Study Abroad Profile: Lindsay Solotar ’16

Study Abroad Profile: Lindsay Solotar ’16

Q: What program/what city are you participating in, and what are you studying?
A: I’m at King’s College in London. While I’m here, I’m taking a math class, ethics, Greek philosophy and a European history course.

Q: Why did you choose this location/program?
A: London itself has a ton of history, so it’s a city with endless places to explore. Also, one of my goals for this semester is to travel a lot, so London is an ideal place to study because it’s so easy to travel from. I was pretty nervous about living in an unfamiliar country, so being in [an English-speaking city] is a plus!

Q: What is your favorite thing to do in the city in your spare time? Do you have a favorite street/square?
A: I’ve been here for less than two weeks, so I’ve spent my time wandering around, learning the different neighborhoods and doing touristy things, like visiting Big Ben. My favorite place to visit is a market right by my flat called Borough Market. It’s pretty much a combination of a farmers’ market and [Brooklyn, New York food and flea market] Smorgasburg, but so much bigger and open almost every day.

Q: What is you favorite native meal?
A: Fish and chips!

Q: What is the craziest thing you’ve done so far?
A: T-Pain touched my arm while I was at his concert! I went to see him the night before classes began — not very representative of what I’ve been doing here, but definitely the coolest moment.

Q: Do you have any travel plans for the semester?
A: I do! I’m going to Munich for Oktoberfest next weekend, and I’m going to Madrid, Prague and Paris next month. I’m hoping to make it to Italy by the end of the semester as well.

Q: Why would you recommend the King’s College London program to an interested Amherst student?
A: The transition to living in London is easy because everyone speaks English, and more importantly [there is a huge] number of students around who want to get to know you. The academics here are great, as are the campuses. Also, the universities have bars and pubs on campus — at around 5 every day, all pubs in London have huge crowds of people outside catching up and hanging out, so they’re great places to meet people!

Q: What do you miss most about Amherst?
A: I definitely miss my friends the most, and I miss going to cheer on the sports teams on weekends. I also have more of an appreciation for our meal plan since I have to cook every meal myself here.