Abroad in London

My first impression of London was how different it felt from my hometown of Los Angeles. The city’s density, colder climate, faster pace, and higher cost of living immediately stood out to me, making me reflect how the average British student spends their day here.

I’m not much of a cook and where I studied at Bedford Square we didn’t have a cafeteria to rely on so having to face a harsh £1 to $0.70 exchange rate was rough.

On the bright side though what impressed me most was the quality of London’s infrastructure. The city feels just as alive underground as it does above, thanks to the efficiency and reach of the Tube. I found myself walking far more than I ever did back home in Los Angeles, simply because everything was so accessible and well-connected. Experiencing this kind of urban design reshaped my understanding of how infrastructure can influence a city's rhythm and how people interact with it. Exploring the city on foot made me appreciate it all the more, and I surprised myself with how willing I was to face the cold just to keep exploring.

Thankfully, the generosity of my donor provided scholarship funding that eased my financial burden abroad. That support gave me the flexibility to enjoy more of my personal budget on food, travel, and time with friends. And of course, I can’t forget drinking—pub culture in London is not to be missed.

Out of the 60–70 students in my program (Accent Global Learning), I was one of just 15 guys—and one of only three from UC Merced. To make things even stranger, another student shared both my first name and my passion for photography. It felt like a bizarre coincidence, but regardless, I knew I was on my own, facing the challenge of meeting new people.

Fortunately, many of the people I met were incredibly welcoming—some of the best friends I could have hoped to study abroad with. Of course, there were also a few who thrived on drama, but I learned to smile, nod, and keep moving forward. Still, while it was important to be kind and create lasting memories with others, I also realized I needed to prioritize my own happiness. That, however, proved harder than I expected, leaving me to wonder: where do I truly find happiness?

One of my favorite memories abroad was visiting my friend Aidan in Florence, Italy, where he was also studying abroad. It was exciting to reconnect and compare our experiences in two very different countries. He showed me around the city, shared his favorite spots, and gave me a glimpse into what life was like as a student in Italy. Later, I had the chance to do the same for him in London—introducing him to where I studied, my go-to food spots, museums, and the friends I’d made. Being able to share our study abroad journeys with each other made the experience even more meaningful and created a memory I’ll always treasure.

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The most important thing I learned while abroad was to have more confidence in myself. Navigating life in a completely new environment pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me overcome self-doubt I hadn’t even realized I was carrying. I learned to trust my instincts, speak up, and take initiative—whether planning travel, meeting new people, or tackling academic challenges in a completely new setting. As a result I met so many new friends in places all around — each sharing with me their perspective of home and what it means to them.

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This experience also inspired me to be more ambitious in what I pursue, both personally and professionally. Being immersed in a new culture reminded me how much there is to learn and explore, and it made me more curious—not just while abroad, but even now that I’m home. I want to carry that curiosity with me moving forward, always seeking new experiences and perspectives wherever I am.

This experience has profoundly shaped the goals I outlined in my initial application and brought many of them to life in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I wrote about my excitement to study international business and economics in London, immerse myself in British culture, and explore both urban/natural landscapes—goals this journey has exceeded.

Academically, studying in London gave me a global perspective I couldn’t have gained at home. Learning from British professors and experiencing how another country approaches economics, policy, and commerce strengthened my passion and clarified my career direction.

Culturally, I immersed myself in a new way of life. From navigating the city by Tube to embracing brisk walks and historic landmarks, I grew to appreciate London’s rhythm and values. Visiting neighboring countries expanded my worldview and made me more adaptable, curious, and open-minded.

Most importantly, this experience taught me the value of stepping outside my comfort zone. The goals I once viewed as distant now feel within reach. In fact, returning home was harder than the nervous anticipation I felt flying into London—because now I must move forward without the friends who helped me uncover this confidence. While I came back with a new mindset, it’s been challenging to carry that growth forward without the support of those who were just as nervous as I was. Still, this reminds me that growth doesn’t end with the program—it continues through new challenges. I now understand that I am always evolving, even beyond my time abroad. I return home with a renewed sense of purpose, greater global awareness, and deep gratitude for the generosity that made this journey possible.