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 excitement for my time here in London.

Before moving into the Residence Halls on campus, I had the opportunity to spend a week exploring a bit of London. I spotted such legendary London landmarks as Big Ben, the London Eye, London Bridge, and Westminster Abbey. I saw Buckingham Palace and wandered aimlessly through Madame Tussauds. Finally, I had the surreal opportunity of strolling across the Abbey Road crosswalk.

From Shakespeare to the Beatles to the latest news on Prince Harry and Meghan, I am truly in awe of this country’s rich and ongoing history. Additionally, being an English major and Theatre minor at my home institution, London was the clear choice for where to spend a semester abroad. Queen Mary, as well as East London in general, sparked my interest due to the great level of diversity within the population. The array of people and cultures gathered in this specific part of the world is extraordinary, and unlike any place I’ve had the opportunity to visit.

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling nervous about being situated in a vastly new environment; however, the level of nerves is unmatched to the amount of excitement and gratitude that are coursing through my body. From stimulating studies, to once-in-a-lifetime explorations and the formation of new friendships, I am genuinely looking forward to what my time with Queen Mary will bring. Cheers!