England: Taylor DuVarney (My First Year of College Abroad)

My First Year of College Abroad

One of the most rewarding parts of studying abroad is the gradual routine that you establish. For me personally, London has felt much like a home due to the routines and activities I set for myself. There are a few examples of routine that I cherish and will miss when I go back home. The first is my weekly dance class and dance rehearsal. Because we are paired with Imperial College London, I have been able to join the competitive dance company. Being able to dance in a new environment was a very interesting experience for me. On one hand, I am able to do something I routinely do at home; something that brings me comfort and peace. On the other hand, I had a lot of nerves when first joining the company, especially to meet new people that I did not know. I am so glad I joined the dance company because I have been able to learn a lot about the British university culture and meet people who have vastly different backgrounds than me. My weekly classes and rehearsals are also beneficial to the feeling of being at home. The second routine that I will cherish the most is taking walks and exploring. I try to explore new parts of London at least once a week. Sometimes I choose a new museum, park, or borough to explore. I use this time to reset and take in the city with a fresh lens. London is the perfect destination to explore, with thousands of things to do and see. If I feel stuck in a class, I found that exploring the city is a great way to reset my mind before coming back to my work. By implementing exploration into my weekly routine, I am able to know and understand the city much more. I look forward to trying new things greatly.

Between scheduled activities like the dance company and implemented routines like exploration, I have been able to find outlets. When I am stressed and overwhelmed with school, I know I can fall back on my routines to take my mind off things.  I will miss my routines and activities greatly, but I can’t wait to set routines in Madison.

Taylor DuVarney

Major: International Studies and Spanish

Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin