In September 2021, I flew to London for the first time to begin my university studies. It was nerve-racking, exciting, scary, and almost bittersweet to be leaving my hometown and starting this new phase of life alone in a new country. To make the most of this opportunity I had a lot to prepare in the months before I moved.
Month 1: Research
Right around this time 4 years ago, I stumbled across Richmond in my college search due to its location, degree options, and easy application process. Once I decided on Richmond, I needed to create a budget for living in London and plan out all my essentials: Accommodation, travel, Visa costs, Health care, FASA Loans, etc.
Month 2: Making an Application
The application process as an American was relatively straightforward and as simple as any university in the US thanks to its availability on Common App. By December, I had applied and received my acceptance to Richmond on the condition I would graduate high school in June. In May I received information about the scholarships I would be able to receive and student loan information, which is when I accepted my offer. Richmond’s scholarships are awarded based on nationality and academic merit. The Finance team was very helpful in understanding my eligibility for student loans, leading me to accept my spot at Richmond. After accepting, it was time to get started on my visa application. Thankfully, there is a dedicated team to make sure everything was done correctly and on time.
Month 3: Finding a Place to Live
Since I had never been to London before, Richmond made it extremely easy for me to find housing with the accommodation they offer. It came with all my large essentials, like bedding, furniture, pillows, and even a tea kettle. All I needed to get were small personal items that I could easily use up or take back to the US when the time came. Getting to know my flatmates was by far the best part. While it can be nerve-racking at first, it was helpful, in my experience, to start messaging right when you get matched, get to know each other, and understand everyone’s expectations for the flat before you all get to London.
Month 4: Getting Around London
I knew one of the biggest challenges for me was adapting to living in the city. I had never lived in a place with public transport, so understanding that, exploring my new surroundings, and learning all London had to offer was my first to-do. Luckily, London makes public transport super easy with contactless payments on all buses and trains, but they also offer student oyster cards to save money on travel passes (perfect if you travel to campus more than 3 days a week!). To navigate London’s public transport, download the apps Citymapper, Google maps, and TFL Go. When I wasn’t going far, and to save money, I walked everywhere I could. This gave me the best chance to explore all the shops and services in my neighbourhood, finding all the best spots for amazing coffee, or the best benches and parks to read in. One of the best parts I quickly learned about London, was all the student discounts we have from just showing our student ID or downloading the app Unidays.
Month 5: Academic Preparation
Since I was in London to study, I had to prioritse my academics. Richmond’s online system, Blackboard made it simple for me to prep for my classes and learn everything I needed to know before my first class. Because the university is so small, it gave me the chance to know my professors and peers on a personal level where I was comfortable asking questions and participating in discussions very early into my courses. Richmond also has peer mentors in first year classes, which gave me the chance to ask experienced students their tips for balancing academics and a social life. Their advice helped me develop a schedule that worked for me to get my homework done while also going out and meeting friends and exploring London.
Month 6: Meeting People
One of the biggest parts of preparing to come to Richmond is figuring out how to make friends. As many of us come here alone, we need to find our community and build a support system here. What drew me to Richmond initially was all the clubs and societies the University has. The first thing I planned to do when I came here was to join all the clubs, I had picked out on the university’s website and participate in all the orientation events to meet as many people as possible. To this day, it was the best thing I could have done to find my community and still have the friends I met during that first week!
Month 7: Final Preparations
Finally, you’ve made it to the last step, packing. Probably the simplest but most stressful all at the same time. My best tips: vacuum seal bags, capsule wardrobe (trust me, you will end up buying more clothes here as you become a Londoner, you don’t want to bring your whole wardrobe in the beginning), and skip the everyday products (always double check first, but many of the same toiletries will be available here, so save the space where you can). When packing, don’t forget your important documents, like your visa, and have a positive mindset for all the newness coming your way.
Lastly, take a moment to breathe. While all the preparation needed to come to study in London may sound like a long and potentially stressful journey at first, Richmond is special in so many ways. Coming here gives you the opportunity to learn so much in and outside of the classroom. The friends you make are lasting connections, and the opportunities being in a city as diverse and amazing as London makes all the preparations well worth it!
