Passing through immirgration checkpoint was a quick ordeal: having ensured I had all of my paperwork and the important admissions letter from Richmond University on hand. Then it was a Uber ride from the airport to Atlantic House, Kensington!
The classic British rain greeted me on cue as I arrived on campus. Checking in with the AIFS staff was a quick ordeal too, as I was handed a welcome pack containing various leaflets about adjusting to life in London, the official program handbook, and my schedule for orientation week. In addition, my Richmond Student ID and housing information was provided. As the weather was not entirely suitable for lugging two giant suitcases to my accommodation at the nearby Ambassador House (my accommodation for the semester), an AIFS staff member very kindly called another Uber for me to transfer myself the last short leg to the front door.
It was fairly easy to locate my room, being on the ground floor it meant I didn't have to sweat even more trying to carry my bags upstairs. As I arrived a day later after the dorms opened, my two other roommates were already settled in: Hugo from Seattle Pacific University and Alexander from Minnesota! No time to rest though: as soon as I dropped off my bags I walked back to Atlantic House (the main building at Richmond University) to grab some brunch at the Dining Hall, before meeting out front to join my AIFS group to walk over to a nearby hall for an introductory briefing.
Primarily the briefing covered the dos and donts: how to observe the law in the UK from the local Constable in Kensington (complete with horror stories from previous AIFS students), information about getting around town and campus, and an overview for the week ahead. After a short break in between sessions before the next activity, I rejoined the group to walk to the main street of Kensington to hop onto the coach for a tour across London's key sights! Luckily by then, the weather began to clear up and the sun was out!
We managed to visit the primary sights of London during our 3-hour tour, namely Buckingham Palace, St. Andrews Cathedral, and passed by Westminister Abbey and Big Ben (under renovation). Even though I was jet-lagged and tired, I still managed to get some awesome pictures of each site below!
We returned to Kensington in time for dinner. The dining hall I should mention, serves primarily a British menu. So in this case, dinner for me was chips, beans, chicken, peas, potato salad, and veg with soup. Dessert was available, consisting of an ice cream freezer with cones or bowls. I did want a bit of second for dinner but as it turns out, AIFS students are only entitled to one main meal each; any more require you to fork out of your own expenses for.
After a fulfilling dinner, it was time to turn in for the night and rest up for the day ahead. Some people in my group decided to head out to the pub or go out clubbing on a Tuesday night, but I clearly was not in the right mood for that! A warm shower and good nights' rest is what I needed!
Keep an eye out on my upcoming posts on the blog as I delve further into life at Richmond University of London, and exploring London itself!
- Adrian Ma
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