I’m studying for my last exam, packing up my things, and checking off some last minute to-dos… and I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone. The past two months have been amazing, and have taught me about so much more than economics. Below are the most valuable things I’ve learned while I’ve been here — thank you for the lessons, London.
Balance is key
I didn’t do as well in one my courses as I would’ve liked. But, I also wouldn’t have changed anything that I did to prepare, or any of the things I did when I could’ve been studying, like sightseeing and traveling. You can’t do everything and you can’t be everywhere — so do whatever combination of things makes you happiest.
Don’t hesitate
If you want to do something, don’t stutter — just do it. If you don’t take the opportunity while it’s there, it may never come again.
Resting is important, too
I was super eager to make the most of every single moment and jam as much as I could into a day. By the end of some days though, I would be so tired and hungry that I wasn’t really enjoying what I was doing. Taking time to lay down and recharge is totally fine — resting makes the moments when you’re up and out even better!
Listen more
I talk a lot. I just always seem to have some comment or question, most of which really aren’t necessary to share. When you’re getting to know people, that doesn’t really work super well though.
Getting to know people abroad is like speed dating. You only have a few weeks to make relationships, and so you need to learn about people and you have to do it fast. People aren’t always willing to open up, so it’s important to ask questions — lots of them.
When I noticed that I was the main person talking within a group, I’d put the conversation in someone else’s hands and ask a question that required a more-than-one-word response:
“Okay, tell me about the last three years of your life.”
“What are your friends at college like?”
“What’s your hometown like?”
In the process of listening more, I learned more about some awesome people and made better friendships. People like to talk about themselves — you just have to get the ball rolling.
Take pictures
Live in the moment… but also snap a few photos. It’s really special to look back at that amazing moment and be taken back in time to relive it over and over again.
Don’t be naive
I came to London with a very trusting attitude. Of course, I am a bit wary of people walking too close or being aggressive, but I generally assume the best about people’s intentions.
During my first week in London, one of my male friends was robbed at an ATM. And one of my female friends had her phone stolen at a cafe while she was just a few seats away from me.
This isn’t meant to be scary or to deter you from going abroad by any means, but rather open your eyes a bit. After these experiences, I kept my guard up and was more aware of my surroundings. Now, in the future, I’ll be more wary of a seemingly innocent man at a cafe that, at first sight, looks like he’s just trying to sell me a magazine.
Make playlists to capture your feelings
When I listen to certain songs, I’m brought back to the time in my life when I blasted that song on repeat for days. Make playlists with the current songs you’re loving and name the playlist the month or the occasion, or something that you’ll recognize. I love listening to my “London” playlist that I made my first week here — it’s full of happy and hopeful songs that really bring me back and fill me with joy.
People have different methods — that doesn’t make them wrong
There were some people in my class that didn’t come to any lectures. Personally, if I hadn’t gone to lectures, I would have no idea what’s going on. But, working through the slides outside of class worked for them, and they did super well in the class.
Find what works for you, and stick to it. Don’t force yourself into someone else’s mold, or force someone else into yours.
Be grateful
I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to study here, and I’m so grateful for the experiences. If you’re thinking about going abroad, do it — you’ll learn about so much more than the course you’re studying and it will broaden your horizons!
