I was expecting that my second semester abroad would be like my first. The same thrill, nervousness, and constant feeling of pushing myself past my comfort zone. Even if those feelings were occasionally still there, my time in London was completely different from what I expected. I discovered that I was appreciating the little details of daily life that shaped my experience over time, rather than focusing on the “big” events of studying abroad. Everything seemed unfamiliar to me during my first semester overseas. I spent a lot of time getting used to new surroundings, making new friends, and learning how to get by in a foreign country. I learned independence from that experience, and it made me more confident in previously difficult situations. I believed that because I had studied abroad before, I already knew what it would be like when I arrived in London. But my second experience studying abroad gave me a whole new perspective. I came to see that you start to experience a place more deeply and meaningfully after your fear of the unknown fades.

I often felt under pressure to always be doing something or visiting a different place every weekend during my first study abroad adventure. But I learned in London that studying abroad doesn’t always have to feel hurried. Compared to my first semester abroad, when I lived off campus, living on campus also made a significant impact because it made me feel more a part of student life and made it easier for me to get used to a schedule. The everyday experiences, like traveling on the Tube, finding study spaces in cafés, seeing different neighborhoods after class, or hanging out in parks during nice weather, are some of my best memories. Because of like habits, London felt more like a place I actually lived in than a place I was just passing through. London moves quickly, and becoming efficient at navigating such a hectic setting made me flexible and confident. Public transportation initially seemed stressful, especially during rush hour, but eventually it became normal. I grew more comfortable traveling alone, trying new meals, and establishing rituals that kept me rooted even when I was far from home. I learned that independence overseas isn’t necessarily about spectacular events or major accomplishments.

Sometimes it’s about being able to establish comfort for yourself in a foreign setting.

This time, studying abroad felt different as well. I became aware of how much London itself influenced my education when I was there. Learning felt more immersive because class discussions frequently touched on the local environment, culture, and history. I also discovered that I was learning from ordinary situations outside of the classroom. I learned things that I could never truly learn in a classroom by going to museums, listening to diverse viewpoints from individuals all over the world, and just seeing everyday life in London. Being surrounded by so much diversity and history has always made me realize how important it is to get a firsthand look at various cultures.

I also discovered how important it is to slow down. Studying abroad can appear on social media as a never-ending journey filled with new activities and frequent travel. I discovered that some of the most significant moments happened when I put aside trying to do everything at once, even if there were no doubt amazing travels and unforgettable experiences. I started concentrating more on being in the moment and enjoying my location rather than crossing locations off a list. Those little moments whether it was hanging out with friends, visiting neighborhood markets, or just wandering around the city became the ones I appreciated the most.

Studying abroad for a second time showed me that growth does not always happen in dramatic or obvious ways. Sometimes growth happens gradually through small daily experiences, new perspectives, and learning how to build a life for yourself somewhere unfamiliar. London gave me the opportunity to experience that kind of growth, and it changed the way I think about studying abroad entirely. My first study abroad experience taught me how to step outside my comfort zone, but London taught me how to create a life for myself within it.

 

Jenna Davis

Major: Psychology

Minor: Environmental Science

Semester: Spring

Location: London, UK

University: Roehampton University