Opening a bank account in the UK (and other things to do when moving to the UK)

On October 23, 2021October 18, 2021 By notyouravggiraffeIn UK2 Comments

It’s a cliché expression, but I can’t believe it’s been over a month since my plane landed at Heathrow airport. I feel like everything has been go, go, go the whole time, so I’m trying to take some time to reflect, and to write about what has been the most stressful part of my move: opening a bank account. It’s one of the big things when you move abroad, but there are certainly others, so I’ll be writing about those as well – hopefully this might help if you’re (thinking of) moving to the UK!

Enjoy a soothing London gif before I dive into the horror of opening bank account here

Opening a bank account in the UK

Since I moved to the UK for a job, opening a bank account was top of my list of priorities because I wanted to be paid. The last time I opened an account in the UK, I was a student, and I’ve since found that the requirements for opening an account as a student are endlessly easier than when you’re here under any other status (essentially as a student, all you need to do is show a letter of acceptance from the university where you’ll be studying and they’ll let you open an account – except at NatWest where they have a three year residency requirement for students wanting to open a student account). It took two weeks for me to find a bank that would accept me, and I’m not going to lie, I cried through the streets of London on a few occasions because of how stressful the whole process was. I’m not sure how helpful writing up my experience will be for future movers to the UK, but in case it is, here’s how it went down.

Before I moved, I made an appointment with Santander online for shortly after my arrival since a lot of banks are currently requiring you make an appointment in advance due to the pandemic. Santander has a bank account that is specially for people who have relocated to the UK within the last twelve months, either to study or to work. Perfect, right? Or so I thought. To open a bank account in the UK, you need proofs of address, and this is a whole catch-22 situation where you sometimes can’t get those proofs without a bank account, but you can’t get a bank account without them (flashbacks to France). Santander required two proofs of address, but would allow me to use a letter from my employer with my UK address as one of them. I had already sorted out my living situation, so I had an address going in, but you can see how this would be problematic if you didn’t have a permanent address, yet. The list of proofs of address you can use is fairly long, but as a non UK citizen, about 1/3 of them weren’t available to me anyway. The bank also wouldn’t accept my lease agreement as I didn’t go through an estate agent, I didn’t have a utility bill or council tax as that’s included in my rent, and I couldn’t provide a bank statement from the UK as I didn’t already have a UK bank account (Monzo is usually recommended but I was denied for reasons beyond my knowledge). I was told that a good workaround is to apply for a provisional driver’s license but that requires sending your passport off, and there’s currently a massive backlog so that would’ve been problematic given that I didn’t want to wait potentially 16 weeks to open a bank account! The first full day I had in London, I rang HMRC to change my address on file so I could get an NiN letter with that on it as Santander had said they’d accept it, but of course, I couldn’t make that phone call until I was physically in the UK (if you don’t already have an NiN, you might have to apply for one – anecdotally I have heard of some people needing one to open a bank account, but that wasn’t ever asked of me).

ANYWAY, I went to my appointment without a second proof of address (as I didn’t have one), and was promptly told they couldn’t do anything until I had one. Since I’d already rung HMRC, I decided to play the waiting game and see when that documentation arrived. It took eight working days, and then I immediately made another appointment for Santander because hooray, I now had the necessary documents! Too bad my HMRC letter didn’t have a date on it so Santander wouldn’t take it (you can imagine my face when the employee told me that). Their suggestion at that point was to either phone HMRC again and wait another 10 working days, or try another bank. I chose the latter, and so began a four hour journey through central London, which was (I’ll admit) a little teary at times.

I went to Barclay’s next and the first branch I stopped in told me their next appointment wasn’t for three weeks, so I ventured further on to another branch, and they told me to download their app to apply. Unfortunately, their app doesn’t work on the US App Store, so I would’ve had to change the region for the App Store, which would then cancel out the subscriptions I have, which… no thank you. It ultimately didn’t matter as they wouldn’t accept my HMRC letter as proof of address, nor would they accept my letter of employment as my employer isn’t registered with UKVI. At this point, I was genuinely asking myself how on earth I was going to get a bank account so that I could get paid!

I googled Lloyd’s and Metro bank, both of whom either required a dated HMRC letter, or other proofs of address that I didn’t have as someone who had just moved (funny how you can be hired by a company in the UK, be on a contract where you’re paid in £ and still be told they won’t let you open a bank account). I was about to give up when I happened upon an HSBC. I was pretty sure based on my research that it wouldn’t be an option, but I decided to give it one last go anyway. They let me apply with just my letter of employment from my employer! I had to do the application process online in the branch and then wait while they processed it – I wasn’t approved for the account they had recommended I apply for, but they did approve me for another one and at that point, I was so desperate just to get an account going that I took it and RAN. I truly can’t believe how hard it is to open a bank account here. I thought France was the worst, but the UK manages to eclipse that entirely.

If you’re moving to the UK for work, here are some items you can use as proof of address so you can have that list handy (although know that every bank will have their own idiosyncrasies so do a quick Google beforehand if you can):

Letter of employment from employer (this needs to be on letterhead paper with the name of your employer, your full name, your UK address, and salary information, all signed by someone in HR)
Council Tax statement (this is something all UK residents other than students pay so get that set up ASAP if not included in your rent)
Utilities bill (again, need to get it set up since you have to show a letter with your address on it, and it might take a while to generate the statement, assuming utilities aren’t included in your rent)
Lease agreement (this tends to need to be from an Estate Agent or a registered letting company, so if you do a bare lease agreement or something with family/private, it might not work)
Provisional Driving License (you can apply for this once you’re in the UK, but it will require sending off your passport/BRP to DVLA [depending on your status in the UK])
HMRC tax statement (only works if you’ve worked in the UK before)
National Insurance Number Letter from HMRC (if you already have an NiN, you can ring them to change your address and they’ll send you a new letter. Make sure it’s dated as banks tend to have a clause of “dated within the last three months”. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait to get your NiN as you can’t ring HMRC to do that)
Bank statement from a UK bank account (this is where Monzo comes in handy, although they’ve tightened their requirements for approval so it’s hit or miss if they’ll approve you. You can only open a Monzo account once you’re in the UK)

Additionally, you’ll need to show a proof of identity which will either be a UK/Irish passport, or a non UK/Irish passport with your right to live inside or your BRP (being a visitor or a tourist doesn’t tick this box). Americans also need to know their Social Security Numbers (you don’t have to show proof of it, though) as due to FATCA, all foreign bank accounts have to be declared.

I did get my debit card within a week of opening the account, though, and the PIN as well so that was quick! I knew opening a bank account would be difficult, but I genuinely had no idea how stressful it would be. If you manage to open an account with just a letter of employment (as I did), and are using a temporary address (like an AirBnb or a friend’s place), be sure you’ll be there long enough to receive your card and PIN as those will come through the post.

Registering with a GP

In addition to opening a bank account once I got here, I also needed to register with a GP. I had an NHS number from when I studied abroad, but the surgery where I’d been registered was local to where I studied abroad, and not where I’m now living in London (and you need to be registered with a GP that services the postcode where you live). If you don’t already have an NHS number, you’ll have to get one at some point, although I’m not sure if you need it to register or if you can do it without (assuming you weren’t automatically registered with your visa type). This process involves going onto the NHS website to find what GPs might service your catchment (and I say might as they might service the first letter and number of your postcode, but not the last three), and then investigating if they’re accepting new patients. If they are, you can apply to register there. I was able to do it online, and now I’ve got a GP in the UK. I’ll comment that I received no notification that I’d been registered so phoned up to confirm, but the process was quick and easy (I was registered in two days). My only big gripe is that the UK hasn’t yet come up with a way to register Covid vaccinations from abroad. While it’s noted in my file at my GP, I can’t have access to the Covid Pass, and if they start rolling out boosters to the general public, it’s going to be a mess to get that as the NHS has no record of me having gotten the first two doses (fun things to deal with in the future).

