RIVER THAMES CRUISE

Rollin on the riverrrrrr

Week one in my new home is over. This is gonna be a quick recap of some highlights.

My people (the girls aka the only ones that matter):

• Sofia- The most unlikely, yet absolutely necessary friend I've ever had. Sofia and I both go to Miami, have similar friends groups, though we've never actually met. I liked her instagrams and she liked mine. Day one in London we reached out to each other in the hopes of having a friendly face to go to when we we were feeling homesick. Luckily, we've become so much more than that. She is kind and sweet, always willing to hear one of my rambling stories or stupid memories. She is one of the most easygoing people I know when you're lost in the tube station and need to get home from NottingHill at midnight. She is steady and confident. She is so much more than another like on my Instagram now. God bless our Greek Goddess Sofia.

• Emma- She is our southern sweetheart. After meeting Sofia officially, she introduced me to her roommate Emma. She reminds me so much of my best friend Micaela - always a little off, disappears in public places, but always finds her way back, and always subtly unreachable. Don't even try texting or calling her because she absolutely will NOT respond. She is a gem. She never fails to be drunk after a glass of champagne, the loudest one when we take the tube, and says anything that rhymes with the word "tail" so so weirdly.She keeps us laughing when things start to get tense. WARNING: her drunk alter-ego Kim hates me for absolutely no reason and it's hilarious.

• Shawna- My elusive, silly roommate. She is so patient with me and I can't thank her enough for it. She is so great at making friends, getting ready at a minute's notice and exchanging stories about our parents meeting the boyfriend (which is always entertaining). She has helped make our tiny and rundown dorm room feel a little more like home. She doesn't mind when I play HQ with my volume on or when my stories never seem to find an end. She is mysterious, kind, and caring. She's awesome.

My place

My home- Everyone living in Kensington is loaded. Sofia and Emma have a Ferrari permanently parked outside of their apartment. They've actually started using it as a landmark to know when their building is coming up. With everyone being super wealthy, that means everything is more expensive for me and it's been a bit of a struggle. I paid 4 pounds for a coke the other day because I didn't have cash and there was a charge to use my card. But, I was at wits end and just had to do it.

Thats one thing I've noticed while I've been here -- sometimes you just lose it over tiny things. Like an expensive coke, and the more important thing -- that its okay to. It's okay to feel a little out of your element and homesick. The great thing is having wonderful people around you and a vibrant city waiting to be explored.

My Adventures

The Thames River Cruise- I would definitely urge a visitor to book this tour. It was a great way to see the sights (plenty of Insta-worth picture opportunities, and the chance to meet new people). We got to spend the afternoon watching the sun set on London and the night lights turn on. It was one of those special moments where you're experiencing a life you never thought you'd experience.

Night life- presuming is a MAJOR KEY @DJKhaled. But actually, since everything is so expensive you have to make sure that you have a little something going before you leave for the tube. It's also very important to dress for the weather (so don't wear your fancy shoes because you're most likely going to be walking in the rain). Some top picks would be KoKo -- a nightclub set inside a giant auditorium. Its super cool, but don't get there before midnight and absolutely get the student discount by showing a student ID.

Navigating- most people are more than willing to help you find your way if you ask nicely enough.The only keys to taking the tube is to have your Oyster card in your hand when you leave, so you don't delay others. The rest is pretty straightforward if you follow the signs.

KEY: West = Best, so you take the westbound train if you want to get home after a night out.

I know I only hit on a couple things so far, but theres just too much to say honestly. Catch more from me later. I need to go take a nap.