My biggest challenge that I have faced in London so far is being homesick and feeling like I am missing out on everything that my friends and family back home are doing. I was really running on adrenaline the first half of the semester. Additionally my schedule was always jam packed with classes, my internship, cooking, cleaning, shopping, and of course visiting places. So I didn’t really have time to be thinking about anything else because I was experiencing so many new things at one time. But when I called my parents at night, that is when I really started to feel that distance between us. That I was really far from them, even if I wasn’t a long flight away. Nonetheless, it was nice being able to hear my mom and dad’s voices. I usually send them pictures over text to update them on what I had been seeing and doing, but nothing really compares to actually talking to them.
Obviously since I am a college student I browse through my social media throughout the day and it’s nice to see what all my friends are doing, but it’s also bittersweet at the same time because I know I am missing out on some of these experiences. Also I can really feel the time difference since I am 5 hours ahead. I will be waking up to get ready for my day and see all the texts I missed from my friends. Although I am feeling some FOMO occasionally, I would never regret choosing to come to London. It helps a lot to squeeze in time to chat with your friends back home and listen to them regale you with stories of what happened.
To any other students who are planning to study abroad or are studying abroad right now, I would just say to live in the moment. There is no point in reminiscing about what could have been and you should enjoy your time abroad while it lasts. And most importantly, keep in contact with your friends and family back home whether that is through texts, phone calls, or pictures. That really helps me whenever I am feeling a little homesick.
