Zoey

Zoey Zeiger, originally from Chicago, is a double major in Psychology and Education at Washington University (Missouri, USA). She spoke to us about her favourite things to do on campus, the student community at Goldsmiths, and shared her top tips for future Study Abroad students.

Why did you decide to Study Abroad in London?

I think coming to London was such an incredible opportunity. I had never been to Europe so it was just the perfect mix of familiarity with the language and stepping out of my comfort zone.

How did you find the teaching here at Goldsmiths?

I think here there has been a lot more opportunity for group discussions. My school at home is very strict about telling us “this is the lecture and this is what I want you to take out of the class today”, versus here I feel like I’ve got a lot more freedom in being able to learn from both the tutors and my fellow classmates, rather than just from a screen. My opinion is always welcomed, especially because I am an interesting subject as I come from a different school and a different country.

What things have you done in your spare time?

While I’ve been in London I like to say I’ve done a little bit of everything, which has been really great. I feel like I’ve got a really in-depth view into London. 
One of my favourite things to do is see shows. It’s so much cheaper and more accessible in London to see shows than back home. It’s one of the main reasons I came to London. I’ve always been an advocate for free or cheap access to the arts – that’s something I’m really passionate about. I think I’ve seen 14 shows – maybe one a week!

What are your favourite things to do on campus?

I’ve really enjoyed just walking around campus – I think it’s a very pretty campus and there’s lots to see. I like going to the Students’ Union at night, just to hang out with my friends. I live in Loring Hall, which is right next door, so it’s really easy just to go there instead of always having to go off campus which can take up a lot of time. 

How have you found living in Loring Hall?

Being in halls is really convenient and it’s something that I appreciate because it can be hard to orient yourself to a new campus in one term. I really appreciate being so close to campus – it made it easier for me to learn my way around here so that I could go out and learn how to navigate London. I’m in halls with a mix of international and British students. There’s eight of us in total in my flat and each of us have our own room, our own bathroom, and a shared kitchen, which is ideal. I found it easy to chat to my flatmates and start to go out with them.

What are your top tips for any Study Abroad students coming to Goldsmiths?

• Go to as many shows as your budget allows
• Go to museums – most of them are free!
• Always ask for a student discount as most places have them
• You don’t need to bring more than one pair of rain boots. It hasn’t rained that much! Everyone says it’s going to be pouring with rain, and that’s the stereotype of London, but you don’t need to prep as if you are going to Niagra Falls!
• Go to the cork boards in the Whitehead Building – there are always different psychology experiments running that you can get cash for participating in. So if you are running low on cash, do that. They are fun and easy.

How have you found the atmosphere at Goldsmiths?

I really appreciate the diversity and inclusivity of the environment. There is a certain atmosphere of unspoken help for each other. I have friends in my class, as well as my flatmates and my study abroad friends that would help me no matter what – say if I was struggling with an essay. Having that unspoken support has been really helpful and it has made it feel like a smaller, more tight-knit community.

How have you found New Cross?

I love New Cross. It really reminds me of my city, Chicago, back home. I live in a quieter area there that has places for food and parks and then you hop on a train to be downtown. It’s the same here, and I really appreciate it. It has made London feel a lot smaller and not as overwhelming.