Day 2. It is weird to say it has only been 2 days I have been staying in here in London on this study abroad program. I woke up after Day 1 and at first glance, I thought to myself, “This all looks unfamiliar.” But now I can honestly say I have found my new home, as temporary as it may be.

The last few days have been such a whirlwind of activities. The first day we were given a short walking tour around the area to showcase the local pubs, grocery stores, post office, and other amenities. We also went to orientation festivities, whereby not only did we get to learn more about the program we are a part of, but also meet some other students from the United States that are a part of this program as well. This all took place at Imperial College, which FIE is associated with. This college is one of the top prestigious institutions for engineering and science students here in London, so it was cool to be right by it and be able to use their facilities, such as the library, and to be able to join their societies as well in our free time during our stay.

Aside from getting acclimated to our new environment, at times me and some other Drexel kids spontaneously just wandered around trying to find the best grocery stores, pubs, and other back alley shindigs that we wouldn’t have found on the tour, which was cool. For example, by Hyde Park, up north we found a whole row of shopping stores, such as H&M and Urban Outfitters. We also found other international retail stores and restaurants that we wouldn’t be able to find in the United States. But why are there so many Starbucks here too? It is just like Philly!

As a small group, a few other Drexel students and I went to Sainbury’s, which is a low-end grocery store. It was a one-stop shop for everything, and it was only just up the street. We, as a group, bought our toiletries, food, drinks, etc. The prices were not that bad for being in the area that we were. Then we lugged everything back down the street. It has been such a long and exhausting couple days. But tomorrow we get the chance to ride on those double-decker busses and get a tour of the city. I will check back in soon to fill you in on all the fun!

So I wrote the following at the Newark Airport last night. Now I got WiFi at our flat in London!!! Check it out below!

To say that I would be studying abroad in London this term from last year would be a total understatement! I had been thinking of studying abroad for quite some time, but I never thought I could make it happen! Now sitting at Gate 55: Virgin Atlantic waiting for my 9:20 PM flight, I can definitely say, I made it happen, and I couldn’t be more excited!

Today is the day I ship off to London to study at the Foundation for International Education for 3 months of so! I got to the Newark Airport early enough to meet up with some other Drexel students and even a Temple friend who is studying with FIE too. What a lovely coincidence! Even in line to check in my baggage, I bumped into a few British students flying back to London after visiting friends here in the states. I feel like I am already there!

After saying bye to my parents for the upteenth time, me and my best friend Kelly ate some Wendy’s because we were starving then went through security with ease! Now sitting in the Terminal, we aren’t even sure if it has hit us yet! A week ago we were like, “Ship us off already!” But after saying goodbye to our loved ones, we are so exhausted from packing and everything else in between.

Tomorrow at this time, we will off the bat catch the Tube to get to Manson Place, our home for the next few months! I plan on napping on the plane after getting my grub on again with a light dinner provided for us. Kelly and I got the opportunity to sit next to each other on the flight, so I plan on falling asleep on her the whole way!

What will the next term hold for me? Excitement? Nerves? Struggles? Memories to last a lifetime? All the above? Whatever the future holds for me, I know this will be such a rewarding experience nonetheless. I plan on trying new foods, going on spontaneous adventures (safely of course), and enjoying life to the fullest! I plan on meeting new friends, English and American and all other nationalities. I can’t stop smiling; excitement is building!

I do feel like I am going to have those nights where I am going to miss my best friends and family at home. But I know they are proud of me, and they can’t wait to hear all my stories! Cheers to that!