England: Samira Lababidi (Derivé)
Program: UW Global Launch in London, Academic Year
For my dérive, I took the District line from Gloucester Road to Embankment and then the Northern line to Tottenham Court Road. I went on a Saturday night without a specific destination in mind. As soon as I came out of the station, I noticed how many people seemed to know exactly where they were going. People were meeting friends, going to dinner, and walking confidently through the streets. I felt a little out of place—not unwelcome, but almost like an imposter in these people’s lives. Everyone seemed to belong there, while I was just wandering and observing.
As I walked, I found a small park where people were playing table tennis. I was surprised because I have noticed that London has quite a few public table tennis tables, something I don’t really see in America. It made me think about how nice it would be if American cities had more spaces like this where people could casually stop and play together.
I also noticed how different the area felt from South Kensington. There were many more billboards and advertisements, whereas in South Kensington I rarely notice them outside of public transportation. The area felt more like everyday London rather than somewhere I was visiting specifically to see a landmark.
One of the strangest things I noticed was how perfect some of the spaces looked. The symmetry was beautiful but also slightly unsettling. At the same time, the people completely broke up that symmetry. Everyone was moving differently, talking to friends or family, looking at their phones, and doing their own thing.
The whole experience felt both slowed down and sped up. There was a lot happening, but people seemed peaceful and comfortable in their surroundings. I think that was what stayed with me most. I was seeing a normal Saturday night for people who already knew this part of London, while I was still learning how to find my place in it.
I would like to return and explore the smaller streets and parks I didn’t have a reason to visit that night. Maybe eventually, they won’t feel so unfamiliar.
Samira Lababidi
Program Name: UW Global Launch in London
Major: Legal Studies and International Studies
Hometown: Fitchburg, Wisconsin
My goal is to build a strong academic foundation while challenging myself in an international environment. As someone who has always been curious about different cultures and world events, I’m excited to learn in a city as globally connected as London. I hope to broaden my understanding of global issues, strengthen my communication skills and gain experience that will prepare me for my future career.
I am excited to step outside of my comfort zone while still having the familiarity of living in an English-speaking country. I can’t wait to wander through London’s museums, discover hidden cafes and bookstores, watch the city come alive, and meet people from around the world. I’m also looking forward to using weekends and breaks to explore other parts of Europe and create memories that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.