Submitted by Caroline Knotts on the 2022 spring semester program in London, England…
Last week, I began my semester as a UD student living in London. This experience has been eye opening in many ways and has helped me to fulfill my dream of living in a city. There are many differences between living and attending classes in Newark versus living in London.
The transition of not having a car has been very smooth. The neighborhood I was placed in is in a very nice area and I have felt safe at all times, both walking and taking the Tube. Public transportation is very accessible and I can easily get to most areas of the city by walking and using my Oyster Card, which I can use on both the bus and the Tube.
The grocery stores overall in the United Kingdom are much smaller than we are used to in the US, but especially smaller in a city. Because I have to walk or use transportation to get to the grocery store, I have learned to only buy what I can carry in two tote bags. People often shop many days out of the week as opposed to once a week like I am used to back at UD.
The commute time to the CAPA center where I take classes is something I am getting used to as well. I have about a thirty minute commute on the Tube instead of walking to class. I am able to listen to music or a podcast and use this time productively.
Overall, living in a city has been very exciting and there are things to do at all times within a short distance of me. I am excited to see where this journey takes me as I live out my dream of living in London.
