England: Emmalyn Bergman (Daily Life in London)

September 28, 2023

Daily Life in London

A street covered by an arched, glass roof, with red and white storefronts lining both sides. — This is Leadenhall Market, one of the areas I explored! I bought two books from the store around the corner :).

The opportunity to study in London has granted me so much independence and freedom in my daily schedule. One of my favorite parts of my new daily routine is my mornings, where my two loves can coincide: coffee and books. There are so many unique coffee shops and bookstores around the city. My favorite thing to do is explore them! Whether it’s a small independent coffee place or a Pret, I love getting a coffee and a pastry and settling in to read one of the several new books I’ve bought since arriving in London. I’ve gone to so many bookstores with plans to go to so many more. (I’m already worried about how I’m going to get all of my books back to Wisconsin). Even with chain coffee stores, I love going to a new one in a new area. With the tube, any aspect of London is accessible and I love taking advantage of that! Some days, I’ll ride half an hour to get a coffee I could’ve gotten down the street, just to see a new neighborhood, street, or park.

My afternoons are usually occupied by one of my classes. After that, I make my dinner. I’m not the best chef, so my dinners mainly consist of pasta, grilled cheese, or salads, though I make sure I go out to dinner so I can try new cuisines! My favorite so far has been Jamaican. Following dinner, I work on my homework, and then settle into my dorm room, either to continue reading, or watch a new program. I’ve found so many new shows and movies on the BBC that I never would’ve found otherwise, though I have to say, the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice is still superior to the BBC’s 1995 production.

Emmalyn sits on a brick wall in front of green bushes.

Emmalyn Bergman

Major: Political Science and International Studies

Hometown: Oconomowoc, WI

I am planning to reconnect with my extended family! My grandparents immigrated to the US in the late 1960s, but many of my aunts, uncles, and cousins, still live throughout England. This program gives me the opportunity to get to know them through more than just emails and cards.

Another goal for myself is to visit Jane Austen’s home in Chawton! Pride and Prejudice is one of my all time favorite novels (second only to The Count of Monte Cristo) and inspired a lasting love of classic literature. I’m also hoping to visit some of the filming locations for the movie (The 2005 version, of course).

What are you most looking forward to learning about London?

I am so excited to explore all the museums London has to offer! I’ve always been a history buff, and I’m looking forward to learning as much of the city’s centuries of knowledge, artifacts, and stories as I can.