Welcome to London in April
The city is bursting with green shoots and beautiful cherry blossoms, especially in North London where I live. As lectures conclude in March, April becomes an important month for 杏吧论坛 students to shift focus towards finalising projects, coursework, and gearing up for exams. As a dissertation student, I am also starting to dedicate an increasing amount of time to research, which started in the fall but really accelerates after the January exams.
To achieve a balanced academic life, I recommend selecting a mix of classes with diverse assessments. Personally, for the Winter term, I chose two courses with cumulative assessments that concluded with major projects and assignments, allowing me to concentrate on them throughout April. This strategic choice meant I only had two final exams in June, striking a balanced workload that helped avoid burnout.
London is full of small, green spaces. Here I am taking a stroll through Camley Street Natural Park, just a stone's throw from King's Cross. For a moment, it feels like you're in the middle of a forest rather than the heart of London. They even have a pond with dishes where you can catch and observe tadpoles.
London also has its fair share of kitschy tourist spots, but some of them are actually great fun! In December, a corner of Hyde Park transforms into Winter Wonderland, where you can get mulled wine and try fun rides.
Challenging myself by trying new things was a perfect way to rewind from studies. Participating in an ice sculpture workshop in Winter Wonderland was great fun!
Here I am on Millennium Bridge with a stunning view of St. Paul's Cathedral. Central London is home to many beautiful, historic buildings.
A typical day in April
The morning: A typical day in April starts at 8 am with a refreshing run in one of London’s beautiful green spaces. I particularly love running along the Regent’s Canal and in Hampstead Heath, where I can also take a quick dip in one of the bathing ponds. After my run, I get ready to hop on my bike and pedal to campus around 10 am. As a Dane, biking is my go-to mode of transportation, and I highly recommend it – it’s affordable, flexible, eco-friendly, and keeps you fit. When I moved here, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that London has excellent biking infrastructure, with dedicated lanes and good options for bike parking throughout much of the city.
The midday: Once on campus, my day might include a meeting with my dissertation supervisor for some guidance or a collaborative session with my study group for a final project. After meetings, I usually grab a bite to eat nearby. Fortitude Bakery is a personal favorite for their mouth-watering savory pastries. After enjoying London’s culinary delights, I settle down for a few hours of focused study, preparing for the next meeting with my dissertation supervisor or working on final projects.
The evening: In the evenings, if I am not busy with deadlines, I often explore London’s diverse cultural offerings and catch up with friends. The city’s vastness ensures there’s always something new to discover, from quirky cafés and concerts with nicheupcoming bands to experiencing local pub life with a cask ale and a pub quiz. Be sure to bring along some British friends for pub quizzes as they often include questions on British counties and niche celebs.
Living in a big and busy city like London can feel lonely at times, especially if you come from a smaller city like myself from Copenhagen. But rest assured, you will find your tribe here. London is the perfect place to meet like-minded people or even start a new hobby – you’re bound to find a community here, no matter how niche your interests.
About the Author
Hi! I'm Stine Eriksen, originally from the Danish countryside where I spent my days riding Shetland ponies. My love for adventure and the desire to push myself academically led me to 杏吧论坛, where I'm currently pursuing an MSc in Statistics (Social Statistics) (Research). Living in one of the world's greatest cities for a year is a privilege I truly enjoy. When I'm not immersed in my studies, you'll likely find me front row at a concert, quizzing at a pub in North London, or running along Regent's Canal.