Kathryn Hurley is a Queen Mary Modern Languages and Cultures student, studying Russian. As a Turing Scheme grant recipient, Kathryn studied abroad at St Petersburg State University last semester. Take a look at some of her favourite spots!

FeaturedLeave a comment

My favourite places in St Petersburg for… Groceries:This may not be the most exciting part of a year abroad, but it is important! My favourite grocery shop turned out to be Azbuka Vkusa, not for everyday shopping (Eurospar and Pyaterochka win for that), but for finding things that cannot be found in regular Russian supermarkets. … Continue reading Kathryn Hurley is a Queen Mary Modern Languages and Cultures student, studying Russian. As a Turing Scheme grant recipient, Kathryn studied abroad at St Petersburg State University last semester. Take a look at some of her favourite spots!

Queen Mary Economics student and Turing Scheme grant recipient Luqmaan Said spent last semester studying abroad in Milan, at Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi. Take a look at some of the things Luqmaan got up to…

FeaturedLeave a comment

Was Milan what I expected? Not a chance. Is that a good or bad thing? 100% a good thing. My entire life I’ve grown up in Dagenham, East London. I’m so used to the city I don’t even question the structure and layout of other cities. When I first arrived in Milan, I really expected … Continue reading Queen Mary Economics student and Turing Scheme grant recipient Luqmaan Said spent last semester studying abroad in Milan, at Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi. Take a look at some of the things Luqmaan got up to…

“Life continues, just with a vaccine, test, and mask.” History student Eleanor shows us a glimpse of life studying abroad at George Washington University in Washington D.C.

FeaturedLeave a comment

I have to admit, I did not truly believe I would ever make it to America. It was only once thewheels hit the tarmac at Dulles International Airport and as we entered through the customshall, covered in the star-spangled banner, that it truly sank in. I was finally here. In the deep dark midst of … Continue reading “Life continues, just with a vaccine, test, and mask.” History student Eleanor shows us a glimpse of life studying abroad at George Washington University in Washington D.C.

Lost in London or Maximising London? Essential, Easy to Implement and Tailored Tips from former Londoner, temporary Viennese Queen Mary Law Student, Andra Tofan

FeaturedLeave a comment

Housing London is as huge as it can get and so it is easy to feel lost, confused and overwhelmed with the various options available. However, before you start looking for a flat share/rented accommodation, ask yourself: “What do I want? How do I want to live during my semester abroad?” • Do I want … Continue reading Lost in London or Maximising London? Essential, Easy to Implement and Tailored Tips from former Londoner, temporary Viennese Queen Mary Law Student, Andra Tofan

“The chances that I would actually make it to London seemed slimmer than winning the lottery (and I don’t even play the lottery)”…

FeaturedLeave a comment

Jenny is currently studying abroad with us from the University of Augsburg in Germany and reflects on her journey to get to us! As I filled in my application for my semester abroad in Autumn 2020, my home country Germany was about to go into lockdown again. To be honest, the chances that I would … Continue reading “The chances that I would actually make it to London seemed slimmer than winning the lottery (and I don’t even play the lottery)”…

A review of how UK universities will continue to participate in and benefit from ESN in a post-Brexit climate. By ESN QMUL President, Caitlin Evans.

FeaturedLeave a comment

Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is a non-profit organisation run by students for students, promoting study abroad among 42 participating countries. Have a read below for Caitlin's review of how our students will continue to benefit from all the ESN has to offer post-Brexit... When the UK voted to leave the European Union in 2016, it … Continue reading A review of how UK universities will continue to participate in and benefit from ESN in a post-Brexit climate. By ESN QMUL President, Caitlin Evans.

‘My Experience Studying Remotely & How the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Fit into It’ by Queen Mary Law student, Yara Hourani.

FeaturedLeave a comment

Why did you choose to finish your final semester at Queen Mary in Athens instead of London? After having to cut short my year abroad in Utrecht (one of the best experiences of my life) in March 2020 because of the pandemic, I moved back home to Athens, Greece, where I spent the following five … Continue reading ‘My Experience Studying Remotely & How the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Fit into It’ by Queen Mary Law student, Yara Hourani.

“Remember to take all the opportunities that come your way on your exchange… This is what an international exchange is all about!”

Featured2 Comments

Welcome to the second blog post in our 'Spotlight on the ESN!' series. Meet Emily, final year History student and the current Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Vice-President and Welfare Representative at Queen Mary. She decided to get involved with ESN after her year abroad at VU Amsterdam, in which ESN played a huge part. Read … Continue reading “Remember to take all the opportunities that come your way on your exchange… This is what an international exchange is all about!”

