I’ve now been at Royal Holloway, University of London for about one month. Before arriving here, I stayed a few memorable days in London itself (Royal Holloway University is situated on the fringes of Greater London, in a small town called Egham), prior to which I spent six wonderful weeks visiting family in Italy and the Netherlands, and also travelling through parts of France and Belgium.

It took me a little while to settle into life at Royal Holloway. University life is quite different here; a lot of students, local and international alike, live on campus, in various styles of accommodation. Having only lived at home while studying at Flinders, where I think far fewer students live on campus, it felt a little strange to begin with, living in a hall with so many fellow students. It’s comfortable though, and I’ve met some incredibly friendly and welcoming people. The food is also good! Although I have to say I’ve missed cooking, a calming, meditative activity for me – one that I enjoy very much. The five-minute walk from my room to class is lovely though! Royal Holloway is also situated in a beautiful part of Surrey: close by – among other places – are the stunning Windsor Great Park, Windsor Castle, and the Magna Carta Memorial at Runnymede. Central London is, moreover, just a 40-minute train ride away.

One of the brilliant things about Europe, I’ve found, is the ease with which one can travel between countries. Recently, I caught the train from London to Belgium and spent an excellent weekend eating chips (‘frites’), playing football and strolling along canals in the beautiful city of Ghent, with a good friend who is from there. I hope to return someday – and to explore other parts of Europe and the UK too. There is so much to see here it’s almost overwhelming…

Oliver Ryan, Bachelor of Arts (High Achievers) is undertaking an exchange to Royal Holloway University, London during S2, 2019
Read his first blog here.