In the blink of an eye, my Autumn Term at LSE came to an end. The past four months have been all about learning how to deal with unexpected challenges, adapting to the unknown, and turning weaknesses into strengths.

From an academic perspective, the Autumn Term was the opportunity to familiarise myself with the British learning system. Having experienced both the American and French systems, I must say I prefer the one I am currently navigating. The emphasis on independent learning required some initial adjustments, but it ultimately allowed me to focus on areas of difficulty and take the time needed to understand confusing concepts. This approach helped me develop self-discipline and reminded me why I chose to pursue my studies. One of the aspects I appreciate most is the accessibility of course convenors. After reflecting on a topic independently, if I still struggled, I could easily book office hours. These meetings were incredibly helpful, not just for resolving confusion but also for exploring topics beyond the syllabus with professors who are experts in their fields. I look forward to attending more of these office hours to continue expanding my understanding.

What also helped me adapt to this new environment was LSE’s commitment to ensuring that students coming from abroad felt less homesick and had a sense of belonging. Every Monday, the weekly issue of the TEMBO study abroad newsletter provided information on social events, suggestions for things to do in London, important dates to remember, and a special message from the Dean. Small initiatives like this made a significant difference in creating a sense of belonging.

The challenge of being an international student abroad is that alongside discovering a new academic world, you discover yourself and adapt your day-to-day life to your host city. This can be both daunting and exciting. As I reflect on the past term, I’d like to share a few insights that helped me settle in.

Take the time to discover the city beyond the landmarks: One of the best things I did was ask my fellow LSE classmates, especially locals, about their favourite spots and things to do. This allowed me to experience London from a different perspective and discover places I might never have visited otherwise. Beyond London, I also recommend making use of your BRP to travel across the UK. In October, I spent a few days in Edinburgh, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made—I cannot recommend this city enough! As the weather improves, I look forward to visiting English seaside towns like Bournemouth and those in Cornwall.

Nurture old hobbies or find new ones: This Autumn Term, I fell back in love with sports I used to practice when I was younger, such as dance and tennis. LSE offers a wide range of activities and societies for all interests, making it easy to stay active and engaged. Finding small things that bring joy can make daily life easier and more enjoyable. In particular, incorporating a hobby especially a physical activity, is a great way to socialise, unwind, and stay productive. I plan to join a running club soon, as the longer days and later sunsets will be the perfect opportunity to explore the city one kilometre at a time.

Learn about the different cultures that surround you: As a student abroad, the first term is usually the one where homesickness kicks in right after what many like to refer to as the “honeymoon” phase. It’s important to know that this is very common and a lot of students go through this. Thus, cultural exchange can be a great way to navigate this transition: it allows you to learn more about those around you while sharing what makes your own background unique. This is also a great way to meet new people and expand a network that can help you adapt better. As a matter of fact, now that I have settled in, I look forward to hosting more pot lucks at home to learn about culture through food.

Writing this reflection has been a valuable way to process the past term and recognise how, despite inevitable challenges, adapting to a new environment is not only possible but also exciting. Just as I reflected on my experiences, I encourage you to do the same, whether through journaling (which is also a great tool for adaptation) or simply looking through your camera roll. Once you see how far you have come in just four months, both personally and academically, I am sure you will feel recharged and ready to welcome new adventures.