As a side note, A&E (Accident and Emergency) care is free to anyone, whether you’re registered with a GP or not! There is a triage system in place, so you might have to wait a bit of time, but you can access that care if you need it. You can also phone 111 to speak with an NHS advice professional who can instruct you on further steps for your care.

Getting a phone number

When you initially arrive in the UK, you’ll want a phone number. The best way to start is with a Pay As You Go plan. This will give you one month of data/texts/minutes. I started out buying a SIM from Three, but then when my month was up, I switched to EE because they have better service, and I could get WiFi in tube stations (which is something I missed while on Three). Unfortunately, without a British bank account, you can’t get on a monthly phone contract, and even with one, you’ll have to pass a credit check. I’m currently on a rolling monthly contract so I’m not locked into anything (always a little worried the world will flip upside down again), but if things start to look super permanent for me, then I’ll consider transitioning to a 12 month contract. The benefit of my switching out of Pay As You Go, though is also that since I’m now on a contract, it will start contributing to my credit score in the UK! This is especially a big deal as there isn’t really any other way for me to build credit currently, as I’m ineligible for any UK credit cards without at least three months residency (and most require even more, sometimes even up to three years!).

Those are the biggest things (to me at least) when it comes to moving to the UK! It’s certainly overwhelming, and over a month in, I’m still getting used to everything, but at least I’ve sorted most of the bureaucratic things (until tax season comes around, ugh). I hope this was somewhat helpful if you’ve got your sights set on the UK, or are in the process of making plans to move there. Please let me know if I’ve forgotten anything, though!

A day in York!

On October 16, 2021October 17, 2021 By notyouravggiraffeIn Travel, UKLeave a comment

One of the things I’m most excited about now that I’m living in London, is being able to explore the rest of the UK. For all the time I’ve spent in the UK, I’ve managed to not actually get to too many places outside of London, and I’m hoping to change that now. The first place I decided to visit? York!

From London, it’s an easy two hour train journey to York. I did have a slight adventure in that my initial train was cancelled, but luckily there was another one departing half an hour later and I was able to just hop on that one. I rode on LNER, and while I was disappointed in the lack of mask wearing on board the train, the journey up to York was comfortable and easy – they even have outlets between the seats so you can charge your devices! I left from King’s Cross in London, and arrived into York (there’s only the one train station in York so that makes booking tickets pretty easy).

Welcome to York sign in York Railway Station — A lovely welcome at the train station!

From the train station, it’s an easy walk into the city centre. You can also take bus 66 if you’d like, but I found that it was really easy to navigate around on foot (if you’re trying to get from the train station to the university, though, it’s about a 40 minute walk so if the weather isn’t nice, bus 66 is a quick and dry way to get there – one way journeys cost £2 but can be paid with contactless card).

My first stop was to visit York Minster, arguably the most famous thing to visit in York. I’m not sure if it’s down to Covid or if it’s always been like this, but you have to prebook tickets to gain entry into the Minster. You can opt to purchase a basic entry ticket, or a guided tour. For an additional £5, you can add on the Tower Challenge for a chance to climb up the Central Tower. If you’ve read my blog before, you know that I love a good tower, so I couldn’t resist booking myself this ticket. Regular entry slots are available every 15 minutes, while tower slots are every 45 minutes. I booked my entry slot to be 30 minutes before the tower so I could look around, but not feel rushed (you can also continue looking around after you climb the tower so you could book them for the same time and have no issues). The Minster itself is beautiful inside and out, with stained glass everywhere, and as some of the construction dates from the 7th Century, it’s full of history. There are seven main spots to make sure you visit while walking around inside: the Nave, Chapter House, Great East Window, Crypt, Quire, Rose Window, and the Central Tower (which is what you climb). There’s also the Undercroft Museum, which houses Roman and Viking artifacts under the cathedral, but unfortunately that was closed when I visited so I wasn’t able to see it.

Photo of the front of York Minster in York, England — I think probably 90% of my photos from York are of York Minster

I personally felt like half an hour was a good amount of time to walk around and see everything (I did manage to get in a few minutes before my entry time so I had a bit more than 30 minutes), but I can easily see how you could spend hours there, especially if doing it with a guide. Five minutes before my tower ticket slot, I went to the meeting point and waited for a Minster employee to come get all of us (I’d say there were 20 people, and the sign said our time slot was sold out, so if you’re wanting to do this, absolutely book in advance – I booked the night before, but the earlier the better. In theory you can buy it in the Minster on the day, but I heard them telling patrons the remaining slots were booked, so they still might be sold out). We were given a brief explanation of the fact that we’d be walking up 275 steps (that get increasingly narrower and narrower), and therefore anyone with health conditions shouldn’t ascend. The woman who warned us of the steep ascent wasn’t kidding – it’s 275 spiraling steps (I would say I counted, but they’ve written the number of steps every 25 steps so you can see how close you’re getting to the top). There’s one section around step 125 where you come out onto a section outdoors that gives you some lovely views and fresh air before you’re back into the ever narrowing staircase. Right towards the top, I had to move my purse to in front of me in order to fit properly – it certainly did get narrow, and the steps did as well. I’m glad I have small feet! The view at the top, though? Absolutely wonderful. I lucked out because the weather in York was truly beautiful all day while I was there, so I had a sweeping 360º view of the city’s skyline. Despite the fact that my ticket slot was only for 45 minutes (it took probably close to 15 minutes to do the full ascent as you can only move as fast as the person in front of you, and you’re asked to maintain some space between each other due to Covid), I didn’t feel rushed at all once I was at the top. From 72m up, it’s well worth the slightly intense journey to get up there, and there are placards on all four sides to tell you what direction you’re facing, and what’s in the distance. You do go down the same stairs you came up, and while it wasn’t as strenuous going down, I found it scarier!

View of York Minster, and the city of York beyond from the top of the Central Tower in York, England — One of the four views you get from the top of the tower. On a clear day, it feels like you can see forever

View of York Minster's spires from the climb up the Central Tower in York, England — From the small non spiraling staircase break you get, you can examine some of the Minster’s architecture

Once back down on ground level, I decided to treat myself to a “York Minster Tower Champion” badge to commemorate not only the lovely views, but also my day in York. I mean, they do call it the Tower Challenge, so it only makes sense to have some kind of prize at the end of it! It was £3.50 for the badge, but I thought it was cute, and where else will I be able to get that? I also hadn’t seen any bloggers mentioning it, so here I am doing that!

Badge with Central Tower of York Minster that says "York Minster Tower Champion" — My Tower Champion Badge!

After York Minster, I wandered down to the Shambles Market, which is an iconic market and alleyway in York. It’s rumored that the Shambles is what inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, and even if that’s not ultimately true, I can see why you’d think that! There are 70 food stalls, clothing stalls, locally owned businesses, and more in the market, and it was certainly buzzing on a Friday afternoon. You can also find a lot of tea rooms around the Shambles if you fancy an afternoon tea or a cream tea, and plenty of other eating or drinking establishments.

Arching sign that says "Shambles Market" at the entrance to the Shambles Market in York, England — Shambles Market

Streets of The Shambles in York, England — I can see the Diagon Alley inspiration rumor being true!

