One of the best parts was the people. I met students from all over the world — Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. We bonded quickly, swapping stories about our home countries and our dreams for the future. But something I noticed was that, despite all the diversity, I couldn’t find anyone else from Bangladesh. It made me a little homesick at times, but it also pushed me to share more about my culture with the friends I made.
The food scene was unbelievable. London felt like the whole world on one plate. One night I’d be eating Japanese ramen, the next I’d be trying Lebanese mezze, then Palestinian falafel, Italian pasta, or Greek souvlaki. I realized that in London, you never have to travel far to taste another culture.
Beyond the classroom, every day felt like an adventure. I stood under the vast dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral, wandered through the endless halls of the British Museum, and watched Romeo and Juliet performed live in Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. On weekends, I took trips out of the city - to Wales, where the green hills seemed to stretch forever, to Cambridge with its peaceful river and ancient colleges, to Bath with its Roman history, and even to the mysterious stones at Stonehenge.
And then there was one of the most memorable moments: my very first concert. Imagine Dragons. Thousands of people singing together under the London sky – it was electric, something I’ll never forget.
As an international student in the U.S., I’ve often thought of Michigan State as its own kind of study abroad experience. But being in London gave me something different: a feeling of connection to the world, of learning not just in a classroom, but from every conversation, every meal, every street I walked down. In just three weeks, London left me with memories and friendships that I’ll carry with me forever.
African Tea Time
Eye on Africa
Supporting African Studies
