Two Weeks In.

I’ve been in London for two weeks and it has been such an amazing experience. In just two weeks I’ve seen Big Ben, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, a beautiful coastal city(Brighton has to be the cutest beach town in England!), walked on the campus of the oldest English-speaking university, successfully took the tube(the London Metro system) to Central London by myself(thanks City Mapper!), toured the Kingston Business School, and have had the opportunity to meet other students from so many different backgrounds. That list is only about half of what I’ve done these past two weeks. While doing everything on this list I’ve noticed one thing. Something that I have seen everywhere. At the bus stop. On the tube. Walking in Kingston and Central London. On campus. During my International Student Orientation.

London defines diversity. A word sometimes overused, and misunderstood; diversity is a term that most of us hear everyday. As a double minority, it’s something that I value so much, and try to encourage others to see the value in it as well. Walking in and around London I have seen so many different races, ethnicities, and cultures. It’s beautiful. I love living in a place that is truly a melting pot. During my International Students Orientation I learned that there are more than 150 countries represented on campus this semester! WOW! 150 countries.

Last week, I attended the Fresher’s Fayre(pronounced fair). This is a time for new Kingston students to see all of the student societies, and join a few. There were over 200 student societies to join, so it was slightly overwhelming. From amateur boxing to the feminist society. (I think I’m joining the amateur boxing society. LOL) There was something there to fit everyone’s taste. When I walked to the cultural society section I saw a Malayalee, Lebanese, Nigerian, Vietnamese, Pakistani and so many more student-led cultural society. Many of the societies shared food and music with the new Kingston students in hopes of recruiting new members. Going to the Fresher’s Fayre was a great start to my time at Kingston. It allowed me to see the university and all the opportunities for students on campus.

This week is the first week of classes, and so far I’m loving all my classes. I even have one American professor! Yayyy ‘Merica! I’ll be sure to make another post with a full update on my first week of classes.

-Casey