A tricky Eurostar journey, quarantine and a newfound love for Marmite…

FeaturedLeave a comment

Marcel from the University of Zürich in Switzerland reviews what a difference a year can make, from the point of applying to study abroad, to finally getting here... Over a year ago, after visiting a few events and talking with some people, I got excited about doing an exchange semester. I talked about it with … Continue reading A tricky Eurostar journey, quarantine and a newfound love for Marmite…

Food Hunting in Paris: How to turn your Year Abroad experience into an unforgettable culinary experience (amidst a pandemic)

FeaturedLeave a comment

As a Modern Languages student at Queen Mary, Cassandra spent the autumn semester studying abroad at Sorbonne Université in Paris, and is currently waiting in anticipation to embark on her spring semester placement at Universidad de Salamanca in Spain. Cassandra invites you to join her on a Parisian culinary adventure, from the comfort of your … Continue reading Food Hunting in Paris: How to turn your Year Abroad experience into an unforgettable culinary experience (amidst a pandemic)

Studying abroad mid-global pandemic. Life in Lockdown London.

FeaturedLeave a comment

Hanne Sofie joined the Queen Mary University of London Study Abroad programme in January 2021, in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, when London had entered its third Lockdown. Discover more about her experiences of these strange times below, and how you can always gain something from every experience, no matter how far from ideal … Continue reading Studying abroad mid-global pandemic. Life in Lockdown London.

The Brit in Beantown

FeaturedLeave a comment

Matilda, a Queen Mary History student, studied abroad at Northeastern University in Boston and reflects upon that famous American school spirit, English language barriers & the Beanpot... When I left London for a year abroad in Boston, I had no idea what to expect. I thought moving from Leeds to London was a culture shock, … Continue reading The Brit in Beantown

Studying at Queen Mary from Colombia during Covid-19

FeaturedLeave a comment

Anton studied abroad with us last semester, from September to December 2020. As a student at the University of Copenhagen, Anton was looking forward to his study abroad semester in London, as part of the Erasmus+ Exchange programme. As the global pandemic continued and Europe was experiencing its so-called 'second wave', and with restrictions in … Continue reading Studying at Queen Mary from Colombia during Covid-19

Where I Need To Be

FeaturedLeave a comment

Feranmi is in her fourth & final year of studying Comparative Literature at Queen Mary after studying abroad at Seoul National University in South Korea. You may remember her brilliant Instagram Takeover a few months ago, and she's here now to provide an overview of her incredible adventure! It’s a terrifying experience; leaving behind everything … Continue reading Where I Need To Be

“An experience like this is not possible under most circumstances; it’s more than studying or a holiday.”

FeaturedLeave a comment

Haym Singh Panesar studied abroad at the University of California, Berkeley. Haym is in his 5th and final year of an MSci in Physics with a Year Abroad. Haym reflects on his time in the US, of teaching London slang, and of how studying abroad can be a refresh for the mind... Studying abroad was … Continue reading “An experience like this is not possible under most circumstances; it’s more than studying or a holiday.”

“An unlikely pair against all odds”. Studying abroad and how it resulted in a friendship for life…

FeaturedLeave a comment

As an English & Creative Writing student at Queen Mary, Caitlin had the wonderful opportunity to study abroad at one of our Ivy League partners, the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Caitlin reflects on her study abroad journey and the biggest difference it made to her life. I’ve never been one to easily make friends. … Continue reading “An unlikely pair against all odds”. Studying abroad and how it resulted in a friendship for life…

Life in the Golden State: from the Undie Run, School Pride and the LA food scene, to patriotism and racism in the US…

FeaturedLeave a comment

Emmanuel is a Film Studies student at Queen Mary who studied abroad at UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) as part of his degree programme last academic year. He is one of our Global Opportunities Ambassadors & shares some of his experiences with us below. UCLA is a great university. It’s located in the amazing … Continue reading Life in the Golden State: from the Undie Run, School Pride and the LA food scene, to patriotism and racism in the US…

A Day in the Life of a student studying abroad at Queen Mary. Laura Gillespie, Monash University.

Featured1 Comment

Departing from Melbourne in January for my first time travelling overseas, I was very excited to start my semester at Queen Mary University of London. Despite the challenging circumstances my exchange took place in, studying at Queen Mary has been an amazing experience! My typical weekday would start with chatting to my flatmates, and then … Continue reading A Day in the Life of a student studying abroad at Queen Mary. Laura Gillespie, Monash University.

Class, Coffee, and Cheers: Studying Abroad in London according to Jordan Lichtenheld from the University of Colorado, Boulder

FeaturedLeave a comment

For the Spring Semester of 2020, I made the decision to study abroad. I had never been to Europe and my dream was to spend a semester in London, leading me to study with Queen Mary. Although struck with nerves from the anticipation of my time abroad, there was something in my heart that assured … Continue reading Class, Coffee, and Cheers: Studying Abroad in London according to Jordan Lichtenheld from the University of Colorado, Boulder

A weekend away from the Big Smoke…getting to know other parts of the UK.

FeaturedLeave a comment

Will Estony is currently studying abroad with us through IFSA from Trinity College of Connecticut. When I (Jess of the Global Opportunities team) first met Will, after letting him know the pride I have for being from the best city in the North (disclaimer: this is personal bias and not exactly what we'd call a … Continue reading A weekend away from the Big Smoke…getting to know other parts of the UK.

