other international students who were in similar situations.
Fun Places to Visit in London
During my time at City St George’s, I had the chance to explore so many amazing places in London. I found the Citymapper app great for navigating London. Here are some of my favorite spots that I think you’ll really enjoy:
- The British Museum
It’s packed with incredible artifacts like the Rosetta Stone and ancient Egyptian mummies. The best part is that many of the exhibits are free, so I could drop in between classes and always find something new to check out—especially great on those rainy days!
- Tate Modern
This gallery is known for its contemporary art, and the exhibitions are always changing, so there’s always something new to see. The building itself is pretty cool, and the view from the café overlooking the Thames is perfect for a study break or just hanging out with friends.
- Borough Market
This place quickly became a favorite of mine for grabbing delicious food. The market is full of amazing stalls with everything from fresh produce to street food. I loved wandering around Southwark and crossing the Thames while enjoying treats like strawberries with chocolate—such a simple pleasure!
- Camden Market
Another fun spot. It’s got this great mix of vintage shops, quirky stalls, and street food. The lively vibe made it a perfect place to hang out with friends on the weekend. One of my favourite things to do was walk along the canal to Primrose Hill, where you get a fantastic view of the sunset.
- Portobello Market in Notting Hill Me and my friends would spend the day thrift shopping and exploring the area, including the famous blue door from the Notting Hill movie. Hyde Park is right nearby, and we’d often end up there, soaking up the relaxing atmosphere. Notting Hill is also a great place to spot celebrities—I saw Olivia Rodrigo the last time I was there!
6. Other places to explore
I also loved discovering other parts of London. If you’re into thrifting, Brick Lane in Shoreditch is a must-visit. And for a chill day out in the sun, Greenwich is fantastic. The market, the park, and the overall vibe of the area were definitely worth the trip from my accommodation.
In central London, I explored Chinatown, went to movie premieres, and tried to catch as many theatre plays as possible. The TodayTix app was super handy for getting discounts on musicals and plays, so my friends and I made the most of it. And while central London has so much to offer, I also enjoyed exploring areas outside the city centre, with the Hampstead Heath ponds being one of my favourites.
Some Final Words
If you're feeling a bit apprehensive about starting university, that's completely normal. Everyone goes through a period of adjustment, and it's okay to feel unsure at first. Remember, you’re not alone—many students are in the same boat and are ready to support each other. Be kind to yourself and give yourself time to settle in. It's okay to feel overwhelmed at times, but know that you’ll gradually find your rhythm.
There are plenty of resources and people around you who are eager to help. Embrace the experience and try to stay open to new opportunities. The journey may have its ups and downs, but each step is part of the adventure. You've got this, and soon enough, London will start to feel like home!
Eulalia, MA Publishing, 2023-24.