Turning London into My Home Away from Home

When I first came to London, it was my first time away from home, from my family and my friends. Having lived in Pakistan all my life and having had friends that I knew for literally two decades, I was deep in my comfort zone. But as someone who loves adventures, I was buzzing with excitement for my big move to London. For me, London was going to be an amazing adventure.

Upon landing in London, I quickly realized it wasn't going to be all rainbows and butterflies. For starters, the weather was grey and gloomy, a complete 180 from the sunny, warm vibes of Pakistan. Secondly, I was in an alien city with zero friends and family. I had to figure out the basics – bus routes, the Tube, and even how to scan grocery items without looking like a total newbie.

After a couple of weeks, the homesickness hit me hard. I craved my mum’s rice and longed to hang out with my school friends. Little things would make me nostalgic and sad. After sulking for about a month, I decided it was time to turn things around.

Finding My Tribe

To make new friends, I started joining different societies at LSE. First, I joined the cricket club and began playing cricket twice a week. Next, I finally indulged my long-time love for Taekwondo by training with the Taekwondo society three times a week. These activities were not only great for my physical health but also amazing for making friends. Trust me, you bond pretty quickly when you’re all doing 50 push-ups as a warm-up. Those who whine together, stick together.

The Law Common Room Chronicles

Hanging out with my classmates in the Law Common Room on the 5th floor of the Centre Building (CKK) at LSE became a regular thing. We’d boast about how smart we were for surviving seminars without doing all the recommended readings. It was our little haven of camaraderie and mutual academic survival.

Exploring London Together

Going on school-arranged trips was another fantastic way to meet new people. It’s amazing how you think you're the only one feeling homesick until you start talking to others. Turns out, many of us were in the same boat, and that common ground helped us bond really well.

Dorm Life Shenanigans

In the dorms, hanging out with dorm mates over dinner or planning movie nights worked wonders for my homesickness. These casual interactions helped create a sense of community. Picture this: dorms are our cozy homes away from home, and our dorm mates? Well, they're kinda like our siblings. Living in a dorm is like being thrown into a pot with a bunch of strangers who quickly become your family. Sure, there might be a bit of bickering over who left the kitchen a mess or who “borrowed” your shampoo without asking, but that’s all part of the experience. Just like siblings, you might squabble, but you always have each other’s backs. One of the best parts of dorm life? Game nights! Whether it's intense rounds of Monopoly that last until 3 AM, or hilarious sessions of UNO, game nights are a staple. Nothing brings people together quite like a little friendly competition and a lot of laughs. Then there are the movie nights. Piling into someone's room or the common room with popcorn, snacks, and a selection of movies ranging from classics to the latest blockbusters is pure bliss. There’s something special about watching horror movies together and collectively screaming at jump scares. Ultimately, living in a dorm is about more than just having a place to stay. It’s about building lifelong friendships and creating a support system. Your dorm mates become your partners in crime, your confidants, and your go-to people for both the ups and downs of college life.

Do what you love doing

 French had always felt good to my ears, so the adventurous me started taking French classes, which, apart from "Ça va," I’m still struggling with (I now think I just like listening to others speaking it). But hey, it connected me with people outside of my law school bubble. As a huge foodie, I embarked on a delicious adventure exploring cute little cafes near LSE and my dorm at Passfield Hall, delighting in the rich tapestry of flavors from recipes passed down through generations. Tasting dishes from different cultures felt like a culinary treasure hunt! On the flip side, I also discovered the tranquil joy of exploring nearby parks, where feeding the pigeons became my quirky new hobby, apart from humans, I made feathered friends too.

Making London My Own

London now feels like a home away from home, thanks to the amazing people I met, the places I explored, and the adventures I had. From the cricket pitch to the Taekwondo mat, from the Law Common Room to the cozy dorm dinners, from exploring cafes to feeding pigeons, each experience helped me weave a new tapestry of comfort and belonging.

So, if you're battling homesickness, remember this: join clubs, explore new hobbies, make friends, and give yourself time to adjust. You'll find your own London, just like I did. And who knows, one day you might look back and realize that this city of grey skies and endless opportunities has become a part of your heart, too.

Author: Syeda Maimoona, Subwarden Passfield Hall