England: Mariah Justice (Daily Life in London)

Daily Life in London

Being engulfed in a city filled with over nine million people, there are so many different activities and sites to see. Finding a way to balance commitments, personal care, and exploring into a daily routine felt staggering. However, having reached month three in this amazing city although always changing I feel that I’ve gotten the hang of it. My weekdays are waking up early to stroll through Kensington gardens, watching the swans swim in the pond. Before, I walk to a French café I found in my neighborhood when wandering one day. I fill my afternoons with conversation and laughter while making food in the kitchen, or walking back from class.

Weekends are spent throwing myself into the throng of London crowds. Exploring different foods and cultures, and attending pop up markets and events to better immerse myself. But when I feel the need for a slower pace, I venture out of the city center. The Epping forest in zone 6 with its massive trees, fields and streams that feels reminiscent of the arboretum back home. Or I will recruit a friend to make our way to the further corners of London, to take advantage of free historical sites and art collections. While sometimes overwhelming the endless opportunities to further immerse myself in London, and feel like a local is something I am forever grateful for.

Mariah Justice

Major: Undecided

Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin