My move to London (Akin Oladapo)

Despite the fact that I was accepted into the MBA program as far back as December 2005, my move to London did not work out as well as I would have wanted. I stopped work two weeks before the program commenced and arrived in London 10 days before orientation. I had to start the house hunt immediately and I am yet to really enjoy the sights and sounds of London!
As this is my first time outside of Africa, I found it quite an awesome task to adjust to London life. The weather for one had me confused: cold in morning, hot in the afternoon and very chilly at night. I was told it was late summer and that I should enjoy the warm spells before autumn kicked in. What about the food you might ask? I’m still trying hard to adjust to the Englishman’s idea of lunch: cold sandwiches, chocolate bars and tea. How I crave eba, beans and pounded yam. I would advise traditional Nigerians coming next year, bring as much Naija food as you can, I was warned but I didn’t listen.
I didn’t find a place immediately and I had to stay with friends in Stanmore and Dagenham. For those of you who know the town well, you’ll know that these are two extreme ends of London and quite a commute. Eventually found a place relatively close to school and trying hard to settle in.
The admissions office was very helpful. The fact that I was London Business School student certainly made things happen. I opened a bank account in a day (wouldn't have been possible though if I had not brought my bank statements from Nigeria) and got into a mobile phone contract that makes Nigerian GSM service providers look exploitative.
For me, the move was full of ups and downs. My advice to people coming in next year is to arrive in London with at least 3 weeks to spare. It really makes a lot of difference.

Comments

[Olanipekun Oluwasola]

Hello Akin, I realy feel for you in a strange land. Anyay you must realy been getting used by now. I read this blog this morning and its going to be of great help.
May I ask for your hand of friendship I have so much on my mind bout MBA in LBS and you can be of great help.I am currently working as a Monitoring and Evaluation specialist in Osogbo Osun State. Iam also currently pursuing an MBA in Ife, But you see my eye are in LBS. Can we be friends and exchange note.Please get in touch.
Thanks.Sola

[Chemistry Dissertation]

Blogs are so informative where we get lots of information on any topic. Nice job keep it up!!