Living in London
I’ve always wanted to live in London. I’ve always been fascinated by its history and architectural beauty (if you know me you know I’m obsessed with sash windows and old townhouses). But also how its diversity means there’s something for everyone and always something going on…
The building that houses the journalism department at City, University of London
In September, I finally did it. I moved to pursue my dream of becoming a journalist: I started my masters in International Journalism at City, University of London. I became very busy quite quickly so I didn’t set time aside for frupdates here on the blog – but as the year draws to a close I want to take the time to reflect on the last couple of months.
The pace of this city is both thrilling and daunting. Being lucky enough to live in the centre, I’m pretty much walking distance to everything. I’ve become a big fan of Soho and its bars and speakeasies, Covent Garden’s shops and walks through St James’ Park.
The other day I was watching Made in Chelsea and they were sitting in a Soho speakeasy I went to with none other than ma gal Chelsea a couple of months ago. The inner teen fangirl in me was proud.
The hustle and bustle of living near these areas can make it feel wrong to just chill and do nothing at the flat, particularly when I’m trying to get an early night and all I can hear is the bass from the reggaeton club downstairs. I’m not complaining though – I view it all as part and parcel of this city’s vibrancy.
My course keeps me busy and doesn’t leave a huge amount of time for chilling. In fact, I get to meet lots of interesting people for my weekly news assignments. In finding sources for stories, I’ve learnt to value people more, since student journalists don’t have the backing of a big media organisation so anyone willing to take the time to talk to us is a real gem. Covering different topics every week, I’m always learning something new from these sources, with each bringing a different perspective on the world.
I took this picture on Oxford Street for the sunset, but the sign is my favourite part
Going to uni I’ve discovered new areas I’d previously not visited on trips to London, such as Clerkenwell and Islington. They’re doing well on the sash window and townhouse front.
I also gave the whole London dating scene a go. I’ve never been a fan of dating apps but I saw it as a way to meet new people and go to places I otherwise wouldn’t go to. It was a lot of fun, but now I’m heading into the new year single and ready to focus on the next semester of my course.
I’m hoping the New Year will also bring a new season of Twenties Questions. It took a bit of a hiatus as I got caught up in uni work and the London life in general, but I’ve definitely got some people I can talk to for season two.
Living in London feels like I’m a part of a vast interconnected web, conscious of all the other humans living their own lives around me – not directly interacting but parallel to my own. Standing amid the rush, you sense that everyone has their own direction and their own purpose; which can feel quite alienating if you don’t know your own. I’m going into the new year still trying to find my place in this huge city, but I am grateful to live here when it’s been something I’ve wanted to do for so long.
