Final Recap of Studying Abroad in London

My home for the last few months. London, such a beautiful city. 

Wow. Well this semester has probably been the best of my life, and I can’t believe it’s already coming to a close. Not only have I learned so much about different countries throughout the United Kingdom and throughout Europe, but I’ve learned so much about myself in the process. From getting lost on the streets of random cities in Europe and finding my way home, to navigating and learning where I belong in London, this has been a transformational few months. I have loved seeing multiple plays a week with my classes and having an in depth study of the theater world in London, while also learning about new things like gothic literature and the presence it’s had in the United Kingdom. I have met so many amazing new friends that I may not have met otherwise, and I am sure that some of these friendships will last forever. While at first it was difficult to adjust to the new country and city, once I got the hang of it I feel like I really integrated into the culture. I don’t mean to sound sappy, but this has truly been a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget. London has been such a wonderful home to me for the last few months. The theater is incredible, the social scene is amazing, and it is a unique city that I hope to visit again in the future! London will always feel like a home to me after this semester, and although I am so excited to return to New York City, I am sad to leave this place. The professors were amazing, the city is unique and beautiful, the culture was infectious, the friends are incredible, the traveling was once in a life time, and the experiences that I had are invaluable. I will always remember going to the Globe, eating delicious indian food and fish and chips, becoming a part of pub culture, visiting theaters all over London, seeing art exhibits, traveling through ten different cities, and feeling like I belong here. Thank you so much NYU London for making this the best three and a half months I may ever have! I hope to be back as soon as I can. 

CHEERIO LONDON! 

What I wish I had known in September

As I'm finishing up the semester, I thought I'd give some advice of things I WISH I had known back in September! These tips cover everything from where to shop, where to eat, how to pack, etc. So be prepared!

What I Wish I Had Known about Traveling:

1. PACK LIGHT! Especially if you are traveling through Ryan Air, Easy Jet, etc. They charge you 50 pounds if your bag is over 10 kilos and you have to check it at the airport.
2. Bring a language guide. Don't rely on others speaking english - have a way to communicate with them in their language! Even if you just have google translate on your iPhone and play them what you're trying to say on your speaker.
3. Budget. Don't spend money like you're on vacation, because traveling with no money in your pocket is dangerous.
4. Pay attention to local laws and customs. I remember I got ticketed in Prague for not having the right train ticket (it was 40 bucks!)
5. Fill your days with activity. As much as I enjoy spontaneous travel, it is important to have an idea of what you want to do/accomplish while you're in your country of choice. You don't want to leave regretting not doing something!
6. TRY NEW THINGS! Seriously, what's the point of traveling if you plan on eating Mcdonald's for every meal?
7. Don't travel every weekend. You'll be exhausted.

What I Wish I Had Known about Shopping in London:

Brick Lane Market

1. Primark. Primark. Primark. Primark. Think Top Shop clothing at Target Prices.
2. The Brick lane Markets. Tons of amazing vintage clothing for 10 pounds and under!




What I Wish I had Known about Eating in London:
1. Sainsbury's - a cheaper version of Waitrose
2. Brick Lane Market - every kind of food ever in one big room for 5 pounds and under
3. Saturday market at the Brunswick Center (fresh Chorizo, etc for 5 pounds every Saturday)

Hope this helps!

Keeping Calm and Carrying on During Finals

As the semester is coming to a close, the final exams and papers are starting to build up. A three thousand word essay here, a presentation here - it is finals stress as usual. What makes finals abroad even more stressful though, is the fact that many people are still taking weekend trips in these last few weeks, leaving no time during the weekend to do work. However, with the right scheduling and tips, anyone can get through finals while still enjoying their last few weeks abroad!

Firstly, I would suggest not taking as many trips towards the end of your time abroad. You WILL have work to do, and although you're in an amazing place and want to travel, you still have to finish your work and do it well. Save most of your weekend trips for the beginning and middle of the year. At this time, you'll want to start packing, studying, etc. It is no time to be traveling!

