Week One

James Kenvin checks in weekly from his study abroad semester in London; catch up with him every Wednesday on Trazee Travel.

When I first received notice I was going to be studying abroad in London this fall, I immediately began romanticizing about life across the pond. As my departure date got closer, the realization I was actually leaving to live in a new country for four months sent my emotions into overdrive. My excitement turned into nervousness as soon as I started packing.

I am a severe “overpacker.” No matter how short the trip, I always manage to pack way too much. To me, “just take the essentials,” means every possible item of clothing you could wear. Even though I know this about myself, I brought everything I could fit in my large suitcases. Navigating my way through Heathrow with these two heavy bags was interesting — thank goodness for wheels. Somehow I managed to make it out of the airport with everything intact and arrive safely at my dorm room.

I didn’t have much time to relax or explore before I was expected on campus at orientation for the rest of the night, so I left my bags and ran out the door. The chaos of my first moments in London left me extremely overwhelmed, and I started to feel homesick. I began worrying I made a mistake.

To distract myself and to make news friends and start exploring London, I decided to tag along with some other students to a local pub. It was in that moment, when I sat down with a pint amongst all these Londoners, my excitement returned. I realized I would soon settle into my new temporary home, and my anxiety turned into pure anticipation for all of the amazing experiences and lessons waiting for me over these next four months.