All posts by Humaira Altaf

Don’t be a Tourist, be an Explorer.

Once you have made your study schedule, plan out your explorations. If it’s your first time and you wish to do the tourists activities, go for it! Once you have them all covered, really explore the city like a local! One of best things I did was go on an afternoon tea. It was part ...

Mind the Gap!

Here are some tips about the underground and everything else you need to know about getting around in London as well as three of my favorite markets in the city! They are a must go! FIE provides students with an oyster card and the rides are free. I didn’t know this in the beginning and ...

Call me a Londoner!

Summer is a great time to be in this beautiful floral city! The sun is not always out, but when it is it’s an exciting time.  To begin with, I will tell you what to pack to be well prepared before you arrive in this city. London’s weather is uncertain, even in the summers you ...

Au Revoir Paris!

If you chose Paris & London as your Dual city program, you will likely have a week off before arriving in London. This is an awesome time to travel and explore your interests. During my break week, I decided to stay back in Paris. Although I love to travel, rather than country hopping I thought ...

Eiffel in love with the city!

Your first visit to Paris can be overwhelming because there is so much to see and do while you also get comfortable with a new culture and language! Here are a few tips and trips so you can fall in love with the city like I did. On our first Friday in Paris, ESCE took ...

Roommates by chance, Friends by choice!

This guide will give you an insight into the study-life balance and living with new, unfamiliar people. As an international student, you will be able to meet a lot of interesting people either in class, at a class tour or you may be sharing the same room or apartment. I was lucky enough to encounter the ...

How to be a Parisian 101

Here is a guide on how to be a Parisian during your three weeks in this incredible city! I have included things you can do between all the studying and sightseeing that are beyond the usual tourist traps. Because hey, when in Paris, do as the Parisians do! Stroll & Bike One of my favorite ...

My Parisian Home

Moving to a new home is tough and if your new home is altogether in a different city, the moving process becomes more intimidating. Here’s a guide to help you acclimate to your new environment quickly. #1 Do your Research As cliché as this may sound, trust me, do it. In a different city there ...

7 things to keep in mind before departure

1.Universal Adapter for Charging The power outlets outside of America are different. A universal adapter can be very handy. I actually forgot about this and borrowed my roommate’s for first couple of days. I was lucky enough to find one from an Office Depot a few steps from my home in Paris. 2. Talk to ...

4 Pro Tips for Paris!

Facing culture shock is very normal in a new city. You can simply google and look up tours and top things to do in a city. The best way to get insights into the culture and about the general way of life is from someone who has visited before or is a local to the ...