United Kingdom
Colchester
Since England was my primary residence abroad, I had many opportunities to explore the United Kingdom. Colchester (home to the University of Essex) felt like it was out of a movie. The town had an old-fashioned and picturesque feel with cobblestone streets, castles, and lots of history. There was also a great atmosphere on my university campus. It was a gorgeous campus with amazing night life (featuring two bars and a night club). University of Essex also gave me some incredible friends, most notably a girl named Bailey from Utah. We connected instantly and went on many adventures together while abroad. Bailey and I are still close and I am so grateful that she was a part of my experience. During my time abroad, Colchester really felt like home.
London
With Colchester being so close to London there were many opportunities to visit the city. London was everything I dreamed it would be. It seemed like everywhere you turned there were famous landmarks. My favorite place in the city has to be the Tower of London Bridge (pictured to the left). A photo cannot capture the immense beauty of this London icon. In fact, I loved Tower of London Bridge so much that I got a tattoo of it while abroad, which you can see some of in the photo. Some of my favorite memories from the city include seeing theater performances (To Kill a Mockingbird, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), visiting amazing landmarks (Buckingham Palace, London Eye, Big Ben, Hyde Park, National History Museum, Tower of London, River Thames and so many more), and immersing myself in English culture.
Scotland
Though London and Colchester were incredible, my favorite place in the United Kingdom was Scotland. Glasgow felt modern and hip while still being packed with history. The city had amazing monuments, museums, and scenery. My favorite places have to be: The Necropolis (a Victorian-era cemetery with beautiful architecture and rich history), George Square (an open area with statues and monuments surrounded by restaurants and bars), and Pollock Country Park (an incredible park with gardens where you can see the famous Scotland Highland Cows). Alternatively, Edinburgh felt like you were stepping back in time. Everywhere you go there are ancient castles, monuments, and villages. My favorite places included Edinburgh Castle (pictured in the background on the right), the Scott Monument (an incredible gothic structure), Victoria Street (a picturesque cobblestone street with colorful storefronts), and Dean Village (a quaint village with cottages). Scotland truly felt like a dream.
