Megan’s abroad in London, England, until Dec. 13.

When Northwestern’s study abroad staff e-mailed the list of students studying abroad, I was shocked. I figured I’d be the only person from my school headed to Goldsmiths, but I was very wrong. Instead, I saw 12 other Northwestern students listed as heading to my school. Though I didn’t know any of them very well at the time, the Northwestern students here have helped me to adjust, and some of them have become my good friends.

When I was writing my last blog post, I realized that I can’t have the only perspective of life here. I asked my fellow Wildcats what they thought of their time at Goldsmiths so far. Here are four of their responses, and look out for more throughout the quarter.

Kayce Gentry, Communication junior
On her trip to the Tower of London: It’s a real eye-opener to stand in a building that people have been standing in since 1066. I just kept thinking, how many historical figures that I’ve been reading about since high school have actually walked through this courtyard?
On culture shock: [I get the] feeling that I’m lost in the sort of cultural understanding I took for granted back home, like knowing how the government works, or who the people in power are or in what direction Birmingham is.
On good decisions: I definitely miss my friends at Northwestern, but I’m really glad I decided to do this.

Megan Mueller, Weinberg junior
On her new home: Goldsmiths seemed like a great school to contrast my experiences at NU and take some types of classes that aren’t offered at home.
On surprises: A moment that stands out is walking out of the Westminster Tube station and unexpectedly seeing Big Ben and realizing I’m actually here!
On her wallet: Everything in the city is so expensive!

Nick Carbone, Medill junior
On the neighborhood: New Cross isn’t exactly the most happening area. It’s actually pretty run-down, and there’s little to do besides go to pubs – which, don’t get me wrong, is awesome! Luckily, central London is easily accessible.
On hunger pangs: I’m missing the food choices [in America]. I have a major craving for Chipotle!
On being monitored: It’s weird to think that the Brits have their eye on me everywhere I go. The CCTV [closed-circuit] cameras are everywhere – they are very paranoid about security here. When I sign a credit card receipt, they make sure the signatures precisely match.

Margy LaFreniere, Weinberg junior
On fashion: My homestay father asked me, “Do Americans really wear bright colors?”
On adjusting: Little things are harder here. You can’t get webisodes of The Office. The light switches are upside down. The metric system makes food complicated. Normal stuff is just a bit different.
On missing NU: I miss the diversity of extracurriculars and lectures at Northwestern. There is just so much available to students at NU. It’s much more specialized here. Also, you know, friends!

Read Megan’s previous post l Meet the rest of our study abroad bloggers