As far as cities in Canada are concerned, everything is huge and vastly spread out. There are tall buildings and massive six lane highways everywhere. So when I made the move from Canada to UK, it was a big change for me. Not only is the weather considerably more bearable here, everything is much smaller than what I am initially used to. Guildford, for me, is a very small town (there’s ONLY four Starbucks here, including the one on campus!). I love it. I love being able to walk almost anywhere without having to wear insane amounts of winter gear. Back home, driving is practically mandatory as the public transport does not cover the entire city and the weather conditions are too harsh to walk/cycle. This experience is completely new and I am wholeheartedly welcoming it.

There are times when I do miss the snow, but then I see my friends back home in the -25°C weather and realise how lucky I am to be spending Christmas in Guildford this year.

Guildford High Street

Calgary/Banff Highway 1