England: Lily Bloch (My Top 5 List)

Top Five Things To Do in London (according to Lily Bloch):

1. Spend time exploring Shoreditch, there are tons of wonderful markets and communities (fashion communities, etc.). There’s also a prominent night scene that’s much more intimate than typical mainstream nightlife. I love to spend time with my friends here even when we don’t have a plan, it’s always fun, and there’s always something to do in the area.

2. Explore coffee shops, this goes for any big city but do it. I love coffee, so I always try to stop into any coffee shop that grabs my attention. I’ve been to coffee shops with the coolest environments, with animals, with specialty drinks, French cafes, etc. There’s so much to offer everywhere just by stopping to get a coffee. Some of my favorites are Scootercaffe and HJEM Coffee.

3. Go to the parks, same concept as the coffee shops except it’s free! London’s parks are so beautiful and plentiful and provide a free everyday activity. It’s so fun to see swans (which I’d never seen up close before living here).

4. Take advantage of the wonderful public transportation and spend time in London’s suburbs. It’s important to get out of the city as well, sometimes the hustle and bustle can be a bit overwhelming. Going to Richmond for a day can be extremely refreshing and a boost in morale. Don’t overlook London’s suburbs.

5. Explore live music! I’ve been to jazz bars, concerts, DJ events, etc and it’s opened me up to so many different experiences, people, and genres of music. London’s music scene is just as multicultural as America’s, you just have to know where to look.

Lily Bloch

Majors: International Studies and Spanish

Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin