Studying abroad in London was one of the best choices I’ve made as a college student. For me, it was the perfect location to travel abroad for the first time and provided me with a study abroad experience that I’ll never forget.
London has so much to offer college students, and it’s practically impossible to be bored there. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider taking your education overseas to London, too.
1. You don’t have to learn a new language
Studying in a country with a language barrier can be intimidating, and having to navigate a new language while adjusting to a foreign culture might be overwhelming for some students. In the UK, the national language is (surprise!) English, so you can learn how to live in a vibrant new city while easily being able to communicate.
2. There’s history wherever you go
Soho has incredible nightlife, Camden is known for its famous markets, South Kensington is posh and full of high-end stores. Wherever you go, you’re sure to find somewhere with a unique vibe and lots to do.
4. Two words: British accents
Need I say more?
5. Fish and chips, etc.
British food used to have a bad reputation, but London has expanded into a cosmopolitan city with arguably some of the best food in the world. Even if fish and chips aren’t your thing (and they should be everyone’s thing), there are hundreds of other amazing options, from cheap and tasty takeout to Michelin-star restaurants.
6. The transportation system
There are bus stops and tube stations all over the city, so there’s really no need to drive anywhere. Getting around is simple, and navigating the tube system takes no time at all the figure out. If you choose to bus, the double-decker buses make traveling about four times more fun. That’s a fact.
7. Traveling around the UK is easy
Whether you want to go to Brighton to see the coast, to Hampton Court to see Henry VIII’s enormous palace, or to Stratford-upon-Avon to see Shakespeare’s hometown, there’s a train available – and it’s probably pretty cheap. Planning ahead for cheaper tickets is always a good choice, but if you want to go on a spontaneous adventure, you can buy day-of tickets and go wherever you want. Everything is only a few hours away!
8. Free museums!
Public museums in London are free of charge, so you can visit as many as you want without spending all of your money (well, without spending all of your money on museums). This is especially great if you just want to stop in for an hour or so because there’s no pressure to get your money’s worth and spend the whole day there.
9. The theater scene
London has an incredibly diverse theater scene that goes far beyond the classic West End musicals or Shakespeare plays. There are theaters all over the city boasting every sort of production imaginable.
10. Parks EVERYWHERE
Although London is known for being a bustling city, it seems as though there’s a park everywhere you look. During nice weather, they’re great to walk around or have a picnic in when you need a break from the busyness of the city.
11. The pubs
Pub culture in London is lively, fun, and unlike anything you could find in the US. Pubs are sprinkled all over the city, each offering all sorts of delicious drinks, snacks, and opportunities to go out with friends and meet new people.
