UMass Boston student Roydell Miller recently took the leap across the pond to study abroad in London. We find out what the culture shift has been like from the US to the UK and what he's most enjoyed about the whole experience so far.
What's it like living and studying in London?
It’s my first time living away from home. I enjoy the small things – taking the bus on the top in the front, being on the tube, exploring the city – everything’s new, everything’s exciting.
My top favourite thing to do is bike – London is significantly more bike-centric than back at home in Boston so biking around is amazing, the best way to explore the city. I like to save money and not take the tube. I liked Hyde Park, the bridges.
Have you travelled anywhere exciting while studying here?
Two weeks ago, I went to Amsterdam with a friend, very pretty for a couple of nights. I loved it. It was an hour to fly so fairly quick to get there.
What have been some of the challenges?
I think being in a place where I don’t know anything or anyone throws me into the fire and I have to find my footing. It was hard for the first few weeks, creating my own structure, choosing time to study, even the small things like washing clothes. Learning how to hold myself accountable feels good. Especially to do it in a different country.
How did London Met support you during your first weeks here?
First they made it pretty easy for my accommodation. Orientation week was fun – we went on a bus tour and a cruise, everything was great.
The Study Abroad team are great – I email Sue a lot, with very quick replies on things like my module choices.
When I picked my classes, two modules were going on at the same time, and I got an email. They suggested taking a different class, so I just took that instead.
What has your social life been like on campus?
Being on campus is kind of funny because it reminds me of being back at home at UMass Boston – it’s kind of like the same crowd – just very diverse, people from different walks of life, people from different places in the world and I feel at home, it doesn’t feel like I’m in a whole new place. So I find it really easy to talk to people and get on with people.
I think it’s easier as an American to talk to people – people are intrigued when they hear my accent, they make fun of me a little but they still like to talk. I find that everywhere, not just on campus.
The gym is really nice, good facilities.
It makes me really grateful that I have this perspective while I’m in school, just to be around so many different people. I’m taking it for granted now but I think I’ll look back and think oh wow, this is the time in my life when I had the most fun and I met these many people.
How are your studies going here?
Being in class here compared to home, I feel like when I can butt in and ask questions, they see it as a good thing. I like all my professors which makes me happy, I consider myself lucky. Overall, people take school here very seriously, which rubs off on me and makes me want to work harder. It’s a good thing!
The library’s great, I was just there. I spend a lot of time in there, I like the top floor, the quiet zone. I’m always in the Rocket getting a coffee, I need coffee. The courtyard’s really nice.
I hear that you were awarded a scholarship – can you tell us more about that?
I applied for and received the Diversity Scholarship, and very happy I did. That was the determining factor about whether I could do this or not. I’m so happy, I needed it. It was very important, the first thing on my list and made it possible to come here. I had a feeling I’d get it – I’m really grateful. Apply for the scholarship if you think you’re a well-versed person, you have a chance.
London Met is great, just study here.
I applied for and received the Diversity Scholarship, and very happy I did. That was the determining factor about whether I could do this or not. It was very important, the first thing on my list and made it possible to come here.
Find out more about our Study Abroad programmes