International students going home for the holidays
International students going home for the holidays
Hi, my name is Leona and I am from Czech Republic. I am currently doing my postgraduate studies at BNU, I also studied my undergraduate degree here too. I have done many trips back and forth for the holidays - mainly Christmas and Easter, and I have gotten very used to travelling.
Getting back home
My journey takes around 2 hours, so it is not too long, but it does depend on what airport I am traveling from. I think I have flown from all the airports around London in my search for the cheapest tickets. For High Wycombe, the best airport in my opinion is Heathrow, because there is a direct bus from the bus station nearby and takes around 30 minutes.
Packing for my trip
I used to pack a lot of clothes when heading back home, but after trial and error I now know that I will not wear most of them. I have a small suitcase that I always take with me, but the contents also fit into a backpack. I prefer using suitcase because it is easier. It also gives me enough space for when I am bringing lots of gifts for Christmas. And I am always bringing too many things!
Celebrating together
It is always a bit chaotic when I get back home. All my grandmas want to see me, as well as my parents and friends - to the point coming to England becomes my holiday and a chance to rest. But of course, I enjoy it, it’s good to see everyone especially for Christmas. We always get together, cook, and eat. Nothing too fancy but it’s nice. After that we exchange presents. I have always liked getting people presents and watching their reaction when unwrapping them.
Coming back to the UK
I still talk to my university friends over the holidays. Some of them stay around for Christmas and make plans together so that no one is alone. I usually return to High Wycombe at the beginning of January and have time to meet up with them before the new term starts. It is nice to go back because I like living on my own and enjoy my course. It is weird not seeing my family all the time, but I have gotten used to it. Flying also used to be a special occasion for me, connected to vacation stays but now it is just like a daily commute.