Easy-(Pea)sy: Vegetarian and Vegan Eating in London. Carolyn Bradley, University of Southern California.

Featured2 Comments

Traveling around Europe can sometimes be difficult as a vegetarian or vegan. Germany is known for its heavy meat dishes like schnitzel and bratwurst. Spain has Jamón Ibérico and chorizo. France, of course, has escargots. Knowing all this before coming to London, I believed it would be just as difficult to find options that suited … Continue reading Easy-(Pea)sy: Vegetarian and Vegan Eating in London. Carolyn Bradley, University of Southern California.

London Study Abroad Survival Guide – The Supermarket, according to Zihan Fan from Shanghai University of Finance & Economics.

FeaturedLeave a comment

It's not easy for a new Associate student to live a good life in London... London is an amazing city with the most convenient living environment, yet has a relatively high cost of living. So how can we balance the two, and enjoy the life of studying abroad in London within a reasonable budget? I'm … Continue reading London Study Abroad Survival Guide – The Supermarket, according to Zihan Fan from Shanghai University of Finance & Economics.

From possums to squirrels… Laura Gillespie, Monash University, Melbourne.

FeaturedLeave a comment

My name is Laura, and I’m an Associate student studying International Relations and English at Queen Mary this semester.  I’ve traveled all the way from Monash University in Melbourne, which has been a surreal but fantastic experience! I’ve gone from 40 degree days to 2 degree days, traded in possums for some very cute squirrels, … Continue reading From possums to squirrels… Laura Gillespie, Monash University, Melbourne.

A lot can change in two weeks: Xiaodan Ning, Shanghai University of Finance & Economics.

FeaturedLeave a comment

I have been in London for about two weeks now. My first time overseas, I came here with a mix of much anxiety and excitement. I have to say that the first few days really disappointed me. My schoolmate and I spent a long time at border control, missing the last pick-up coach from Heathrow … Continue reading A lot can change in two weeks: Xiaodan Ning, Shanghai University of Finance & Economics.

The Ultimate Young Person Adventure: Studying Abroad. Jordan Lichtenheld, University of Colorado Boulder.

FeaturedLeave a comment

Greetings! My name is Jordan, and I will be an Associate (study abroad) student this semester at Queen Mary University of London. I have journeyed from my home institution of the University of Colorado, Boulder in the U.S. all the way to the UK as part of an exchange program, and I am overflowing with … Continue reading The Ultimate Young Person Adventure: Studying Abroad. Jordan Lichtenheld, University of Colorado Boulder.

From Michigan to London, seeking out the theatre scene…Alix Curnow, University of Michigan

FeaturedLeave a comment

Hi! My name is Alix Curnow and I am a theatre arts student at the University of Michigan in the USA! I decided to apply for 'The London Scene' at Queen Mary University of London because of its focus on integrating students into theatre in the city of London specifically. I have had a ton … Continue reading From Michigan to London, seeking out the theatre scene…Alix Curnow, University of Michigan

A Year in Istanbul at Koç University. Reflections from Harvey Jones, History & Politics student at Queen Mary.

FeaturedLeave a comment

Like most people before their year abroad I was nervous. For me, the main worries concerned whether I’d make any friends and whether I’d be able to have fun in a place that was so different to home. My primary concern was whether I could find friends among people I thought would be so different … Continue reading A Year in Istanbul at Koç University. Reflections from Harvey Jones, History & Politics student at Queen Mary.

Starting Off on the Right Foot – Sharon Hammer, Hamilton College (Sep-Dec 2019)

FeaturedLeave a comment

It didn’t really surprise me to find that people dressed in a more formal and curated manner when I first arrived in London. Afterall, I’d spent enough time in New York to know that being in a cosmopolitan city made for greater variety and value given to fashion. What I didn’t expect was the astonishingly … Continue reading Starting Off on the Right Foot – Sharon Hammer, Hamilton College (Sep-Dec 2019)

Being “Sort-of” but “Not Quite” in London – Sharon Hammer, Hamilton College (Sep-Dec 2019)

FeaturedLeave a comment

The custom surrounding accents in Spanish are quite similar to those of English in the UK: the way you speak gives nearly all the information someone needs to place you, from where you grew up, to your economic class to your education level. When I was working this past summer at a local burger restaurant … Continue reading Being “Sort-of” but “Not Quite” in London – Sharon Hammer, Hamilton College (Sep-Dec 2019)

Are you doing the ‘Small Talk Dance’ too? Julia Mathur, UC Merced (Sep-Dec 2019)

FeaturedLeave a comment

Hello, hello to you all! My name is Julia, I am from the University of California Merced, and this is my first installment of my existence in London. As it so happens on a college campus, every day I meet new people; which means that several times a day I am doing the ‘Small Talk … Continue reading Are you doing the ‘Small Talk Dance’ too? Julia Mathur, UC Merced (Sep-Dec 2019)