Expat

Is there a Dillards in London or the UK?

Dillard’s is such an essential part of many malls in the American south that I grew up not realizing it wasn’t an option in every state or even around the world, so I totally get why you’re wondering, “Is there a Dillard’s in London or the UK?” This department store,…

Is there a Walgreens in London or the UK?

Walgreens is seriously my jam. I am with you, people of the internet who have searched, “Is there a Walgreens in the UK?” or “Is there a Walgreens in London?” I am with you. I love Walgreens so much that as a child, I waited during the holidays for the…

Reverse Culture Shock: How to Get Over It (or not)

Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about reverse culture shock symptoms and reverse culture shock as a study abroad student from prospective study abroad students heading off in the next term or looking to come to London at some point in the future. Those conversations are filled with…

7 Need-to-Know Tips for Applying for a UK Visa (Personal Experience + Advice)

This time of the year (autumn) tends to be a popular time to apply for a UK Visa, whether it’s to start your upcoming Spring semester abroad or attempt to spend the holidays with your English spouse or partner. To help anyone undertake the mammoth task of applying for a…

Is there a CVS in the UK or London?

CVS is one of the most popular drug stores in the US with almost 10,000 stores across the US. So if you’ve searched for, “Is there a CVS in the UK?” or “Is there a CVS in London?” I completely get you. Where else do you go at midnight when…

Is there an Ulta in London or the UK?

Ulta, one of America’s most loved makeup stores, has had an explosive presence in the States since its founding in 1990. From concealer to foundation to haircare (including a salon in every store), this is a mecca for people who need their daily beauty products or a complete makeover. Whether…

A Quick and Painless Guide to UK Geography (Seriously!)

If there’s one area of knowledge Americans usually fail on when it comes to this part of the world, its geography. To this day, I can label about 10 English cities on a map and maybe one in Wales and IF YOU’RE LUCKY AND I’VE HAD 9 HOURS OF SLEEP,…

I (Won’t) Be Home for the Holidays: An Expat Story

If there’s one time of year that cuts every expat deep in all the feels, it’s the holidays. See, the rest of the year it’s way easier convince yourself that it’s okay you’re not in your home country because everyone is so spread out anyway. It’s not like aunt Marge…

An American Girl’s Guide to Bonfire Night

While Americans tend to have a reputation for liking to set fires and blow things up on various holidays (true), the British are not immune to this particular pleasure. And since Bonfire Night in America/the USA isn’t a thing, I thought it would be a good idea to explain the…

Is there a Best Buy in the UK or London?

There’s something about Best Buy that’s intoxicatingly (is that a word? Stick with me) old school. In an age where we seem to buy everything online, walking into a store that sells physical stuff – computers, cameras, tablets, and more – is exciting. You can touch it before you buy…

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