However, if you must travel during this time, there are things you can do to still get through finals. Firstly, take advantage of the school week days. Most people only have class 3 hours a day, so use the rest of the day to work on your essays and study for exams! Also, if you have reading to do, take your work with you on your trip. There WILL be time to read, whether it's on a bus, airplane, or waiting in line for something.

Also, make a schedule. There will be things left you want to do in your chosen city, so plan specific hours for work, hours for being with friends, hours for packing, and hours for sight seeing that you haven't done yet. But stick to those hours! If you don't stick to the schedule, you'll either miss out on a sight seeing opportunity or you will have less time to perfect your work.

Lastly, KEEP CALM! If you feel overwhelmed during this time with packing, finals, and traveling, take some time for yourself. Go have an afternoon tea for half an hour while you read. I personally love going to a relaxing yoga class for an hour to unwind and clear my head (Good Vibes Yoga in London is a 15 minute walk from the dorms and it's the best studio around!) Whatever you do, don't stress. It's not worth it - you only have a few weeks left in your city!

Good Vibes Yoga, Covent Gardens

Tips for Studying Abroad in London

My semester is (sadly) coming to a close in a few weeks so I thought I'd share some tips for those who intend on studying away here!

Classes to take:

One great thing that London has to offer is art and lots of it. If you are at interested in theater or art, I suggest you take advantage of the Shakespeare, Modern Drama, Architecture, and Art classes at NYU London. I was in a Shakespeare and Modern Drama class and we got to see at least one play every week! That kind of experience is amazing and once in a lifetime! I will leave London having seen 19 productions all around London. And if you like visual art, my roommate is in a Modern Art class and goes to multiple museums for her class! It is the kind of experience you may not get in New York, and even if it doesn't go towards your major, it will be worth taking this class!

Neighborhoods to see:

While you're in London, try to see as many of the neighborhoods as possible. Although the dorms are in a fantastic part of London there's so much more to see! Go to Islington, Shoreditch, Notting Hill, etc (I wrote a post on this). You will not regret it! Don't hesitate to explore!

Where to eat:

Try the Indian food (go to Punjab) and fish and chips (Go to Golden Union) at LEAST once! When you're not rolling in money, go to Sainsbury and Tesco for groceries (Waitrose is a little bit pricier). Also, you must go to high tea once before you leave! (I suggest High Tea at Highgate).

High Tea at Highgate

Where to study:

If you want to get out of your room to study, you can either go to the Academic center (it's pretty quiet), the study lounge in your dorm, Costa (a local chain of coffee shops), good old Starbucks (yes, they're everywhere in London too), or, my personal favorite, if it's a nice day out go sit in Russell Square Park. It's close to the dorms and academic center, and completely and utterly beautiful.

Russell Square Park

Where to shop:

If you want to get some clothes shopping done close by, the dorms are walking distance from Soho (very similar to New York's soho), and if you want a more boutique environment, go to Covent Gardens to do some shopping.

Where to hang out with friends:

Covent Garden is AMAZINGLY fun and beautiful to hang out in. It's only a 15 minute walk from the academic center. There's tons of bars, restaurants, shops, and it's right by the West End.

Covent Gardens

After Fall Break!

I got home from fall break this week, and I had the best time of my life. I went to Dublin, Berlin, Prague, and Budapest. Here are a few highlights from the trip!

DUBLIN:
1. Making friends with an authentic Irishman named Gerard. He took us to an amazing reggae bar named the Foggy Dew. The Reggae scene in Dublin is very popular.
2. Going to the famous Temple Bar!
3. Seeing the Glendalough and Wicklow mountains
4. Pouring a pint of Guinness for myself
5. Meeting a tour guide named Tommy. He is an 80 year old ex-union worker and made my boyfriend push his tourbus in Dublin when it stopped running.
6. Later in the tour, we had to push another man's car out of a ditch. What are the chances of pushing 2 cars in 1 day?

Countryside of Ireland

Pouring myself a pint at the Guinness Factory

Tommy is the one in the blue jacket. That's everyone pushing the car out of the ditch. 

