�����鶹��Ʒ

Editor’s note: This is the first in a five-part series spotlighting ‘s global centers.

Fish and chips. Red double-deckers. A rooftop garden with Thames views. Nash Newton ’27 went to London for a semester abroad and came back with something far harder to fit in a suitcase: a completely new perspective on the world.

Newton, a resident of Portland, Oregon, is a policy studies major in the | with a focus on citizenship and community engagement. He studied abroad for the fall 2025 semester through Syracuse Abroad, and now serves as an Abroad global ambassador.

Newton took classes in marketing, politics and environmental sustainability efforts, among others. Through trips, he performed field studies and explored historic locations throughout the city of London and various parts of the UK such as Liverpool, Cornwall, Lockerbie, Scotland, and Cardiff, Wales.

Syracuse London organized a trip to Lockerbie, the site of the Pan Am 103 bombing in 1988 in which 270 people, including 35 students studying through Syracuse’s Division of International Programs Abroad were lost. He heard personal stories from residents and met this year’s 10 Lockerbie Fellows. The trip also included a visit to Glasgow, where participants attended a play titled “Small Acts of Love,” inspired by the stories surrounding the tragedy and the experiences faced by those after the event.

“Studying abroad at Syracuse truly shifts your perspective,” Newton says. “Embrace both the challenges and positive experiences, as they will create lasting memories and stories—whether you’re exploring solo or traveling with a group, attending classes or navigating an unfamiliar location.”

Here are his recommendations, in his own words, of five things to do to get the most out of your London study abroad experience.

Explore a Museum

“Visiting the V&A East Storehouse Museum was a remarkable experience, as it showcases between 250,000 and 500,000 art pieces spread over three levels. This museum stands out for its unique presentation of many recognizable artworks. Many museums offer character and rare pieces, Additionally, visiting museums is usually free and provides a valuable opportunity to learn about history in an engaging way.

“I also visited the Science Museum, Natural History Museum and the Banksy Limitless Museum, showcasing the artist’s works and their significance in making points about political issues that were present at the time. There’s a course called Who’s Collecting Who that teaches students about object collection, often including weekly museum visits around the city. The London Transport Museum stood out as my favorite. I loved its layout, showcasing the evolution of transport from early vehicles to modern buses, taxis and Tube trains.”

Explore a New City or Town

“Exploring Chester and cities like Liverpool; Brighton; Cardiff, Wales; and Dublin, Ireland, revealed rich history to me. Traveling by train near London offered new opportunities to test my independence and step out of my comfort zone. Charming towns scattered throughout England are just a quick train ride away, each with its own unique character waiting to be discovered. Traveling by train makes the experience more inviting and can connect you to many more places than ever before.

“Participating in field study trips for courses like Sustainability on Trial (GEO 304) and Green Britain (GEO 300) was a transformative experience for me. Those opportunities deepened my understanding of sustainable resources and their potential to reduce carbon footprints. As a policy major, I am uncertain about my career direction after graduation, but I am eager to explore opportunities in this field to see whether they align with my interests. I traveled to Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Finland and Norway and visited urban planning offices and parliament buildings in Stockholm, Sweden and Ivalo, Finland, among others.”

Find Hidden Spots in London

“The Garden at 120 rooftop offers greenery and views of the River Thames, providing a unique perspective on London. Many rooftop spaces are free, allowing residents and visitors to see the city from different angles. Hidden parks throughout the city offer calm escapes for lunch breaks and people-watching, often just a short walk from central streets like Oxford Circus. I recommend exploring neighborhoods outside central London, such as Shoreditch, Hampstead Heath, Hackney and Greenwich, where locals shop, eat and live.”

Enjoy New Cuisine and Engage in a New Culture

“Explore various markets in the city, including Spitalfields Market in East London, which features two sections: one for clothing, jewelry and local artists, and another food section with numerous vendors offering bakery items and foods representing many different cultures. During my time in London, I indulged in Japanese, Chinese, Ethiopian, Indian and British cuisine, including the traditional full English breakfast.

“On Nov. 5 and throughout the whole week, the main cultural event that happened was a holiday in England called Bonfire night (Guy Fawkes Day). The holiday commemorates a failed mission in 1605 to blow up Parliament. Throughout the week there are fireworks and bonfires in small towns around England and Scotland. There are festivals and fireworks in different parks throughout London.

“Syracuse London offers students cultural opportunities including attending West End shows as well as a Premier League match (West Ham vs. Burnley) and a rugby match. They also organized events like ABBA Voyage, an immersive concert featuring digital versions of the ABBA band. One class allowed us to visit city farms and gardens, such as Kentish Town Farm, which has various animals.”

Take a Unique Course

“Taking courses abroad offers new insights. Green Britain included field studies, as we examined how Earth-life system processes shaped Britain’s environmental resources and the impact of political devolution on human interactions with these resources. The course involved ecological investigations of arable land, fossil fuels and marine habitats, as well as policy analysis. It also fostered connections with classmates and the professor, providing a richer experience than traditional lectures. Such trips uniquely address unspoken questions and deepen understanding through direct engagement with the environment.

“The Syracuse London Center campus is centrally located for commuting. The student well-being staff provided valuable recommendations, particularly during fall breaks. They organized two weekend trips for fall 2025, one to Dublin and another to Paris. I chose Dublin, where we visited the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College and Howth Bay, fostering connections with fellow students and staff. Though locations change each semester, they remain rewarding to visit as a group.”

Check Out More of Newton’s Photos Below