Lillian Ayana Edwards

How did you find the transition from Montreal to London?

Quite difficult. There were some things where I had to complete registration in order to get a document to prove that I was enrolled on a course at City St George’s but in order to complete registration, I had to be physically on campus and have my ID card to sort my loan.

So, it was a little weird coming to a place without money and incomplete registration, I wasn’t sure how I was going to facilitate that from across the pond.

But in terms of coming to London, it was easy to integrate. Although in Montreal I speak French, I also speak English, so this aspect was really easy. It was mainly the finances that were scary.

How did you find getting around London and navigating the transport network?

That was something I had to learn. I live a bit further out, in Zone 4/5, which is what I like because I didn’t want to be very close to the city centre.

I had to learn quickly the fastest trains and what can slow me down on my commute. It is a complicated network, which I love.

London is a very well-connected city, which is one of the big positives of this city. No matter how big it is, you can really get anywhere, which is lovely.

But, it will take some time to figure out the routes. Thank goodness for apps like Apple Maps and TfL Go. I caught on pretty quickly within the first three weeks.

How did you find integrating into The City Law School community?

It was really good! We have a great Canadian community on the GE LLB programme. We had four core classes and throughout the week we would be in same classes, so we’d follow each other around all day.

It creates a really comfortable environment, especially knowing that these students are from a similar background.

We’ve all got bachelor’s degrees, been in higher education and have a similar cultural background. Approaching each other was easy and comfortable since we all have a common ground.

Any places you’d recommend in our neighbourhood, in Islington and Clerkenwell?

Anywhere near Angel Station! Once you get out of the station and you turn to the right, any one of the shops up there. It’s a little bit of a walk, but it is really beautiful.

There’s a bunch of cafes, including Paul’s bakery, Gail’s, Joe and the Juice. There’s an independent café that I go to and study called Fig and Olive.

If you want to go out after studying or get supper with friends, there’s a lot of places to choose from, including Italian places, Sticks and Sushi.

I really love Upper Street, it is really beautiful, especially in the Summer. It is just nice and inviting.

Did you bring a little piece of Canada with you?

I have little mugs of my travels all around. I did a road trip in my province of Quebec, so I have little mugs of where I went – so, I have brought a little piece of home with me.

I also brought a lot of books because I read a lot of fiction, which reminds me of the bookshelf that I have back home.

Living in the area I live at the moment is very convenient for me as I chose not to live too close to the city centre – I may be more of a small town girl.

Are there any shops you’d recommend that have Canadian goods or make you feel like home?

I know that there are some shops close to Leicester Square like Piccadilly Circus that have American treats. As a student, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for your budget.

But, instead, I have found a place which is really close to City St George’s called Gerry’s and they sell Poutine. I was on their website and realised that the chef and owner’s father was raised in Montreal.

So, he put that on the menu to commemorate his father’s upbringing. I just thought that was so sweet and ran there. I got Poutine and I was so happy. So, I would recommend that if you’d want a taste of home.

Any London recommendations?

I think London is great for food, there are good restaurants. Personally, I think coming from Montreal there is a lack of food Chinese food, so I would definitely get Asian food while you’re in Chinatown.

In terms of things that are overrated, I think the strawberries in Borough Market. It’s an experience and you should try it. But it’s just a little overrated.

I enjoyed doing the Queen’s walk, I came across the route unexpectedly when I was exploring the city.

You get a nice view of the Thames, including London Bridge, Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast and Tower of London. You get a little taste of the historic sites. I would definitely recommend that.

I would recommend for people to try traditional dishes, like Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, Steak and Ale Pies. Try to find somewhere with good reviews and try it. I think it gives you more of the London experience.

I would recommend to try it at least once, it will make you feel part of the culture. Drink a beer, even if you don’t like beer. I would recommend to really immerse yourself into the culture and get out of your comfort zone.

Did you visit the university before you decided to join?

I came here during the winter time, before I started my programme. I booked a campus tour.

I was shown around the campus, ask questions and got to see the Law Building. I got an understanding of the university and it made me feel reassured. Coming here on a tour reaffirmed my decision to come to London and The City Law School

Any travel plans while you are in London?

I plan on going to Florence during the reading week. I also like to do day trips around England. I went to Windsor and Oxford. During the summer I went to a vineyard and did a wine tour at the Bolney Wine Estate in Sussex. It was really nice to get out of the city.

I’ve been to Warwick and around Warwick Castle. I like travelling and exploring. I’m hoping to go to Bath and Stonehenge soon.

I think it’s really nice to do little day trips, especially when you know you don’t have a lot of time.

I really enjoy planning my trips, research things to see. I like to research surrounding history because I’m a little bit of a history buff. I usually plan my whole day around activities and restaurants to eat at.