US college student Cayci Lipscomb shares her experience of studying abroad – she chose London to help broaden her horizons, and explains what it is about London Metropolitan University that's really working for her.
How has your experience been of living in London so far?
Living in London is amazing! In the two months I’ve been here, I’ve had the opportunity to meet people from so many diverse backgrounds, different countries – I’ve learnt so much about the city’s culture, and the transportation is also amazing! That’s something I really looked forward to coming here.
I love going to the museums – they’re free entry, so me and my friends like to pick a new museum every weekend and just explore. I love just taking the double-decker bus around the city as if I’m going on a tour.
I also love thrifting – there’s so many opportunities to find vintage clothes, jewellery, whatever you are looking for. And the food as well, I love trying international food. If you’re a foodie, this is the place to be!
Have you travelled anywhere else from London since you've been here?
I travelled to Morocco when I first got here, which is only a two-and-a-half-hour flight away, crazy! I’ve also travelled to Paris via the Eurostar which was also only two hours away, so London’s very convenient.
How have you found the study experience differs between the US and the UK?
Being in London has given me a new perspective on school – the lecture styles are different here – much longer but it’s good because you really get to understand the content. All of my professors have been great – I really appreciate how they lay out the lesson plans a week ahead so we know what’s coming and can properly prepare ourselves. They also provide us with all the resources we need to succeed in the class.
Coming here, the three-hour lectures scared me a bit – back in the States, our longest lectures are an hour, but it’s actually very helpful, and it gives us time to really get into what we’re learning and form any questions we have. It was beneficial rather than exhausting.
What facilities have stood out at London Met?
As a Biomedical Sciences student, we have access to the Superlab which is really cool – it’s a huge room filled with microscopes and lab equipment. That has been very beneficial and adding a different aspect to the lectures, giving us hands-on experience with the material. The library has been nice – I go there in between lectures if I have spare time. It’s a quiet space where I can plan and get my work done.
Can you tell us more about the scholarship that you were awarded?
I applied for the Study Abroad Diversity Scholarship through London Met over the summer, and I had to write a testimonial about how I felt that I would bring a diverse perspective to the London Met community.
As a student coming from a different country on my own with no family here, the scholarship has been really beneficial. It really helped me to be more comfortable with not just my studies but allowing me more comfort with my finances such as living costs and travelling. Coming here alone with the support of my parents but with a sense of financial responsibility, I was able to allocate my finances to living costs and travelling and being able to fully immerse myself in the community.
I’d say the scholarship is a really good opportunity to get financial aid – as an international student I understand the stress in coming to a new country – take the opportunity! Applying and being aware of not only the reward but why you’re applying and your purpose here and your intention in giving to the community and being part of a diverse community is important.
Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying abroad in London?
Take every opportunity you can to meet people and see new things – say yes more than you say no, because you never know what amazing experiences you’ll have and people you’ll meet. Take the opportunity to travel while you’re so close to other parts of the world – you never know when you’ll get the opportunity again to live in London.
How did London Met support you in your first few weeks?
When I first got here, the Study Abroad team hosted a study abroad orientation session which was great – that’s how I met most of my friends. We had a talk from the manager who explained what to expect, the resources available to us, the Students’ Union – I took part in the fair which was very fun.
London Met also allowed us to connect with each other in ways that we didn’t think we would – we all pinpointed where we were from on a map which was fun. We also did a boat tour along the river which was really cool to see the London landmarks.
The immigration services office kept in touch with me the first month to check all my documents and passport were correct which was helpful.
Did you find it easy to make friends at London Met?
I’d call myself an introvert but it’s so easy to meet people here. Everyone was in the same boat of being nervous that you wouldn’t meet people. I made very close friends in my student accommodation. On campus I’ve been attending a Zumba class which is very fun and interactive, and I’ve met two friends there and we’ve been keeping in touch. My social life has been great – I’ve been the most social I’ve ever been. I have a big group of students who share a love of travelling and just experiencing new things together.
The biggest advantage of studying in a completely new community is being able to expand your awareness on certain topics and gaining a new perspective on life, studies and culture, and not being just subjected to your own little bubble. It’s just such an amazing experience to observe how people across the world take on different things.
London Met provides such a nice space to connect with other students and immerse yourself in your studies fully.
Take every opportunity you can to meet people and see new things – say yes more than you say no, because you never know what amazing experiences you’ll have and people you’ll meet.
Find out more about our Study Abroad programmes