Elle Schwegman, Global Business Institute: London Fall 2024
Daily life in London was an exciting blend of routine and adventure. Shopping, travel, and just being tourists were really vital parts of my experience and required adjustment to London’s pace and systems. For shopping, I relied on local grocery stores like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Aldi, where I could find affordable essentials. I often cooked meals at home with my flatmates to save money, though we occasionally treated ourselves to dining out and trying London’s diverse cuisine, and when my family visited, we would go and try new restaurants. Exploring markets like Camden Market or Borough Market was a favorite weekend activity, offering unique food and shopping experiences. Using my debit and credit card in London was really straightforward. I used my American debit card for most transactions, but I was mindful of currency conversion fees. Many places in London are cashless, making it easy to rely on cards or contactless payments. Travel in London was one of the highlights of my daily routine. I relied heavily on the Oyster card that CAPA gave to us for public transportation, using the Tube and buses to get around. London’s public transport is extensive and reliable, making it easy to travel across the city, but you gotta make sure you are getting on the right line! During the warmer months, I liked to walk to my destinations to be able to explore more of the city at a slower pace. Budgeting was a critical part of my daily life. I gave myself weekly budgets, and when booking weekend trips, always tried to find the cheapest flight and hostel. To save money, I took advantage of student discounts and free activities, such as museum visits and outdoor parks. By planning meals, limiting unnecessary spending, and prioritizing experiences over material purchases, I was able to balance enjoying my time in London while staying within my financial limits. Specifically in my day to day, I had classes and/or my internship daily, which really helped me keep a routine while I was there. I had this routine while also still being able to go explore all of London on my hours off, and weekends that I stayed in London.
Leave a Reply