Hello, Rollins family!
The Office of International Programs at Rollins does a good job at explaining what to expect while studying abroad at Queen Mary University of London. During orientation here, most of the information shared was not a surprise. I knew coming into Queen Mary that I would have less contact hours, less frequent but more heavily-weighted assignments, and be expected to have more independent studying compared to at Rollins. I wish there was more of an orientation here at QMUL though. Orientation consisted of two two-hour PowerPoint presentations. There was no opportunity to meet and connect with other study abroad students. Also, orientation week is shared with freshmen and study abroad students live with first year students. I like that Rollins does this differently and prefer the way Rollins does it where study abroad students have many activities to talk to each other and live with other upperclassmen, though it’s mostly first year students that live on campus here at QMUL anyway. I’ve met some study abroad students here that came with a program, and they’ve benefitted from excursions and meeting other study abroad students.
There are some free events the Student Union hosts so I recommend those to meet people. Also, clubs, called societies here, are a great place to meet people with similar interests, but you have to actively seek out their information because not all email lists go out to everyone like they do at Rollins; also, meet and greets happen very early in the semester, so don’t miss those. It’s hard to meet people otherwise, but I knew that coming in because, fortunately, this is not my first time living in a new city. Also, make sure to get people’s social media to stay connected because sometimes you meet really cool people and never see them again, though sometimes you’re lucky to see them again and ask them then.
The Global Opportunities Office at QMUL gave us SIM cards with £5 credit. The local Sainsbury’s has a wide selection of inexpensive home goods (like duvets and pillows) and groceries. I bought a floral duvet cover at Primark. The first weekend of orientation week, there’s a reuse fair where students can pick up secondhand pots and pans and other apartment necessities. London is much more windy than I expected, but when the breeze isn’t so sharp, the weather is really nice. I’m very amused at how people here are layered in winter clothes even at 50- or 60-degree weather. I feel like in the US, people are still wearing shorts and short-sleeved shirts in this weather.
I walked a lot my first 2 weeks here to explore the neighboring area and have become comfortable walking in all directions from campus. I walked to the Westfield Mall in Stratford where I discovered the artsy Fish Island district and Queen Victoria Park. I walked up the canal to Broadway Market and Netil Market. Speaking of markets, I frequent lots of markets every weekend; it is one of my favorite things to do even before coming to London. I’m so lucky to be in London where there are so many markets.
I’m very happy and thankful to be where I am,
Sincerely,
Carla Daza ‘20
