Do not be worried. 

Don’t be too worried about making friends, becoming bored, or having yummy food to eat. 

London is a city like no other and you will also learn more about yourself. 

This will be the best and most memorable semester of your life. And you will experience so many different things that you have never done before. But something I wish I did differently was listen to everybody telling me in person and online to not pack too much clothes. You don’t need to bring those business formal outfits or extra tops just in case or especially not those new white tops because the laundry machine here will turn them blue! There are so many clothing stores here that have everything you could possibly want, and probably at better quality and styles than the ones you have back home. 

Throughout the weeks, I have noticed how I have become a more flexible and independent person. Before coming here, I was someone that was really self conscious about eating alone in public or simply doing tasks on my own like shopping or exploring markets. However, since everyone here has packed schedules with classes and work, it is often hard to plan around each other’s schedules. I realized that if I want to make the most of my time here and explore London, sometimes I have to do it on my own and it can be pretty fun. I go at my own pace and I become a flaneur that really absorbs all the art, architecture, people, and smells around me. 

Also, I have grown a greater appreciation and thankfulness towards my friends and family. Even though I am simply five hours ahead and just a short flight away, it feels so far. Another thing I would tell you, is to make that effort to update the people close to you, whether that is a short text or just a picture of your adventures. Although it is amazing to forge new bonds in London, you can’t forget about your old ones. I am always thankful that my family and friends pick up my calls and answer my texts whenever they can. It makes me feel less homesick and comforted since our relationship has not changed even if I am in a different continent. 

By the end of this Spring semester, you will have visited London, Paris, Rome, Venice, Zurich, and Barcelona. Almost quadruple the number of countries that you have been to in your entire life! It is fascinating to see how different, yet similar our daily lives are. And how fast I can adapt to a different culture. I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried traditional cuisines and made an effort to speak the native language when possible to greet people, thank them, and say goodbye. It really makes a difference in their service and how they view you because you are making an effort to embrace their culture. 

But most importantly, have fun and make sure to take care of your health! 

Love, 

Future Kim