From the Shambles, it was a quick walk over to the Jorvik Viking Centre. Created by the York Archaeological Trust in 1984, this attraction is designed to take you back in time to the time of the Vikings living in York, which at the time was known as Jorvik. Your visit starts out in a room with glass floors, which showcases the ground below as it had been excavated. There was a guide there dressed in Viking attire (all staff in the exhibit area do, although ironically, they were all wearing masks that matched their outfits. As I overheard one other guest say “I’m sure Covid was big in the Viking era” – might not be entirely accurate, but I appreciate their dedication to keeping guests safe, even if it throws off the authenticity a little). Your journey back into time starts with an animatronic ride where you get in a buggy, and then spend 15 minutes learning about the different houses, partial skeletons, and artifacts found on Coppergate Street. They’ve reconstructed what Jorvik might’ve looked like, and the narrator will tell you all about how they know that fabric dye was used, or that pigs were kept (and eaten), and much more. I thought the ride was pretty interesting, although I’ll admit it was a little distracting when the mannequins spoke in Old Norse while the narrator was telling me in English about something. When the ride ends, you visit a museum that contains the artifacts spoken about during the ride. You’ll see jewelry, combs, fabric, skeletons, and more. You can even purchase a coin for £2 that will be struck for you there and then! I did find my visit interesting, but I’ll admit that I was expecting a little more from the museum part itself, although I wasn’t prepared for the animatronic ride! The ticket I bought is valid for 12 months though so if I return to York in the next year, I can visit again. It’s recommended you pre-book tickets, but if you don’t (I hadn’t as I wasn’t sure how long York Minster would take me), you can jump in a separate standby queue, and you’ll be let in as space allows. I waited maybe five minutes, so I can’t complain, but I can see how that wait could be long if spots were sold out for several hours.

Animatronics of Vikings at the Jorvik Viking Centre in York, England — Some of the settings you visit while on the ride at Jorvik Viking Centre

From the Viking Centre, I went to look at Clifford’s Tower, although unfortunately, it’s closed for conservation works so I wasn’t able to do much more than look at it (and even that wasn’t super impressive as it’s covered in scaffolding). Since that wasn’t open for visiting, I ventured over to the York City Walls to walk along those. These walls date from the Roman era, and as they’re still standing (and in good condition), you can walk along parts of them. It doesn’t circle the whole city as it might have done back when the Romans were defending it, but you can still walk along a solid portion of wall (some of it doesn’t have any railings, though, so be aware of that). The walk along the walls was pretty calm, and gave lovely views of York Minster in the distance. It’s also fascinating to be able to walk along something that is so historic, and look to your right to see a modern railway station, or a Travelodge. The view of York Minster is particularly stunning at Golden Hour, or just as the sun is setting (yes, I did hightail it back to the walls to see it in a different light).

View of York Minster as the sunset with purple clouds above it from York City Walls in York, England — Watching the sunset over York Minster from the York City Walls

Young woman taking a selfie of herself with York City Walls, and York Minster in the background in York, England — Can’t go somewhere without a cheesy tourist selfie!

As the sun was setting on my day in York, I made one last venture into the city centre to walk the cobblestone streets a final time before I had to catch my train back to London. I stumbled upon the Museum Garden, which houses the Yorkshire museum (unfortunately I missed the final entry for that), which was a lovely place for a stroll, and of course, contained some ruins as well. While I know London is steeped in history, York felt very much like you could actively see it at every turn (at least in the city centre). I returned back to the railway station on foot, grabbed some dinner (be advised that there aren’t many food options in the York Railway Station so if you’re going to grab food there, like me, just know your options will be limited), and caught my train back to King’s Cross. It was smooth sailing back, although it was a very full train (thank goodness for seat reservations)! I had yet another adventure once I got to King’s Cross as the tube station was closed, and of course the next closest stops on the line(s) I need to get back to my flat aren’t within walking distance. I found a way back, fear not, but my King’s Cross luck definitely wasn’t with me that day!

Sunset on the horizon with York Railway station in the foreground in York, England — Sunset over the Railway Station, and my time in York

All in all, I absolutely loved my day in York! I had no expectations when I boarded my early morning train, and while I’d done some research on what to do, I hadn’t mapped it out or given much thought beyond pre-booking tickets. It helps that I had beautiful weather. I definitely didn’t cover everything in York (I definitely have some things to do for next time), but I did manage to do a lot in my less than 12 hours there. If you’re thinking of visiting York – do it!

Things to do in York

York Minster

Deangate, York YO1 7HH
Visiting hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 9:30am-3:45pm
- Sunday: 12:45pm-2:45pm
- Tower trips: 10:15am-4:15pm
Tickets must be booked in advance. Book here – be sure to select “tower trip” if you want to climb the Central Tower. You’ll be prompted to select both an entry time for general admission, and for the tower – these can be as far apart or close together as you’d like
Cost: Minster only £12, Minster and Tower £17

Shambles Market

5 Silver St, York YO1 8RY
Open every day 9:00am-5:00pm

Jorvik Viking Centre

19 Coppergate, York YO1 9WT
Open every day 10:00am-5:00pm
Pre-book your visit here – you can opt to visit just Jorvik, or combine your ticket with visiting the DIG and/or Barley Hall
Cost: £12.50 adult, £18.00 triple ticket – tickets are valid for 12 months

City Walls

Unnamed Road, York YO1 7LJ (it comes up on Apple Maps as a destination)
Open every day 8:30am-9:00pm

Things (for me) to do (next time I’m) in York

While I did see a lot of York while I was there, I missed some things that I hope I’ll be able to return and visit. Here are those things!

Clifford’s Tower (I hope if I go back again that it’ll be open)
National Railway Museum
Yorkshire Museum
Betty’s Tea Room

Young woman in glasses taking a selfie from the top of the Central Tower at York Minster in York, England — Here’s to more selfies, and towers to climb!

Wandering around London

On September 24, 2021September 24, 2021 By notyouravggiraffeIn Travel, UK3 Comments

It’s been almost two years since I was last in London, and being back after that amount of time meant that I had to revisit some of my favorite places. It being London, of course, my first day was grey and overcast (although luckily the rain stayed away from the majority of the day). I love being back, and part of what I love so much about revisiting places, is getting to see them again with slightly different eyes – this time, it’s revisiting after not only a long break, but also with a hint of pandemic (and now viewing the city as the place where I live, rather than just a place I’m visiting).

Young woman stands in front of a red telephone booth in London — London’s calling!

Despite the fact that travel to the UK has reopened, London feels emptier than when I’ve been before. I’ve never felt less jostled or surrounded by people than I have wandering around these past few days. I’ve taken some very touristy photos that I’ve felt too awkward to take in years past because there have been so few people around. That’s not to say that there’s nobody around anywhere, but it’s certainly not what I’ve experienced in peak tourist season (which is what it still is, to be fair). Some areas are still quite hustle and bustle, but others are shockingly deserted.

Young woman stands in front of the front gates of Buckingham Palace in London — I’ve never seen the front gates of Buckingham Palace this empty

The first bit of sightseeing I did was to revisit the Sky Garden. The only other time I’ve done this was when I studied abroad in 2016, so it’s been some time. The experience and the view were virtually identical to what I remember them being, but since Sky Garden tickets are free, I can’t really complain. Plus, it’s never not fun to get a view from 35 stories up of London!

View from the Sky Garden in London — The Shard and the Thames from the balcony of the Sky Garden

One of my favorite walks in London is along the South Bank. Starting at the Eye (although I prefer to start at Southbank Centre to avoid the crowd that can gather in front of the Eye), you’ll walk past the National Theatre, the Globe, Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge (the bridge destroyed by death eaters in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, but also a bridge you can walk across to get to Saint Paul’s), and then I typically stop at Tower Bridge. When the weather is nice, you’ll get beautiful views stretching down the Thames as well. There are also some great outdoor restaurants along the South Bank where you can partake in outdoor dining (when the weather is nice), and have a lovely view of the Thames.

young woman stands with arms outstretched with Saint Paul's in the background — Hands in the air if you’re excited to be in London!

Something new I decided to do was visit Kensington Palace. I’ve wandered around the gardens before (although on the side closer to Hyde Park), but I’ve never made it into the Palace before. I had to prebook tickets for a designated time slot (I’m not sure if this was the case pre pandemic), but entry was easy. You can take the rooms at your own pace, but it took me about an hour from start to finish to walk through the Jewel Room, Queen Victoria’s childhood, the King (George II) and Queen (Mary II)’s state apartments, and the special Royal Style exhibit. Without needing to enter the palace, you can see the Princess Diana status and garden located very close to the entrance. Once you’re done with the palace, you can wander through Kensington Gardens, and over into Hyde Park – if you go far enough, you’ll end up at Buckingham Palace! You can also stop to have tea inside or just outside the gift shop.

