While studying abroad and interning in London, I am living in a town called Islington. It is a beautiful neighborhood filled with pubs, commercialized restaurants, grocery stores, and a canal that has become a favorite running route of mine.

One restaurant that I’ve visited three times in just a little over a week is a charming local Greek eatery. Except for their chicken, all their food is homemade. The restaurant exudes a warm and friendly atmosphere every time I go. The staff now recognize me and today offered me a free dessert, and I’ve noticed that my portions have also increased (which is awesome). And yes, I’ve had traditional fish and chips. However, the Greek food (pictured below) is just so much better.

I’m living in a flat with three other roommates. My specific roommate is a Journalism major from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, while the other two are business majors from the University of Pittsburgh. I did not know any of them before this trip, but we have quickly adjusted and become good friends. We bond over movies, sports, and the Greek restaurant mentioned above. We often go on adventures and dine out together. Currently, we’re discussing the possibility of a weekend trip to somewhere outside of London!

In all honesty, I am adapting much quicker and better than I thought I would. Having a few friends from Pitt also on this program has been a big help in making me feel comfortable while I’m abroad. Spending time with them outside of class has significantly contributed to my positive experience. Pictured below are my flatmate Daniel Mackenzie, and my friends Katie McLean and Heather George (from right to left).

I am also taking two incredibly enriching classes! The first one is a general internship class where we reflect on and improve our knowledge of working cross-culturally. We learn how to be more aware, better workers, and how to effectively navigate different cultural settings. My second class focuses on analyzing and exploring London, and it includes a lot of fun and educational field trips related to London as a global city. My professor is very intelligent and has opened my understanding of the intricate dynamics of urban life, globalization, and the cultural richness of London.

Through my classes and internship, I have learned that to be successful, I need to maintain a positive mindset, be a good listener with a curious attitude, and work hard. These skills are essential for thriving in a new environment and making the most of my time abroad. This week at Hayley Menzies, we will be shooting our 2025 Spring/Summer collection. I’m so excited to see how it all unfolds and to learn about all the steps necessary to get the best shots of the models in our clothing. I have an idea in my head of how a photoshoot should go, but I can’t wait to experience this firsthand!