Studying abroad is such an exciting adventure. I remember the week leading up to my departure—everyone kept telling me how much I’d get to travel. And they were right! One of the biggest reasons I chose London as my “home base” was because it’s such a great hub for exploring other countries. But now, as I sit here after submitting my final assignment for the semester, I can’t help but reflect on how important the “study” part of “study abroad” really is.
Honestly, I didn’t realize how different the course culture and teaching style would be. Classes here were so much more independent than I expected. Most of the time, teachers would post lectures online and then spend just 30 minutes in class going over key points before sending us on our way. There wasn’t any regular homework or weekly quizzes—just a midterm and a final assessment. Without those little checkpoints, it was easy to forget that I had work to stay on top of. It didn’t take long to realize that I needed to change my approach and get organized if I wanted to balance everything. I started using a planner to keep track of assignments, class times, and travel plans. It was a lifesaver! Being able to see my week laid out helped me figure out when I had time to study and when I could squeeze in some exploring. Whenever I sat down to work, I’d set a specific goal—like finishing a chapter or drafting part of an essay. Breaking things into smaller tasks made it feel a lot less overwhelming.
One of the best things about London is that it’s such a vibrant city, so I found ways to combine studying with exploring. For example, I’d have class in the morning, and afterward, I’d pick a new café in the city to work on assignments. That way, I’d still feel like I was discovering new places while getting my work done.
One of my favorite days was when a friend and I decided to take the Tube to Greenwich on a Wednesday we didn’t have class. We started the morning working in a cozy little café, and then we spent the afternoon exploring the area and checking out tourist spots. It was such a fun and productive day that I almost forgot we’d started it with studying! I ended up falling into a routine of focusing on school during the week and traveling on the weekends, which helped me feel like I was getting the best of both worlds.
Another highlight of studying abroad has been experiencing how different school culture is here compared to the States. I loved meeting local students and swapping stories about our education systems. They were so curious about how things work back home, and I enjoyed hearing their perspectives too. Looking back, balancing studying and traveling wasn’t always easy, but it’s what made my semester in London so meaningful. I learned to adapt, stay organized, and make the most of every moment. It’s an experience I’ll carry with me forever, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Zaynah Khan
Fall 2024
GW Exchange - Queen Mary, University of London
School of Engineering & Applied Sciences
Biomedical Engineering Major