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/ My Semester in London
Roehampton University
How do you describe London, the biggest city in Europe? Having spent five months as an exchange student in the British capital I've found that there is no way of expressing what London is, because what isn't it? London offers something for everyone. Great art collections, first class musical theater and world renowned cuisine on one side of the street, with peaceful green parks, cozy coffeehouses and budget shopping on the other side. All this, of course, under a skyline with some of the most famous landmark buildings in the world.
When I arrived at Heathrow Airport in early January last Spring I had three ridiculously heavy bags packed with shoes and great expectations about the adventure I had ahead of me. The flight from Copenhagen to London takes barely two hours, and this wasn’t my first time visiting the British capital, but moving to a new country for 5 months isn’t just another weekend break. I didn’t know this then, but this would turn out to be a journey where I’d meet friends for life and completely fall in love: with the beautiful, intellectual and absolutely crazy city of London.
Campus life
In Sweden I studied communication towards a Bachelors degree and had a free semester to study abroad. I chose London and Roehampton University to study Marketing and live on Campus. My housing consisted of a room that was smaller than I was used to and a kitchen and living room that I shared with six other students. The Campus was located outside of the main City but the great experience of meeting my flat mates was well it. There were different student activities happening every night, such as Band night at the Student Union’s pub or themed parties at the University club. The International society arranged activities for all exchange students, first of all a two-day long introduction programme.
Favorite spots
The other exchange students came from all over the world, thus, I did not only meet British students. Some of my closest friends were American, French, Norwegian and Japanese. Together we explored the city of London. Among my favorite spots in the city was the National Gallery where tourists, Londoners and connoisseurs of art gather to enjoy and reflect upon some the collection of great art classics. For high street shopping, I preferred Kensington high street before the hectic Oxford Street, although the gigantic Top Shop mall at Oxford Circus is a must-see. Notting Hill became my, as so many others, favorite part of the city with the local pubs, colorful townhouses and the Portobello market. Richmond park, situated next to the Roehampton campus, was perfect for runs, and as spring came along for picnics as well.
Same, same but different
Studying in the UK is rather similar to studying in Sweden. Teachers call for discussions in the classroom rather than just one-way communication and a large part of the examination is based on team work. The biggest difference, however, is probably the fact that I was used to having exams every 5th week and at Roehampton I had all my exams in May. This called for planning and self-control, which was a good experience for me.
As I left London, with even heavier luggage than when I arrived, I knew I would be coming back to see her again soon. Today, I just moved to Stockholm and started working but I am hoping for a reunion later this year. Even if my relationship to London is a distance one at the moment, I have a feeling it could be for life!
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