I have been delighted with my overall study abroad experience in London this spring, however, throughout my stay I have experienced both ups and downs. The novelty of taking public transportation, both the tubes and buses, has started to wear thin being no longer novel and exciting. I miss the luxury of being able to wake up and walk to class in 5 minutes, whereas in London I take public transportation 45 minutes each way. I have found navigating London, and the vast distances between locations, extremely fatiguing at times. I find myself repeatedly pressed among dense crowds, at the end of a long day of work and classes, and it leaves me tired, numb and confused. Regrettably, this past weekend, my wallet was taken which held my credit cards, gift cards, driver’s license, and cash for my time abroad. Although I am disappointed this happened, I try to remind myself to benefit from this as a learning experience. In most aspects of life, if you dwell on the negative, it will cloud the positivity in your life. The city life has already made me stronger as a person both mentally and physically. I have grown accustomed to London’s fast paced lifestyle, and it will be difficult to readjust to a slower paced suburban Virginia Beach when I return home. Living the city life has taught me to appreciate things I have taken for granted such as owning and driving a car, and having my own bedroom and bathroom. I know I have benefited from London’s study abroad experience, because it has offered me opportunities for personal growth and endless opportunities for professional and cultural experiences. London is such a culturally diverse city and I have enjoyed observing and interacting with people of all ethnicities and walks of life.
