The holidays while studying abroad can often be lonely, especially for students studying abroad during the fall semester. Sometimes national holidays like Thanksgiving can stir up feelings of homesickness, which is natural. The great thing about London is that you can find Thanksgiving roasts across the city varying in price from £40 and up. You can enjoy your favorite classic dishes across the pond! Another great way to celebrate Thanksgiving is by hosting a dinner. Getting together with fellow GW students or local students is a great way to curb homesickness. Getting together and ordering takeout while watching a football game or the Macy's parade on Thanksgiving is a great way to create new memories, relieve homesickness, and possibly create new traditions.
In London, right around Thanksgiving time, you will notice holiday lights and markets popping up all over the city. You can visit large markets such as Trafalgar Square Christmas Market, Leicester Square Christmas Market, and Spitalfields Christmas Markets. A few other great sports during the holiday seasons are Covent Garden for its stunning decorations and massive Christmas Tree, the illuminated Oxford Street, and Kings Cross Station Market to check out the Harry Potter Platform and mini-Christmas market. London has such a beautiful charm around the holidays, it is so wonderful to experience and make the best of it. Being in a new environment can be tricky, but focus on the positives, and who knows, maybe you will make new life-long holiday traditions!
Nouha Elyazidi
Fall 2023
GW England - SOAS University of London (GW Study Program)
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs Major