Kensington Palace in London — View from outside Kensington Palace

Another fun thing that’s happened is I’ve gotten to see Tower Bridge open twice! That area of London isn’t one that I’ve massively frequented in the past, so I never timed it right to see it happen, but I managed to catch it twice in two days within my first week in London. It’s a very fast process (a far cry from the Interstate Bridge between WA and OR – if you know, you know), and it’s quite cool to see it up close. I managed to see it once from afar, and once from the pedestrian walkway on the bridge (as they say, it’s all in the timing).

Tower Bridge lifting in London, UK — Watching Tower Bridge lift

As another way of recreating my first time in London five years ago, I decided to visit the Tower of London again, something I did in my first weeks in London all those years ago. It’s been enough time that I remembered some of it, but certainly not all of it. Given the pandemic, you have to prebook your tickets for one of three allotted time slots (10:00, 12:00, or 14:00), but tickets were pretty easy to book. In some areas of the Tower, it felt very crowded, and others felt fairly empty, but I can’t imagine what it would be like without them restricting numbers to a certain extent. The indoor exhibits were where you felt the crowd the most, I’ll say. As with all the Historic Royal Palaces, you get to see history, and learn all about it. The Tower is where Anne Boleyn was famously beheaded, where the Crown Jewels are kept, and of course, the home of the ravens (and so much more). I managed to spend a solid three hours there, which is in line with the amount of time they say you should allow. It’s pretty easy to navigate, and a definite must visit!

White Tower at the Tower of London in London, UK — The White Tower at the Tower of London

Historic Royal Palaces tip: If you’re thinking of visiting Kensington Palace and the Tower of London, or any combination of the sites included in the Historic Royal Palaces, think about purchasing a membership, or upgrading your first full price ticket to a membership. At £59, this ends up being cheaper than purchasing multiple entrance tickets, especially if the two sites you want to visit are Kensington Palace and the Tower of London. If you’re like me and have just moved to London, you’ll then get one year of free entrance to any of the Historic Royal Palaces sites!

As another fun little way to celebrate my moving to the UK, I decided to partake in an afternoon tea! Since this is London, there are countless places to do this, at various price points. If you want to fully indulge, you can do Fortnum and Mason’s afternoon tea, which is divine in so many ways, but does run a steep price tag. If you’re more on a budget (like me), you can still fully partake in the afternoon tea tradition. I opted for a £15 tea at Cafe Rouge, and while that’s a chain, I have no complaints about the food! I was given my pot of English breakfast tea, and then some savories (mini jambon beurre baguette, mini brie baguette, a sausage roll, and a vegetable quiche), and some sweets (a lemon meringue tart, chocolate cake, a mini orange chocolate gateau, and a scone with clotted cream and strawberry jam – the true highlight of tea)! It was definitely enough food to eat, and you can never go wrong with a pot of tea.

Young woman sits holding a cup of tea with a tray of food from afternoon tea at Le Cafe Rouge in London, UK — Keep calm and drink tea, right?

Obviously my wanderings have barely scratched the surface of all London has to offer, but since I’m here for a while now, I know that I have the time to see all my old haunts, and to discover some new ones as well! I can’t get over the fact that I get to (for the foreseeable) call London home, and wander the streets whenever I want. It feels like this has been a longtime goal of mine, and I can’t quite describe what it feels like to have achieved it (although really, that’s a whole other blog post). I’m not fully employed, so my free time is more limited than when I first moved over, but I’ll be doing my best to enjoy London – even just being here is enough some days – but here’s to more London wanderings!

Moving to the UK!

On September 12, 2021September 12, 2021 By notyouravggiraffeIn UKLeave a comment

I’ve been pretty quiet on the blog the past few weeks, and while a lot of that is due to the fact that I haven’t been up to much, it’s also because I’ve been preparing for an(other) international move! This time, I’m headed to London. I’m absolutely thrilled to be heading back to the UK, and to be doing so for a job, since that feels way more adult and legit (and in a different way than my experience with TAPIF, not to disparage that at all, but this has more of a long lasting feeling). Much as it feels weird to write, this move has the makings of being a more permanent one, so the process has been overwhelming to say the least! With that in mind, I figured I’d write up a little bit about the process, since it’s not all been super smooth and easy.

Pre-departure preparation

As with any kind of move, there was a lot of packing to be done. Luckily, I had been planning on moving to the UK in September anyway (the initial plan had been grad school but sometimes life hands us different plans, and that’s okay!), so it wasn’t like I was completely unprepared when it came to figuring out what I would bring. Once again, I was thrown back into the mindset of weeding through my closet to decide what clothes I wanted to bring, what shoes were coming along (and trust me, it was a lot), and anything else that I wanted to have immediately. It’s always a weird feeling to try and pack up your life, and you’d think after the several times I’ve done it that it would be a piece of cake, but alas, it only gets marginally easier each time. All I can say is thank goodness for space bags.

Pandemic Travels

Much like when I went over to France, pandemic restrictions are still in place. Unlike last time though, more is open so more people are traveling, and you can definitely feel it in the airports (and even in checking my seat assignments before leaving). The UK currently requires a negative Covid test taken within three days of departure, based on the date of departure of the flight that will actually take you to the UK (I had to take two flights given that no non-stops were running from PDX). It’s a bit confusing compared to France’s 72 hour requirement, but it’s three calendar days – I left Wednesday September 8, and was tested Sunday, September 5 to ensure I had the results back in time (my provider where I was tested was estimating 48-72 hour turnaround time, but it ended up being just over 24 hours so it was fine anyway). The US is currently an amber list country, but vaccinated Americans are given the same treatment as travelers coming from green list countries – no need for isolation, and a requirement to take another Covid test within two days of arrival. Unvaccinated Americans are classed with any other amber list traveler, and must isolate for 10 days, taking tests on days two and eight (with an option to book an additional day five test for test and release). Any tests must be booked before arrival, and you have to fill out the information on the Passenger Locator Form (which will include a unique code given to you when you book your Covid test), which also indicates where you will be staying and your purpose of travel, within 48 hours of your arrival into the UK. Here are all the documents I needed:

LIST OF REQUIRED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Passport
Boarding pass
Negative Covid test, taken within three days of boarding flight to the UK
Passenger Locator Form (with unique reference code for prebooked day two test)
CDC vaccination card

Although the journey was long, it was fairly painless (other than the backs of my ears, which by hour ten of the journey were less than happy from the mask – I’d love to hear earsaver techniques, I am ALL EARS, pun intended). Due to it being an international flight, I was unable to check in online with Delta, and had to wait to do so at the airport, so that meant allowing slightly more time in the morning before my flight. In Portland, they verified my Covid test, vaccination card, and passport before issuing me my boarding pass. I had to first fly to Atlanta, and although the flight was pretty full, it wasn’t as full as my app had indicated it might be (no complaints from me)! As they’ve been for several months now, masks were required on both legs of my journey, and just like when I flew to France, I had no issues with it (other than the ear thing, but that’s because I went in a KN95 this time instead of a cloth mask so the straps were less forgiving). The three hour layover in ATL went pretty quickly, given that around 45 minutes before boarding started, everyone was called to the gate so they could verify our documents. There they checked covid tests, vaccination cards, passenger locator forms, and passports, before writing all that information down and putting a red sticker on my boarding pass to indicate I’d cleared document check. They were making people fill out the locator form if they hadn’t done so before they’d be considered fully checked in, so that’s a much needed document (in addition to everything else). The flight to London was pretty good, all things considered. There was dinner and lunch service, plus some good snacks so can’t complain about that! I was able to watch the new David Copperfield film, and apart from the uncomfortable headphones, and the fact that the flight tracker map didn’t work (I might be the only one, but it’s absolutely one of my favorite parts about flying), I enjoyed my flight, and was able to sleep for a lot of it. Delta isn’t currently running flights to the UK from the US, so I flew with Virgin Atlantic (a codeshare). I’ve never flown them before, but I enjoyed their service and the experience was comparable to the flights I’ve taken with Delta. Other than some pre-departure drama involving a cancelled flight with no notification, the whole process of flying during this next phase of the pandemic wasn’t horrible.