BERLIN:
1. Seeing the Berlin Wall
2. Finding out that Hitler's death spot is a parking lot, and his office has been turned into a chinese restaurant.
3. Going to the Absinthe Depot (the place looks like it belongs in the 1920's)
4. Eating Currywurst - Berlin's signature dish. It is just sausage with curry on it. (Legend has it that a woman spilled curry into her sausages by accident. It just happened to be a hit with the family she was feeding it to.)
5. Vintage shopping! Berlin has amazing second hand stores.
6. Seeing the AMAZING street art around the city.

Touching the Berlin Wall

Street art in Berlin

Currywurst!

PRAGUE:
1. Taking late night walks across the Charles Tower Bridge (absolutely breathtaking)
2. Eating "Old Prague Ham" and drinking hot wine in Old Town Square
3. Seeing a church made COMPLETELY out of human bones. The idea behind this is to remind the churchgoers that your body is just bones after death, but your soul lasts forever.
4. Playing with marionettes (Prague is known for them)
5. Seeing the castle

6. Making friends with my hostel's cat, Wifi
7. Seeing the John Lennon Wall

My Santa Marionette

Wifi the cat. 

BUDAPEST:
1. Making new friends - a Belgian couple named Flora and Sebastian. They're visiting me in New York this February!
2. Going to the baths of Budapest. There are literally 20 baths in one big building and a large thermal bath outside. It was freezing running in your bathing suit in the cold to get to the bath but SO worth it once you got in.
3. Eating Hungarian food. My favorite was the sour cabbage :)
4. Going to the top of Castle Hill (amazing view)
5. Going to a "ruin bar". There are bars in Budapest that are in dilapidating buildings. I went to one called Szempla - it has amazing art instillations in the bar and you sit in bathtubs instead of seats!

At Szempla, with our new friends

At the outdoor Szechenyi Baths in Budapest!

Sitting in a bathtub seat at Szempla

The top of Castle Hill

The Szechenyi Baths in daylight

For those of you who would want to take a similar trip...here is my itinerary!

Dublin (2 days)
Stayed at: The Ashfield House. Great location, friendly staff, free breakfast, wifi!
Got there by: Ryanair flight
Attractions: Saw the countryside, Guinness factory, Temple Bar, Trinity College

Berlin (2 days)
Stayed at: EastSeven Berlin. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ! Beautiful rooms, free walking tours, free coffee, huge kitchen to cook in, amazing location.
Got there by: Aer Lingus flight
Attractions: Berlin Wall, Absinthe Depot, Humboldt University, the Holocaust Memorial, Check Point Charlie, the bears at Kolischner Park

Prague (2 days)
Stayed at: The Charles Bridge Economic Hostel. ALSO HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. The staff is incredibly friendly and make you coffee upon arrival. Free coffee throughout visit, wifi, gorgeous clean rooms, and the location is unbeatable. It is practically located on the Charles Tower Bridge!
Got there by: Bahn train
Attractions: Charles Tower Bridge, John Lennon Wall, Kafka museum, Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock, Bone Church

Budapest (2 days)
Stayed at: The Lavender Circus Hostel. Clean rooms and friendly staff. Located across the street from the National Museum, so centrally located.
Got there by: Orangeways bus
Attractions: Jewish Quarter, Baths, Castle, Parliament, the Central Market Hall, the ruin bars

Fall Break!

Wicklow, Ireland

It is the first week of November, and London NYU kids, that means FALL BREAK! Many students (including me) take this time to travel around Europe and have new experiences! Since I have already done the “major” tourist cities this summer, such as Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Florence, and Venice, I will be spending this break exploring new places! Tonight (in about 4 hours) I fly to Dublin. While I’m there I hope to go to the Temple Bar, the Guinness factory, the countryside of Wicklow, and various shops and bars my friends have recommended. 

Temple Bar - Dublin

On Monday, I fly to Berlin where I am dying to explore the art galleries, the Berlin Wall, the nightlife, and see the ACTUAL LIVE BEARS at the Kollnischer park. 

