Post contributed by Abhishree, second year Law student
You just moved to another country? Damn!
That must have been an amazing experience, but also really hard, right? I get it. I’m an international student studying at King’s too, and here are some things you need to know if you’re one as well.
London is a beautiful and convenient city to live in. It’s also really expensive compared to the rest of the world. People here are very self-sufficient, and walking everywhere is the norm. It’s a fun experience but it can also be challenging especially if you come from a country where the culture is not the same.
The most important thing to do is give yourself time to adjust. You will definitely feel homesick and that’s okay! Try to find societies that remind you of things back home, maybe meet people who come from the same place as you do. Look for places that offer food from your home country, you are likely to find some. I think it’s important to have elements to hold on to that remind you of home.
Make sure you’re open minded and ready for change. London is a very global and fast paced city and that environment might not suit everyone. It’s okay to struggle to keep up with it. With time you’ll get used to it and start acting like a true Londoner.
And do not forget to do the basics when you come here – get a sim card, a UK bank account, any identification which you might need to pick up (for example, your BRP), your Student ID, a Student Oyster Card, maybe a Tesco’s Clubcard (they have really good deals) and anything else you might need to make your life easier in London.
Finally, make sure you stay in touch with your family and friends back home. Moving abroad might be hard on your relationships but with right time management it is easier to handle them.
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