As I approach the halfway point of my time in London, I reflect on my wonderful experiences and the people I've met. In the first half of my year abroad at the London School of Economics and Political Science, I have come to adore London in a way that exceeds my experiences as a tourist in magnitudes. From my outstanding professors in engaging and relevant classes to the secret cafés my new friends and I frequent, my time thus far studying abroad in London has been nothing short of exceptional.
To first highlight my academic experience thus far: studying as a student at the London School of Economics and Political Science in the General Course has been the materialization of a dream into reality and even more impressive than I could've ever predicted. Fully enrolled as a student here, I've had the opportunity to study under professors who (quite literally) wrote the book on European politics and career foreign policy advisors who cut their teeth at the highest decision-making levels and now pass their knowledge and experiences onto the next generation. Beyond the lecture hall, my class teachers (TAs) have been invested in our learning success and are eager to engage with students.
Outside of school, my time has been spent socializing, exploring London, and traveling. I've been lucky to make a cadre of wonderful friends who come from every corner of the globe - Americans hailing from universities from California to New York, British students in their first, second, third, and post-graduate years at LSE, and other international students from France, the Middle East, Malaysia, and beyond. This diverse set of friendships and the diverse experiences they've granted me have been joyful relationships and experiences I'll cherish for a lifetime.
London is an incredible city to study in, and I encourage anyone who can to do so. I write this as the holidays approach, and the streets of London are lined with lights wherever one turns. Government buildings, university halls, storefronts, everything here is covered with decorations that evoke festivity and cheer. Excellent museums are everywhere here: the British Museum (the London lost-and-found, as a British friend of mine so aptly put it) is one of the world's best collections and a place where one can lose oneself for a full day without effort. I've also been drawn to the Victoria and Albert Museum, which has an art library students can sign up for and study in for free-- a great find! The city is peppered with amazing collections and galleries, and a quick search for whatever is nearby will always yield great results.
On top of what London has to offer, the opportunities to travel have been fantastic. Cheap tickets and quick travel have allowed me to see Budapest, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia; Vienna, Austria; and more since I arrived less than 2 and a half months ago. With more than five airports within an hour of central London, anyone with a spare weekend should undoubtedly take advantage of the ease of travel.
I have certainly missed my home in DC, from the friends I've made at GW to the routines and places in DC I came to rely on. But LSE and London have welcomed me with open arms and given me new experiences and relationships that have shaped me as a learner and human being in a deeply meaningful way. My time abroad has been exceptional, and I encourage anyone hesitant to come and study abroad, especially for a whole year, to take the plunge and have faith in themselves and the process. As long as you put in the work, things have a way of falling into place and creating an experience abroad that is magical and without comparison. After completing a third of my time here, I look forward to seeing what my next adventures will hold and am only more excited for the future.
Nicholas Hildebrand
Academic Year 2024-25
Year in London - London School of Economics
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs Major