Customs at Heathrow oddly didn’t feel that much different than in non-pandemic times. Since I used an EU passport (although this applies to UK citizens, US passport holders, and a handful of other country passports), I used the E-gates. Nobody checked any of my documents once I arrived in London, but if you can’t use the E-gates, they absolutely will, and if there are any problems with the E-gates, customs can check those documents, too. Getting my bags took a while, and because I have so much stuff (moving will do that to you), I took a cab to where I was staying instead of trying to navigate the tube (which I would’ve done given any other circumstance). The traffic was absolutely horrific, and for that alone, if you can take the tube, do it.

Some ambiance lighting (and orange juice) to set the mood for the long flight to London

After Arrival: the Practical Things

After I was able to unload all my things, the first task I had to conquer was getting my day two Covid test taken. You can do this anytime between arrival (day 0) and day two, so I booked mine for the same day I arrived just so I could get it done. There’s a long list of providers you can use, and you can opt to have it swabbed by a professional, or to have a kit mailed to you. Considering I was staying at an AirBnb, and didn’t know the mail situation, I opted for finding a place in person. I used a testing center in Canary Wharf, and was able to get in before my appointment time so that was nice. It was five minutes to get the swab done (which was less painful than France, but more-so than the US – I have thoughts on the somewhat metaphorical analogy this makes), and I was pleased with the process, although I’ll grumble a bit about the price of it (£65 for those of you curious). The test results came via email in 54 hours, which was longer than the 48 hours I was promised. I will say it’s a little odd that they ask you to take a test within two days of arrival, but you have no requirement to isolate while you wait for the results. It seems a little risky, given a lot can happen in two-three days, but here we are.

The next thing I had to do was get a SIM for my phone (if only because for as well as I know London, I’m still not an expert at getting from place to place without a little maps assistance). Since I was out at Canary Wharf for my test, I hopped on the DLR to get to Westfield Stratford so I could visit a Three store. There are loads of mobile providers in the UK – and I’ve used three and EE in the past – but I used Three when I studied abroad so I had an urge to use them again. It wasn’t nearly as smooth as I wanted it to be, but the good news is that since I’m on a Pay As You Go plan, I can switch providers at any point if I want to do that. Either way, my phone is now fully functional in the UK.

The element I still haven’t sorted though is opening a bank account. For as much as I thought France was horrifically bureaucratic and difficult, the UK is proving to be worse (who would’ve thought that was possible??). In order to open an account, you need a proof of address. Since I’ve already sorted my living situation, this should be easy, right? WRONG. To prove that I’ll be earning in the UK, I have a letter from my employer confirming my employment with them, as well as my UK address (where I’ll be moving next month). This, however, isn’t enough for any banks. They want post that was delivered to you or a lease agreement (but this can only be from an Estate agent or through a council agreement, which mine isn’t, so my lease agreement doesn’t count). A lot of the things you can use as proof of address aren’t available to me as a non UK citizen (registration on the voter roll, current driver’s license – I could apply for a provisional license but that involves sending off your passport and has a massive wait time, etc…). I’ve changed by address with HMRC so they can send me an updated letter with my National Insurance Number (thank goodness I already had one of these since the backlog is running ~ 16 weeks to get one right now), but that’s going to take 10-16 business days, so that’s essentially my time frame for when I’ll be able to open a bank account. I couldn’t update my address until I was actually in the UK, so really this whole process is a whole catch-22 of epic proportions. I tried opening online accounts like Monzo and Monese, since that’s recommended to try and get something with your address on it, but Monzo denied me (with no reason given, much to the consternation of the bank tellers with whom I spoke about it), and Monese required paying for the debit card (which didn’t seem worth it just to generate a statement I could use for opening an account somewhere else). It’s definitely still a work in progress, and an infuriating one at that. Fingers crossed I’m able to resolve that at some point in the near future, if only so I can be paid (just a small thing, really).

Random moving to the UK tip: Since there’s a possibility this move will be for a while, one thing that could become important for me down the line is having UK credit history. Unfortunately, my US credit history doesn’t transfer outside the country, so I’m essentially starting from scratch. That means I’ll be back in the endless cycle of being unable to get credit cards because of a lack of credit history, but being unable to generate any credit history because I can’t get a credit card. Something that was suggested to me was to get an American Express credit card in the US. After three months of use, I can exchange it for a UK one, no questions asked. This way (in at least three months’ time), I’ll be able to start generating some credit history in the UK! I have no idea if it’ll be successful or seamless, but I’ll report back on that one. I was, however, impressed with the speed with which I received my card in the US!

Despite the minor bank account hiccup, my arrival into London has been lovely, and I’m over the moon to be back. I’ve been able to wander around a bit (blog post incoming on that one), and it really does feel like coming home in a weird way. I’m still definitely stressed about the pandemic, and its effects on the UK (and my job), but I can tell I’m going to have to channel my worries differently over here. Contrary to what I’m used to in Washington (I can’t say the US because not every state has handled the pandemic the same), mask wearing is not really a thing outside, nor is it truly required/enforced inside. I’ve been a little disappointed by how many places have signage recommending the use of a face mask, but not requiring it – seems silly to think most people would automatically comply with recommended than required. It’s more lax than France for sure, but I’ll have to adjust since this is where I’m going to be living for the foreseeable.

It’s hard to believe that I set foot in London for the first time (almost exactly) five years ago, and here I am moving here. If only my 20 year old studying abroad self could see me now. I had no idea at the time how much my life would change from studying abroad (which is cliché, I know, but I do have some proof of that fact), and I’m truly so grateful that the stars have seemingly aligned to make my coming back possible. Here’s to a new adventure!

Recreating one of the first ever photos I took in London in September 2016 (bottom photo), in September 2021 (top photo)

Things to do when you study abroad in London

On June 27, 2021June 27, 2021 By notyouravggiraffeIn TravelLeave a comment

As someone who spent a year studying abroad in London, and has subsequently returned several times, I like to think myself a bit of an expert on the city (at least, a little). With the possibility of study abroad opening back up, I thought I would use some of my experiences to collate a list of fun things you should try and do if you’re studying (or even just visiting) London! This is by no means a comprehensive list, and it’s based on my personal likes/dislikes, but I know how overwhelming it can be to get used to a new city, so I hope this can help a little!

Before I dive into my list, I wanted to start with a useful tip for studying abroad in London. The first thing is to download CityMapper. It’s a transport app and is oh so helpful when you’re still figuring out the tube (and even after you’ve memorized it, I still rely on it). It will tell you what lines to take, when the next tube is arriving, compare the tube to the bus, and tell you when certain lines aren’t running. It works in several big cities so you can use it if you travel around Europe while you’re studying, and even has some cities in Asia and the Americas! If you get a British phone plan while studying abroad, you’ll be able to access WiFi in the stations, so you can update the app while you wait (but it’s best to preload it just in case the WiFi doesn’t work).

Without further ado, here’s my list of things to do (in no particular order) when you’re studying abroad in London!

Visit the Museums

General entrance to almost every museum in London is free. That means that you can pop into them for five minutes, or decide to spend a whole day there. Special exhibits will cost money, but otherwise, you’re free to enter them as you choose. My personal favorites are the V&A museum (especially for their scones), and the National Gallery. They’re both museums in which you could get lost, but also ones that are so never-ending, you’ll discover new things at every turn. The National Gallery is more focused on traditional paintings, but the V&A has more of a mix of art ranging from different eras and different mediums. Other museum highlights include the Science Museum, Tate Modern, and the British Museum.