Berlin

Then, after two days in Berlin, I take a train to Prague. I am Czech, so it will be interesting to visit the country of many of my ancestors! There’s an amazing culture in Prague – not only is it beautiful, but there’s tons to see, do, and eat. I especially can’t wait for the food…yum. 

Prague

Lastly, I will be taking a bus from Prague to Budapest where I hope to go to the hot springs and baths for a day and get lost in the city. 

Budapest Baths

I will blog about my experiences in all of these countries as soon as I come home! I love seeing new countries and hope to have amazing new experiences and stories to tell about!  

Theater in London

If you study abroad in London, you’re in luck because it has one of the best theater scenes ever. While you’re here, even if you aren’t a theater buff, take the time to explore some of London’s best theaters and theater companies. To save you time, I’ll lay out where to go for great theater, and what to expect.

The West End: This is the “Broadway” of London. It has the mainstream musicals, such as “Mamma Mia”, “Shrek”, “Les Miserables”, etc. But it also houses very successful new musicals, revivals, and plays. These are big theaters that have high budgets for their shows – you will get a spectacle!

The West End

The Young Vic: This theater houses new works and has a very cool crowd. I just saw a production of “Three Sisters” here that completely made me rethink how I saw Chekov! The Young Vic has a very young vibe, and with tickets so cheap, it won’t make a dent in your savings to go.

The Young Vic

The Old Vic: The elder to the Young Vic, the Old Vic also produces high quality and low cost theater. The Old Vic prides itself on producing and showcasing some of the best talent in the world. Also, Kevin Spacey is the artistic director – I’m still hoping to see him there one day!

The Old Vic

Shakespeare’s Globe: The Globe is a “Shakespeare only” performance space. They crank out multiple high quality Shakespearian productions a year. The Globe is probably one of the most famous theaters in London, so I suggest you go!! It is only five pounds to stand in “the yard” (which is the floor space) and a bit more money to sit in the actual seats. But, I think everyone should experience standing in the yard. You can be first row for five pounds! Go when it's warm and not rainy though - the theater doesn't have a roof!

The Globe

Royal Court Theater: This theater prides itself on producing new works. There is always an interesting new show that’s never been seen before here, so I suggest you go before it becomes successful!

The Royal Court Theater

I hope you take the opportunity in London to see the AMAZING theater it has to offer. NYU often offers discount tickets to shows, and if you take any theater classes you are able to see shows almost every week!  Seeing shows has been one of my favorite experiences while in London. 

Tips for Weekend Trips!

Many students at NYU study abroad take the opportunity of living in another country to travel on weekends! Especially living in a city like London, I have tons of access to nearby European countries. Many of us take weekend trips (since we mostly have 3 day weekends) which are really fun, but also take preparation! (No matter how last minute the trip is!) So I am giving you a guide to the perfect weekend trip while abroad. Heeeerrree we go.

1. Have credit on your phone. Sometimes I go weeks without topping up my vodaphone. While traveling, make sure you are reachable!

2. Travel with friends. This may seem obvious (most people wouldn't go alone) but it really is important to travel with a group of friends that you trust! If something were to happen, you want to know that they would take care of you. 

3. Have a plan. Although it may be fun to go to a new country without any plans holding you back, the truth is you're only in this country for 2 days. Make the most of it and see things that you may never get the chance to see again!

4. Map out the boring stuff. Already know how to get from the airport/bus station/train station to your hostel. The time it takes to figure out where you're going is time wasted not exploring the city!

5. Have enough money. Do not travel with a small amount of money in your bank account. Not only will you want to be able to enjoy yourself while there, if there's an emergency you should have enough money for an expensive cab ride, etc. 

6. Tell everyone where you're going! Let people know (especially your parents) where you'll be for the weekend!

7. HAVE FUN!

I'm going to Amsterdam this weekend. I'll post about it next week! 

Venturing outside of the NYU London Campus

So, although the NYU campus is located in an amazing neighborhood in the city of London (right near Russell Square – beautiful!), it is very important to go see the other (just as awesome) neighborhoods in London! Here are some that I have gone to, or want to go to!

