A Country Bumpkin Trying to Survive in London

The View From My Favourite Spot in Goldsmiths Library

I recently started my Masters at Goldsmiths, University of London. Not only does this mark a new chapter in my educational career but it also means - for the first time ever - I am living away from home. This was a daunting thing in itself but I had to choose the worst place to do it - The Big Smoke!

When I told my friends I was moving to London; they laughed. "Why?! You are such a country bumpkin! You will hate it!" This is true as I absolutely love large fields, grass, grazing cattle and walking my dogs. But needs must. If I can survive in London by myself for a year - I can do anything (hopefully!).

Moving to London was a big culture shock. I have been here many times to day trips, but now I cannot escape to the lovely pastures of Bedfordshire afterwards! I am stuck here. There have been many things that I have noticed and that have completely confused and annoyed me since moving here. So, seeing as I have no time to read for pleasure anymore - I thought I would share them in a quick blog post.

Disclaimer: Please do not take offence if you are a Londoner! Half of the things make no sense whatsoever; the other half is just me being a soft, country bumpkin and a picky so-and-so.

1. Sirens will go past your residence at all hours of the morning. Ear plugs are essential if you want to sleep and not turn into a panda-eyed zombie.

2. Out of the city, when it is safe to cross the road at traffic lights - you will hear a beeping noise. Why does this not happen in London?! The amount of times I have missed the green man and had to wait another five minutes for it to be safe to cross again!

3. There is traffic everywhere. All. The. Time.

4. Why is my snot black? Seriously?! I have no words.

5. Where do people run? I have resorted to doing laps of the local park as it is impossible to run 5km without having to cross a road or dodge a person walking on the pavement. Hopefully, I will not get too dizzy doing this three times a week for a year...

6. There is no substantial green space (unless you live near Greenwich Park or Hyde Park). However, where there is green.. it is not proper green. It is more like a patchy green / yellow colour - this would not be tolerated in the rural countryside of Bedfordshire.

7. The price of orange juice is extortionate! £2 for a litre bottle of Tropicana?! I think not.

8. I think I will be going sober for the year seeing as a bottle of cider costs £5 in the local. Where is a Whetherspoons when you need one?!

9. I am not ashamed to admit - I had to get someone to show me how to use an Oyster card. Completely baffling - give me a daily travelcard any-day!

I will probably find more things to add to this post as the year goes on so stay tuned (or not, it is up to you).