How to get there:

V&A Museum: Nearest tube station is South Kensington on the Piccadilly or Circle/District lines. This is also the stop for the Science Museum and Natural History museum, as well
National Gallery: Located in Trafalgar Square. Nearest tube stations are Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines) or Embankment (Circle/District lines)
Tate Modern: Nearest tube stations are Southwark (Jubilee line), Blackfriars (Circle/District line – located on the opposite bank of the Thames), and Borough (Northern line)
British Museum: Nearest tube station is Holborn (Central line)

See the Parks

Although London is a cosmopolitan city, it is full of greenery and parks. They’re scattered all over the city, but are perfect for an afternoon stroll, picnic, or a run to get some daily exercise. Head to Kensington Gardens to find the Peter Pan Statue, or have an afternoon in St. James’ Park, located conveniently between Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. If you’re in London during the holidays, make sure you head to Hyde Park for their annual Winter Wonderland. Other notable parks include Regent’s Park, and Greenwich Park (if you’re in Greenwich, you can visit the Royal Observatory and stand on the Prime Meridian).

See a Show

While I’m absolutely a theatre person (so this was top of my list when I studied abroad), seeing theatre while in the UK is a must. There’s the West End with impressive headline shows like Phantom of the Opera or Les Mis, but there are also smaller theatres all over the city. There’s the Old Vic, the National Theatre, the Globe, and the Royal Court to name some well known non West End theatres, although there are countless others. No matter if your preference is to see a play or a musical, be sure to indulge in some theatre while in London, you won’t regret it! You might even be able to see some famous actors trod the boards. When I was in London, I managed to see Daniel Radcliffe, David Tennant, John Boyega, Andrew Garfield, and Nathan Lane onstage!

Selfie with Daniel Radcliffe — My most prized selfie

Ticket tips: If you’re a theatre person like me, be sure to sign up for reduced rate tickets for 16-25 year olds at the National Theatre, and £10 PwC preview tickets at the Old Vic. You can also download the TodayTix app to try for daily rush tickets (typically at 9/10am in the app), or to see what’s playing. Some shows also do day seating, which involves queuing outside the theatre in the early hours of the morning (I would typically arrive around 5am) to then be able to purchase tickets when the box office opens for that day’s performance. You usually get great seats at a phenomenal price (£20/£25 typically). You can also get £5 groundling (standing) tickets for performances at the Globe!

I also highly recommend seeing a panto if you’re in the UK during the holidays. It’s a lovely British tradition, and a joy to behold (oh yes it is)!

Walk along the Thames

While the tube is an excellent way to get around London, don’t underestimate how walkable it is. One of my favorite walks in London is along the Thames. It’s a great way to orient yourself in the city, but also to see some of the best sights on foot. If you start on the banks of the Thames opposite Big Ben, you’ll walk past The Eye, The National Theatre, The Globe, Tate Modern, and more. If you get far enough, you’ll even get to the Tower of London. You can cross over the Millennium Bridge (yes, the one famous for being destroyed by the Death Eaters in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince) to access Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Walking along the Thames is a fun way to not only see London, but to get some steps in, too!

Young woman leaning against a railing along the Thames in London, England, UK. The OXO tower and Blackfriars bridge can be seen in the background. — You can even find some “beaches” along the Thames (although I wouldn’t wade too far into the water, if at all)

Watch the sunset on Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill is a heavily touristy spot, especially for sunsets, but the view is worth it. The walk up the hill is on an incline, but it’s not a long hike up by any means. You can sit on the grass and watch day turn to night over the skyline of London. It’s especially enjoyable with friends and a tin of Pimm’s! The nearest tube station is Chalk Farm (Northern line – be sure to catch the Edgware branch), and Primrose Hill is around a ten minute walk from the station. You can even precede your evening with a trip to the London Zoo, which is just nearby.

Sunset viewed from Primrose Hill — The view from Primrose Hill at sunset

Visit the Warner Brothers Studio Tour

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, this is an absolute must. You’ll head up to Leavesden Studios and there you can see Harry Potter film sets, costumes, props, and more! I’ve been twice and still feel like I could return to discover new things. You need to prebook tickets so it’s not a spontaneous trip, but if you’re studying abroad, you’ll have ample time to find a date that works. If you’re curious what visiting is like, check out my blog post about visiting it during the summer here!

In addition to the studio tour, be sure to also head to King’s Cross for a photo opportunity at platform 9 3/4! While you can’t actually stand between platforms nine and ten (unless you have a ticket for a train departing from those platforms), there’s a conveniently set up luggage trolley further into the station. There’s usually a queue for the photo, but if you time it right, you might not have to wait too long!

Young woman standing in Diagon Alley at the Harry Potter studio tour in London — Mischief Managed in Diagon Alley at The Warner Brothers Studio Tour

Have Tea

While this is kind of a touristy thing as well, it isn’t everyday that you find yourself in London! I’m a big tea drinker, so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have a proper afternoon tea. There are so many places where you can sit down for afternoon tea, at every price point so you don’t need to splurge if you don’t want to spend a lot. I opted to splurge a little and had tea at Fortnum & Mason’s, but there are plenty of cheaper alternatives. The key bit of having afternoon tea is getting to indulge in not only a luscious pot of tea, but also in finger sandwiches, and more importantly, scones. There is little better than a fresh scone with clotted cream and lemon curd in my opinion, and I would happily eat them every day.

If you’re just after the scones (and I wouldn’t blame you), Caffe Nero does a pretty good scone with clotted cream and strawberry jam. As I’ve already mentioned, my personal favorite scones come from the V&A, but I’ll admit, it’s not the most practical location when you’re craving a scone! You can find tea everywhere, and wade into the debate of which brand is the best (PG Tips, if you’re reading this, I love you and my allegiance is with you).

Young woman holding a tea cup at Fortnum & Mason's in London — Tea really does make everything feel better!

Go to a Television Show Taping

In addition to being home to stage shows, London is also home to the filming sets for many panel, and talk shows with live audiences. If you’re studying abroad in London, and will be there for a time, you can sign up to be considered to be an audience member for a multitude of shows. Typically, you’ll select a handful of dates for which you’re available, and they’ll reach out with your assigned date if you’re chosen! When I studied abroad, I attended two Graham Norton show tapings (with Ed Sheeran and Harry Styles as musical guests), a taping for Mock the Week, and a taping for The Nightly Show. The two companies responsible for getting audiences are SRO Audiences, and Applause Store. Be sure to check their websites frequently if this interests you!

Graham Norton show set after a live taping — Taking a sneaky photo of the Graham Norton show set

Go to the Top of the Sky Garden

For a free panoramic view of London, be sure to visit the Sky Garden! Entrance is free, although you need to book a timed entry ticket in advance. There’s a cafe/bar at the top, in addition to the 360° view you’ll get. While it’s not the same view you’d get from The Eye, it’s cheaper, and essentially comparable!

Closest tube stations: Monument (Circle/District line), and Bank (Central, and Northern line with connection to Monument station). These stations are connected underground, but Monument is the closest. Don’t be fooled by the word “connection” though, it’s a decent walk from Bank to Monument (and Bank is not a fun station to change lines).

Walk Around a Market

Markets are a great spot to visit in London both for food, but also for fun oddities you might not find anywhere else. If you’re feeling peckish, head to Borough Market! If you’re wanting to go shopping you can visit Portobello Road on the weekend in Notting Hill, or Box Park for some trendy shops. For more second hand and vintage shopping, head to Brick Lane or Camden Market. There’s also the Columbia Road Flower Market perfect for fresh blooms.