1.    Notting Hill – been to this one. Definitely check it out! Beautiful residential neighborhood, but if you go on Saturday, you can go to the Portobello Market!

2. Shoreditch – have been meaning to make it here! I hear it’s a very young, artistic neighborhood with great bars, clubs, and art galleries. (I hear Old Street and Curtain Road are especially fun)

3. Soho – really cool, hip area. Much like the Soho in New York! Greek and Brewer street have amazing boutiques, and there are tons of restaurants and bars. While you’re there, you can also check out a performance at the Soho Theatre!

Soho, London

4.   Camden – Haven’t been to Camden yet, but this is where you want to go to see a band play (you’ll probably go to Electric Ballroom or Underworld) but the Camden markets are also supposed to be amazing on the weekends!

Camden, London

5. Covent Garden – SUCH a cool hip neighborhood located only 20 minutes walk away from campus! Covent Garden houses “Neal’s Yard” which is a fun quirky square painted neon colors. There are tons of yoga studios, restaurants, and amazing shopping here.

Neal's Yard in Covent Garden, London

6. Brick Lane – home to the Brick Lane markets and tons of amazing vintage shops.

7. Brighton - Because, who the hell doesn't love a beach day? Haven't been yet, but I would love to see Brighton Beach before leaving London. 

Budgeting in London

So as we all know, London is expensive. Think New York expensive times two, because the dollar is like half the value of the pounds. So, assuming not everyone reading this has a money tree or large stock in the Apple company, budgeting tips are extremely helpful when you’re in London!

Tip #1: You can’t do everything. I know this one sucks, because of course studying in London is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and you want to be able to experience everything. And although you’ll want to travel every weekend to another country or eat a different cuisine every night, you just can’t do it. Say no to that weekend trip you don’t need to take, or that amazing vintage dress, or to going on the London eye for the 3^rd time. You need to save money to eat – you’ll come to London again, it’s not going anywhere!

Tip #2: Have a budget. This one is hard to keep to, since things will naturally pop up that you’ll want to do, but try to stay on a budget every week. Put aside money for basic needs like groceries and tube money, and then have a bit of extra money for fun.

Tip #3: Take advantage of NYU trips and activities. NYU offers SO MANY great daytrips and activities for FREE! Take advantage of them, and you get have amazing experiences without the cost! (Like the London eye, west end shows, tours of famous places in London etc)

Tip #4: RESEARCH before buying flights for travel. I cannot express to you how important this is. Being lazy and booking the first flight will not pay off. Use skyscanner.com and hostelworld.com to find the best deals, and you’ll save money in the end to spend on souvenirs!

Tip #5: Eat Ramen. A lot of Ramen.

Hope these tips help! I’m trying to remind myself to use them J

Bucket List!

London Bucket List!

I have been in London for about a month now, and am finally settled into school, the dorms, etc. So now I have started making my London Bucket list! Although I have a larger bucket list for all of the countries I will be seeing later this semester, I thought I’d focus on my current bucket list for London and what I have and haven’t done yet!

1.  Go to the Globe

I have done this one twice! It was probably the biggest thing on my list. I am a Dramatic Literature major so it is a basic right of passage to see your first show at the Globe theater. This semester I have seen two shows there so far – “As You Like It” and “Twelfth Night”. Once I stood in the "yard", the other time I was sitting in the top row. It was the most amazing experience!

2.    Eat Indian food – Done!!!

3. Eat fish and chips – Done!! 

      4. Visit Big Ben – I have seen Big Ben from afar, but I haven’t gotten up close yet. 

      5. Go to Notting Hill and visit the Portobello Market – I did this last weekend! The Portobello Market is a huge antique market on Saturdays in Notting Hill. It has old Rugby Balls, compasses, cricket sets, vintage china, etc. It is really fun to walk around if you have a Saturday free! Also, while you’re there, you can see the bookshop that the bookshop from the movie Notting Hill was based off of!

