University of Wisconsin–Madison

England: Emily (Emmie) Corbin (Daily Life in London)

Daily Life in London

A golden statue of a man sitting sits on top of marble carvings of several people standing, and is underneath a tower with golden carvings, a spire with a cross on top, and a triangular roof.
This is a picture of the Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens.

One thing I love about going to school in London is that I can base my routine on the community I’m living in. I start every morning by walking about half a mile to the nearest Pret a Manger, a British café chain that sells affordable and yummy beverages—perfect for college students like me. My go-to is an iced chai latte made with coconut milk. While I’m there, I like to chat with the baristas and other customers waiting in line as my way of connecting with the London locals.

After I get my morning drink, I go to class. A lot of my classes take us on trips around the city, which I love! So far, I’ve gone on class trips to the British Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, Kew Gardens, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Tate Britain. I love how my classes always add variety and adventure to my daily routine.

In my free time, I like to enjoy London like the locals do. One of the best parts about this city is the beautiful green spaces, and I love how widely used they are by Londoners. My personal favorite is the Kensington Gardens. It’s close in proximity to my flat, beautifully lush, and full of things to see. I often visit the Albert Memorial and the Princess Diana Memorial Garden. I also like to sit by the Round Pond, which is full of beautiful swans and other birds.

At the end of the day, I go back to my flat and settle in for the night. I read for a little bit in bed before going to sleep, and I look forward to my next day living and studying in London!

Emmie leans on a white metal railing overlooking a white mansion with a black roof.

Emmie Corbin    

Major: Anthropology and Sociology

Hometown: Lannon, Wisconsin

I would like to gain a broader understanding of diversity and humanity. By spending time in an international city, I want to seek out new perspectives and engage in meaningful conversations. Educating myself about different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences will help me foster a deep sense of respect and inclusivity in all areas of my life.

What do you most look forward to learning about in London?

In London, I am looking forward to learning about Britain’s rich and complex history. In addition, I feel that I will be able to gain great insights into contemporary British culture, from its uniquely diverse population to its thriving arts, music, and culinary scenes.