By Kacie Whitman ’21
Staff Writer
When I came to Lake Forest College, I knew two experiences I wanted from college: the opportunity to study English literature and to study abroad in Europe. It was my high school English teacher’s stories of her worldwide travels that inspired me to pursue this field of study and possess an unquenchable wanderlust. And so, I decided to spend a semester in the city where my beloved pieces of literature were written: London, England.
Me at the Covent Garden Glossier pop-up shop
The city of London is as whimsical in-person as films like Mary Poppins or Peter Pan portray it to be: it is a beautiful city that almost feels too intimate. Streets are tightly lined with colorful townhouses, fish and chips are offered on every block, and a neighborhood pub is never out of walking distance. Historical landmarks I had studied in textbooks, like Buckingham Palace or St. Paul’s Cathedral, were treasures that Londoners simply passed every day on their morning commute. I was overwhelmed with joy to call London my home.
I attended the University of Roehampton, about 20 minutes south from central London, to take courses in journalism. From studying the UK’s complex political system to their rich history on the stage, I felt a sense of belonging in London more every day. When I was not in a class, you could find me in the mornings at the university’s coffee shop, The Hive. My friends and I regularly headed to the shop for smoothies or soups that were made with locally grown produce. My nights were spontaneous moments where I headed off to the theater or to the Putney neighborhood for drinks with girlfriends. After dancing the night away, my girlfriends and I would enjoy reminiscing over bowls of pasta aglio e olio from Vapiano’s or sourdough pizza at Franco Manca.
Me and my girlfriends at a telephone box
On the days I did not have an afternoon class, I regularly took the Tube to central London for an exciting excursion. My favorite neighborhoods were Covent Garden and Notting Hill. Covent Garden was dreamy with its Glossier pop-up shop, Ladurée macaroons on-hand, and live music at every turn. Notting Hill was a treat, in part because of my admiration for the Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant romantic comedy set in the neighborhood. The movie highlights a small bookstore, at which I bought several postcards and a Moleskin notebook to cherish having spent time there.
Enjoying my time in London
These daily excursions are what I believe helped make my abroad experience feel uniquely attuned to my interests. Unfortunately, my time living in London was cut short due to the COVID-19 outbreak. I returned back to Chicago to see my family for a week. Little did I know I was not to return back to the University of Roehampton. While I was happy to be safe, I was concerned for my friends abroad and checked in with them frequently. It has been a scary time for everyone, but nonetheless I am grateful to have had the opportunity to live abroad. I cannot wait to travel to my beloved London again soon.
As the Brits say, cheers!
