Student Spotlight: Isaiah White in England
How do daily routines—like shopping, cooking, or resting—differ from what you’re used to at home?
Being in the UK has changed my daily routine in what I first thought was a small way, but it has now become definitely noticeable. Shopping has been very tempting here, especially because there are so many options and everything feels easily accessible. I find myself window shopping much more as of right now, whether it’s just walking through local streets or browsing stores in Central London. I definitely plan on buying more things towards the end of my trip! I often walk to nearby supermarkets like ASDA for everyday items, or take trips into the city just to see what different shops might have, even if I don’t plan on buying anything. I’ve also been cooking a lot more since arriving here, which surprised me because I don’t cook much back at home. I’ve made meals like pasta, burgers, and other simple dishes, and cooking has become part of my daily routine rather than something I do occasionally. It feels more independent and rewarding, especially since I’m responsible for planning my own meals. Resting feels more built into the day as well. My classes even at what I would say is a pretty decent hour which is 2pm. Evenings tend to slow down earlier than I’m used to at home, and there’s more of a balance between being productive and taking time to relax. Whether it’s staying in, watching something, playing basketball or just unwinding after the day, the routine here feels calmer and more structured around personal time.
Can you describe a new friendship or connection you made there? How was it different from friendships at home?
I have made a ton of new friends during my time here. Shout-out to my friends Vic, Zander, and Vargas, who have made this experience super dope and memorable. From day one, everyone has been welcoming and easy to talk to, which made settling in a lot less intimidating. What felt different about these friendships was how casual and low pressure they are. People are friendly and open, but they also respect personal space and independence. We bonded naturally through shared classes, group work, and everyday conversations rather than spending a lot of time together right away. There wasn’t any pressure to constantly hang out, which made the friendships feel more comfortable and genuine. This is different from home, where friendships often become close very quickly and involve spending a lot of time together early on. In the UK, friendships seem to grow more gradually, but they feel just as meaningful. Over time, those small interactions have built strong connections, and it’s been really nice to experience a different but equally rewarding way of forming friendships.
What surprised you about school or classes there—how students learn, interact, or manage their day?
What surprised me most about school in the UK is how independent the learning is. Students don’t really get traditional homework and are instead expected to manage their own time, prepare outside of class, and take responsibility for keeping up with the material. This means a lot more self-discipline is required, especially when it comes to reading, revising, or completing assignments without constant reminders. Classes here feel more relaxed and discussion based, with open conversations between students and teachers. Teachers encourage questions and different viewpoints, which makes lessons feel more engaging and less intimidating. The school day also feels less rigidly structured, giving students more freedom to balance academic work with breaks and personal time. There’s a strong focus on understanding ideas and concepts rather than just memorising information for tests. Learning feels more about critical thinking, analysing topics, and forming your own opinions. Although this approach took a little getting used to at first, I now find it very effective and motivating, as it helps me truly understand the subject instead of just remembering facts for exams.