      6. See a West End production – I have done this a few times now! I have seen War Horse, Billy Elliot, and Sweeney Todd with my Modern Drama class. In West End theaters, they sell ice cream in the aisles during interval, AND some theaters have little binoculars attached to your seat that you can rent for a pound. How funny is that?

      7. Go to Abbey Road and take a Beatles picture – touristy, I know, but I want to do it anyway.

      8. See St. Paul’s Cathedral – Did this on the way to the Globe theater! They are very close to each other. Such a beautiful landmark!

      9. See Buckingham Palace (Will and Kate 4eva)

     10.     See Stonehenge (This Sunday with NYU!)

     11. Go thrifting in the Camden Road Markets (a very young, cool area)

     12. Go to the Brick Lane Markets

     13.  The London eye!! (Going with NYU in November)

     14.  See the Harry Potter Studios!! (Also an NYU sponsored trip!)

     15. Explore the music scene in London – Have started doing this. Go to the Water Rats Theater Bar – live bands every night! Saw a great British band recently called Dance a la Plage.

     16. Get a British accent. (Just kidding kind of).

the globe!

Portobello Road

St. Paul's Cathedral!

Notting Hill

Food, Glorious Food!

Let’s face it. London has not necessarily always been known for its cuisine. However, once arriving and living in London, I am slowly but surely learning that not only is food in London delicious, but there are a few specific dishes that are out of this world! For example, just last week I had my first encounter with the famous dish of Fish and Chips. Fish and Chips is a dish with fried fish (usually cod) and thick french fries (or as Londoners say, chips). I went to the most amazing restaurant called the Rock and Sole Plaice. It was DELICIOUS! It was an extremely heavy dish (however I did get the large portion) but I was practically licking the plate by the end.

Another food in London that is extraordinary is the Indian food. I must say, I think it is the best Indian food I’ve ever had (and I’ve lived in New York City most of my life). My personal favorite place to eat Indian food in London is called Punjab. In fact, it is right down the street from “Rock and Sole Plaice”! On my first night in London I ate chicken tika marsala there (and buttered nan mmmm), and I have become addicted. It is pricey for a broke college student, but when I manage to stay below my budget for the week, I allow myself a delicious meal there.

So, don’t be afraid to try the cuisine! Every great city has something to offer, and I was completely and pleasantly surprised! London has GREAT food, and I can’t wait to try more!

I was more enthused about this than I look. It was so yummy!

The Rock and Sole Plaice! 

Best Indian food ever!

Punjab! It is located right next to an awesome Astrology store in Covent Garden!

Art in London!

Hey All! So I would just like to preface this post with the fact that I am not a fine arts girl. I love fine art, but I know absolutely nothing about it. So I thought, hey, I'm in a new city, why not learn about something new that I'm interested in? Thus, I talked to my roomies who are art history majors, and am now dedicating some of my time to exploring the amazing fine arts museums in London. However, my first experience to kick off this new interest of mine, was an extremely interesting and unique one, which perfectly encapsulates how much fun London can be if you throw yourself into something different, new, and uncomfortable. My first experience was going to a free art show in the Soho area - it was an art show by Mr. Brainwash.

For those of you who do not know who Mr. Brainwash is, he is the protege of Banksy (the anonymous street artist). His work is mainly meant for street art, but he has created works to be put in a gallery, such as prints, paintings, sculptures, etc. I would not usually be inclined to go to this sort of show, but I figured I'd check it out with my roommates. Not only was it completely rewarding from an arts major perspective, but on a personal note, I got to actually meet the famed artist and he signed my posters! This is just one little example of how opening up your mind while abroad can be completely rewarding - if I hadn't tried something new, I wouldn't have met a famous artist and shared an experience with my friends that will last forever! I am going to MAKE myself visit the art museums in London for the rest of the semester - seeing this art show got me hooked! For those of you studying in London soon, the major museums are The Tate, White Cube, The National Gallery, and the London Museum. The first two are modern art museums, the second two classical. I hope that everyone takes advantage of the art scene, even if you've never been interested before!