Ride the Bus

As much as the tube is a fantastic way to get around London, it’s not very scenic. Riding the double decker buses gives you the opportunity to see the city from a different angle, and to familiarize yourself more with everything. I personally love taking the bus when I have the time, and sometimes the route is more convenient via bus (CityMapper is great for telling you what’s the quickest). Even if you don’t use it for regular transport, try the bus at least once if only for the experience!

See the Olympic Rings

London was host to the 2012 Olympics, and the rings, along with a massive park with facilities, are still there. Located in East London (you’ll take the Central or Jubilee line to Stratford), you can spend some quality time going for a walk around the park, see West Ham Stadium, and if you’re eagle eyed enough, find the Olympic Rings. When you’re done, you can head into the Westfield next door for some shopping.

Olympic Rings in Olympic Park in London — You don’t have to win a gold medal to pose with the rings, luckily!

Venture outside London

While there are a million things to see and do in London (I still haven’t crossed them all off my list), there’s more to the UK than just London. It’s worth exploring other cities for so many reasons, but it can make for slightly less stressful adventures when you only have to take the train rather than a plane. I certainly have more cities I want to explore in the UK, but here are some of my recommendations!

Oxford: Highlights include the Radcliffe Camera, Christchurch College, and the Bodleain Library. I’ve done Oxford both in a day trip, and over a couple of days.
Bath: Highlights include the Roman baths, Fashion Museum, and eating a Sally Lunn Bun! I went to Bath as part of a trip in tandem with Oxford.
Cambridge: Highlights include King’s College, punting, and the Mathematical Bridge. I’ve only visited as part of a day trip.
Brighton: If you’re keen to see the seaside, be sure to visit Brighton. Walk along the pier and enjoy a 99 flake, and visit the Royal Pavilion. It’s a perfect day trip from London, but you can spend more time there if you please. Brighton is also home to the UK’s biggest pride festival during the summer.
Edinburgh: It would be hard to day trip to Edinburgh from London, but spending a few days there is well worth it to explore Scotland’s capital. Highlights include: Edinburgh castle, climbing Arthur’s Seat, and the National Museum of Scotland.
The Lake District: Since this is a district, there’s more than one place to visit, but the scenic views of the Lake District are truly stunning. I visited Keswick as part of an adventure weekend through IFSA-Butler, but I’m very keen on returning up North to explore more.
Stratford-Upon-Avon: Home to the RSC and Shakespeare’s birthplace, this lovely city is a perfect getaway from London. You can see some theatre, indulge in fish and chips, and learn all about Shakespeare!

For heading outside the UK, you can catch the Eurostar to Paris from St. Pancras which will drop you off at Gare du Nord in central Paris. You can also catch flights to anywhere in Europe from the many London airports. Heathrow is easily accessible via the Piccadilly line, and London City airport can be reached on the DLR. The other airports will require a train or bus to get there.

Be a Tourist

As much as I like to blend into the scenery when I travel, there’s nothing wrong with indulging in the touristy things to do, especially in a city like London. I think it’s important to see as much as you can of a city, and sometimes that includes going to a specific location for an Instagram photo or to say you’ve done it, even if it’s beyond cheesy. Not all tourist attractions are created equal, though, so here’s my list of ones you should do at least once while studying abroad in London!

Take a photo with a red telephone booth
Watch the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace
Visit the Tower of London (absolutely worth the price of admission, but allow ample time to visit the whole thing)
Hit up Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden (don’t try to walk up the stairs at Covent Garden station if you decide to disembark there, though).
Let yourself get lost in the city. Since there are tube stations almost everywhere, you’re never truly lost, and you can always connect back to where you started. Walking is a fantastic way to get to know London, and to see things you’d miss if you took the tube to get somewhere.
If you want to splurge on a view of London, ride the Eye. Book your tickets in advance to minimize the amount of time you need to wait before getting your view.
Stroll through Notting Hill to admire the pastel houses

Young woman stands in a red telephone box outside Westminster Station in London, England, UK — London’s calling!

London is a fabulous city in which to study abroad. There are endless things to do and see, and its location makes it easy to explore the UK and Europe. I’m now several years on from my study abroad experience, and I still think about it all the time. I’ve been lucky enough to return to London on a few occasions, and I hope to be able to go back many more times. Here’s to exciting study abroad adventures, and let me know if I missed any London highlights!

Rockin’ my sox off in (s)Oxford

On August 13, 2019July 4, 2020 By notyouravggiraffeIn Travel

Another weekend trip (and a short blurb about it)! This time I got to spend half a day in Oxford. Having already spent some time in Oxford when I was studying abroad, it was nice to return to the city already knowing some of the area. I love walking around the streets and stumbling upon different colleges, and being a lover of British crime shows, stumbling upon areas that were used as filming locations in those very shows (as well as Harry Potter of course).

Christchurch college, famous for many things including the sorting hat scene from Harry Potter

The day started with a quick walkabout to see the main sights, including Oxford Castle, Christchurch, and the Radcliffe Camera. I still haven’t been in Oxford Castle, but it looks like it could be interesting inside having once been a prison, and castles are always fun to explore. Christchurch is the oldest college in Oxford and was the shooting location for the Great Hall scene as well as the Sorting Hat scene from the first Harry Potter film. It is surrounded by lovely greenery, which makes for a pleasant view. Much as in Cambridge, you can enter the college for a fee (which I have done in the past), but it’s quite nice just to see the architecture from the exterior.

There’s a covered market worth exploring full of food and cute things to purchase, as well as the old feeling streets which are perfect for wandering. The Radcliffe Camera, is a nice square, where many scenes from the iconic crime shows Endeavour, Morse, and Lewis are shot. The Camera is surrounded by colleges, and feels far away from the bustling high street that lies nearby.

Walking along from the Camera, you’ll find the Bodleian Library, with a square that dates from who knows when (sorry, latin numbers are not my strong point). There’s also the Bridge of Sighs, modeled after the iconic one in Venice, and right around the corner is the Weston Library, which contains free exhibits. When I was there, it was an exhibit on 3D figures (again with the math), and one on mapping Oxford and the surrounding areas. The free exhibitions change every so often, so it’s worth a visit for a cool place on a hot day, or just as a way to learn something new while you’re in this highly academic city!

References to Endeavor spotted in the streets

A Sunday in Cambridge

On August 8, 2019August 8, 2019 By notyouravggiraffeIn Travel1 Comment

One of the perks of working for a language school in the summer in London, is the weekend excursions. Where I work, every Sunday takes us to either Brighton, Oxford, or Cambridge. I’d never been to Cambridge before, so I jumped on the opportunity to visit a new city, and to give myself the chance to explore a little. I went there by coach, but luckily, Cambridge isn’t too far away from London so we were quickly there (I much prefer train travel to coach, but alas, with several – and I mean several – kids, we can’t exactly commute by train easily).

Upon arrival in Cambridge, I was struck by how quaint everything feels, but also how different it feels to its “competitor” of Oxford. There isn’t the feeling that you’re surrounded by colleges, but rather, that there are colleges within the city, and that they happen to make up the majority of the buildings that populate the environs. There was a large market in the square leading to King’s College, which is definitely impressive solely from the exterior. You can visit inside for a fee, but I opted just to admire the architecture of its exterior, and the contrast between it and the bustling shops in front of it.

Cambridge is a perfect walking city, and in just my few hours there, I feel like I was able to see most of the big sights, and appreciate the city! There are several parks within the city, and many lie along the canal, so you can watch people as they go punting down the canal, or just enjoy the pretty scenery. One famous thing to see is the mathematical bridge, which is a wooden footbridge. There’s some mathematical reason behind its design (which goes over my head in many different ways), but it’s fun to take pictures of it, and wonder what it would be like to walk over it.

Even though I barely scratched the surface of Cambridge, it’s a perfect day trip from London where you can breathe some fresh air and see some lovely old architecture. There’s a market worth visiting, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth, be sure to check out The Fudge Kitchen across from King’s College. You can get a sample of some fudge, and if you’ve not been satisfied enough with that nibble, you can go home with way more than that if you please.

