Moving across the world as an international student can feel daunting. Before coming to London, friends and family often asked if I was nervous about moving abroad to such a large city. And yes—while I was anxious about this big life change—since arriving, I’ve really come to appreciate the rhythm of life here. In this post, I’ll share some culture shocks I encountered, along with the things I’ve come to love about London as an LSE student. Hopefully, this eases some nerves if you’re considering studying here, or just want a glimpse into what life in London is like.
Adjusting to everyday life
Grocery shopping
Though Canada and the UK may seem similar (we’re both part of the Commonwealth!), I quickly discovered some everyday tasks felt surprisingly different here. Grocery shopping, for instance, was more of an adjustment than I expected. Back in Canada, I was used to massive supermarkets with everything in one place. But in London, I found myself navigating a mix of markets and express stores, especially since I live centrally. My grocery routine shifted from one big weekly haul to a few smaller trips throughout the week, which took some getting used to! However, I’ve come to appreciate the charm of these small shops and markets. They allow me to buy only what I need for a few days, which also helps reduce food waste.
The Tube
The London Underground, or the Tube, is iconic, but I initially found the idea of navigating it intimidating. Coming from a city without any equivalent, I worried about boarding the wrong train, getting lost, or missing my stop. In fact, for my first few days of classes, I actually opted to walk the 45 minutes to campus just to avoid the Tube! It turns out the system is much easier to navigate than I expected, and with a bit of practice, it’s now my preferred way to get around. The convenience is a luxury, and it’s amazing how quickly you can travel across the city. Now, it feels like second nature, and I even feel confident enough to help others find their way.
What I love about London
Free museums
One of the highlights of living in London is access to so many incredible museums, most of which are free to visit. Places like the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the British Museum have become my go-to spots on weekends when I want a break from studying. Being able to explore them without an entrance fee feels like such a gift. I’ve learned so much by wandering through these spaces, and it’s amazing to think they’re open to everyone.
Parks and green spaces
Another thing I’ve come to love is how green London is. I was initially worried that moving to such a big city would mean leaving nature behind, but London has so many parks and green spaces. From Hyde Park and the scenic expanse of Richmond Park to smaller spots like Lincoln’s Inn Fields near LSE, there’s always somewhere nearby where I can relax, read, or get some fresh air. As someone who loves nature and misses Canada’s outdoor spaces, these parks make London feel a bit more like home.
Cosy cafés and study spots
Finally, as a self-proclaimed queen of the café study life, I’ve fallen in love with finding new coffee shops to cosy up in. Compared to my hometown, London has a huge café culture. Whether I’m looking for a quiet nook to dive into coursework or a livelier spot to catch up with friends, there’s always a café that fits the mood. Having this variety around campus has made studying more enjoyable, as I can switch up my environment whenever I need a change.
My advice to future international students
Moving to a new country is a big adjustment, and it’s natural to feel nervous. My advice would be to approach the experience with curiosity rather than pressure to adjust perfectly right away. Give yourself time to get comfortable (even if it means avoiding the Tube at first, like I did!) and embrace the little surprises and challenges that come along with London life.
Remember—you’ve got this!