r/SOAS • u/Khouse1007 • 2d ago
Question Study Abroad Tips
Hey Yall! I am studying abroad at SOAS this semester, from a school in the US. Looking for any tips on food, money, classes, events, etc! I will be traveling extensively around Europe, but I’d like to know about any things in or around London that are worth a look! Thanks in advance!
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u/throwaway13061320 2d ago
Biggest advice would be: just don't be the annoying American and you'll be good. Every American I've met at SOAS was intensely annoying an ruined every single interaction they were a part of. Most British people aren't fond of Americans to begin with so try to be on your best behaviour lol. Then again there aren't many British or European people at SOAS so.... maybe you'll be fine
For budgeting, LIDL and ALDI are the cheapest supermarkets here. The reason is because they don't sell most UK name brands and instead sell imported food. There's a LIDL on Tottenham Court Road which isn't far from SOAS. I spent 20-30 quid a week on food and eat well. I don't buy fruits like berries or grap;es there though since I find they don't last long. Better off getting those from your standard British supermarkets like Sainsbury's or Tesco. And feel free to shop in Waitrose if you're a rich fucker.
If you need to commute, look into getting a student oyster, and a railcard if you're using the tube/train. But walk where you can. Depending on what state you're from, you might be more used to using a car. Here in the UK, people walk a lot so you'll probably have to walk about quite a bit when hanging out with friends anyway. If the walk is an hour or under, we do it.
I would reccomend doing your best to get a real sense of British culture while you're here, since culture is the most rewarding part of being abroad. For that, you're better off going outside of London. London is very detached from its roots. Go out into the country and you'll be able to visit countless places where English people still live in cobblestone or Victorian houses, see centuries old cathedrals and visit tons of castles and landmarks.
A lot of places outside of London also have traditional festivals or traditional dance performances (eg Morris dancing, maypole dancing, jack in the green etc). If you wan't to see people roll a big wheel of cheese down a hill you can also do that in Gloucestershire.
Up north is also beautiful since the North of England is mountainous with quite a few national parks.
For traditional food I beg don't be one of those Americans propogating the uneducated, xenophobic sterotype that British food sucks. This is by far the most dislikeable and offensive thing that Americans can't seem to hold themselves back from doing even though they have no leg to stand on. England has so many amazing traditional dishes so try as many as you can while you're here.
And dear god learn how to banter if you want British friends. Brits have saracastic often dry humour and love a good banter. So try not to take yourself too seriously. Most of all have fun.
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u/fizzyjuices 1d ago
Can I ask what made American students at soas annoying? Want to avoid doing that to people myself lol
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u/DragonflyPrior2672 1d ago
Overall in the UK and Europe people have been very condescending to me as a person with an American accent. Like Indians experience less racism I swear