Walking through the park and over the canal for some beautiful views of scenery (and of the many punters along the way)

February Holidays part III: Going back to London

On March 1, 2019March 3, 2019 By notyouravggiraffeIn TravelLeave a comment

Ever since I studied abroad in London my junior year of university, I feel like part of me is always longing to go back to London. As soon as the pilot announced that we were beginning our descent, I could feel a smile forming on my face as I looked out onto the landscape. We touched down, and I went as quickly as I could through customs, getting my bags, and heading down to the tube. It’s super convenient to be able to hop on the Picadilly line from Heathrow and go really anywhere in London without much effort. It’s always interesting to me how easily I slip back into the ways of the tube, and how at ease I feel navigating my way around the city. It’s also nice because having been there before, I feel less stressed about seeing everything, and more relaxed with my time there.

Even though I’ve spent an extensive amount of time in London, I still enjoy wandering around, and doing a lot of walking. Some of my favorite sights to explore are Southbank, where you can walk along the Thames, by the eye, the Tate Modern, the Globe Theatre, the National Theatre, as well as see some great views of Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and Parliament. Walking along those familiar paths is so calming, and you can also walk across the Millennium Bridge (well known as the bridge the Death Eaters destroy in the seventh Harry Potter film) to St. Paul’s. I lucked out with the weather, so it was beyond pleasant to be out and about walking around the city the whole time I was there.

Some of my other favorite things to do in London include the many museums. Unlike a lot of other countries, the museums in London are all free (obviously special exhibits can cost some money, but the basic entrance doesn’t cost you anything). My personal favorites would have to be the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, and the V&A in South Kensington (you can easily spend most of a day here since it’s such an extensive collection, and the museum seems to never end). This time, I also checked out the Tate Modern, and the Design Museum for the first time – a 10 minute walk from Earl’s Court Tube Station. Most of the exhibits here are paid entry, but there is a cool free exhibit on the top floor called “design, maker, user,” which looks at the evolution of technology, among other things. It’s pretty interesting because it looks at the methods that go into designing advertising, street signs (typography), as well as the history of things we take for granted in our daily lives like cell phones, laptops, and even smart watches. I found it a super easy exhibit to follow, and full of interactive things.

Speaking of the V&A, one of my “must-dos” the past times I’ve been back to London has been to have tea, and scones with clotted cream and jam at their cafe. Since I studied abroad, I stand by the fact that the V&A’s scones are amongst the best in London, and they’re truly a treat. Scones just aren’t the same in the US as they are in the UK, plus clotted cream isn’t exactly a household item either. Whether you put the cream on first or the jam, you have to admit that it’s a delicious combination. I was able to nab this one with a friend from university, so I got a tasty treat, and a well needed catch-up. I managed to have two scones during my week, one at the V&A, and one at Caffe Nero, which I would have to say is second on my list of best (easily accessible/affordable) scones in London. Of course, I had tea with my scone, and one of the things I truly love about London is the accessibility of tea. I was even able to buy tea at McDonald’s, which is something I don’t think I could find in the US! In case you were concerned about my tea supply in France, fear not, I returned to the other side of the channel with 160 PG Tips bags so I’m 100% covered, and definitely a very happy camper.

Ironically, the majority of my time in London was spent in a theatre. I’ll admit, that was one of the things that drew me to London when I was choosing where to study abroad, and it is one of the big things that keeps me coming back (along with how at home I feel there). I managed to see seven shows in the six days I was in London, and logistically, I couldn’t really have seen many more. I lucked out regarding the availability of shows, as well as the costs for my tickets. Using rush, and day seats, I never paid more than 25 pounds. I won’t do length reviews of them all, but I can’t write about my time in London and neglect to talk at least a little bit about the phenomenal shows, and actors I got to see while I was there.

Tuesday, 19 February, 8:00pm – SIX: The Musical. A clever 75 minute musical about the six wives of Henry VIII, told by his “ex-wives.” All six women are total queens (both literal and figuratively), the songs are jams, and the band is all female as well! It’s such a fun show, tells what they dub “her”story, and made for a great first show in London.
Wednesday, 20 February, 7:30pm – Come From Away. Another musical based in reality, about the real life stories of people diverted to Gander (as well as its inhabitants) following the closure of American airspace on, and after, 9/11. It’s a really touching and poignant story, and deals with the events in a beautiful way – plus, it is at its core, truly a happy story about humanity.
Thursday, 21 February, 3:00pm – True West. My first play in London this time around. A Sam Shepard piece, essentially carried by two actors. I got to sit second row to see Kit Harrington, and Johnny Flynn deal with the struggles of sibling rivalry, as well as witness nine toasters pop up toast at the front of the stage (I think that’ll stick with me longer than any other part of the play… whoops).
Thursday, 21 February, 7:30pm – Pinter Seven. The Harold Pinter Theatre put on a five month “Pinter at the Pinter” festival, where seven Pinter plays were performed over the course of the festival. I caught the sixth, and seventh Pinter play. If you’re familiar with Pinter, I saw a slight ache, and the dumbwaiter. This was my first experience with Pinter, and although I don’t know that he’s really my cup of tea, I got to see Martin Freeman and Danny Dyer act the latter play, and that was something I couldn’t have predicted would have happened to me.
Friday, 22 February, 7:30pm – Jesus hopped the ‘A’ Train. I’ve never seen a play at the Young Vic, so this show gave me an opportunity to do just that. This particular play speaks to the criminal justice system, and again, deals with a serious subject in a way that doesn’t make you feel weighed down by the content the whole time. We did “lucky dips” tickets so we were guaranteed a spot somewhere in the theatre, but we didn’t know where we’d be seated, or if we’d end up standing. I’m pleased to say my friend and I got to sit together, and we had good seats as well!
Saturday, 23 February, 2:30pm – When we have sufficiently tortured each other. This was the only play that I knew I was seeing before I left France, as one of my friends had secured two Entry Pass tickets, and invited me to come along. We got to sit front row in the Dorfman at the National to see Cate Blanchett, and Stephen Dilane. This wasn’t my favorite play that I saw, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it – plus, it isn’t a play that I would probably have booked had I not already secured tickets. However, Cate Blanchett is phenomenal, and it was worth the price of admission just to be able to see her perform live.
Saturday, 23 February, 7:30pm – Company. I day seated this performance (ironically at the same theatre where I day sat The Ferryman last year), and got great seats in the dress circle. Company is a musical with little plot (in the sense that it’s mostly vignettes, and there’s no evident order of the scenes), but it’s a Sondheim musical, so it does have some well known songs. Not to mention, I got to see Patti Lupone perform “ladies who lunch,” as well as just see her onstage, and my younger novice musical theatre aficionado would not have imagined that happening. Also, this production did some gender bending, so Bobbie was played by a woman (which makes the whole “you’re turning 35, you should settle down” trope a little more REAL), and Amy became Jamie, but he smashed “not getting married” out of the park (also probably my favorite number as it was done hilariously). It was definitely a good final show for me.

I could go on forever about how great my week in London was, but I feel happy with what I was able to see and do while I was there. I met up with friends I hadn’t seen in almost two years, and got to have Choccywoccydoodah as well. If you’re a chocolate fan, this is a must for you. I also did some damage at Primark (of course) buying London, Paddington, and Harry Potter themed clothing and goods… I highly recommend stopping by their Oxford Street store if you want some well priced souvenirs, or themed clothing. I frequently think about London, but I don’t think I actively realized how much I missed it until I was seeing the familiar sights, hearing the voice on the tube announcing the next stop, or dining at the ever present Pret. I’m so glad I got to go back to my favorite city, and I’m already waiting for the next visit.

You can check out a little vlog of my adventures here!

Not Your Average Giraffe

Tag: UK