Tell us about you!
Where are you studying abroad?
London, United Kingdom
How did you choose your study abroad location?
I’ve always wanted to study abroad in London and, luckily, LSU offered a program where I could spend a semester in the UK!
Do you speak the local language and had you been out of the country before studying abroad?
No, I do not speak the local language and this was my first time out of the country!
Did you plan anything ahead of time?
What are your best tips for studying abroad with food allergies?
I would recommend someone with food allergies to research the city they’re going to and any safe eats around town. It’s sometimes discouraging when you pop in, and it’s not safe to eat. Having places in mind that are accommodating (which London, and many other cities do) is the best feeling. Knowing how to say your allergens in another language is helpful, along with having Google Translate in case you need to communicate further. Also, having printed food labels in different languages is a great way to communicate the allergens as well!
Did you have any concerns about traveling with food allergies?
Yes, I was definitely worried going into the semester because I had never traveled abroad, especially alone. Because the United Kingdom was so allergy inclusive, I still was cautious, but I appreciated their accommodating approach to handling allergies safely.
What airline did you fly? Did you eat the plane food or have any special accommodations?
I flew British Airways to/from London from New Orleans. The staff was wonderful when I checked with them about allergies for each meal on board. I appreciated the variety of options offered on board, and I did eat the plane food since it was tree nut-free (besides the desserts that were packaged completely separately). Traveling over the weekends in Europe, I flew Vueling Air, Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet, mostly. Because they are budget airlines, meals and snacks aren’t served, so I didn’t have to worry about that. However, each time I boarded, I would let the flight attendant know about my severe allergies, and they would all make an announcement on board for people to refrain from eating anything with tree nuts, which I really appreciated!
Where did you live and how were meals handled?
I stayed in an apartment included with the program that I studied abroad through (ISEP). The accommodations didn’t provide any meals, so food and cooking was on me. I grocery shopped at local grocery stores and at local fresh fruit stands.
What are your 3 favorite places to eat at in London?
If there’s a food your study abroad location is known for that you were able to have safely, what was it and where did you try it?
For anyone with a sweet tooth, any spots for sweet finds?
My favorite ice cream shop in London is Udderlicious! I can’t say enough great things about this shop! The staff was always so friendly, they used clean scoopers, and used new ice cream bins from the back. I would go to the Covent Garden location frequently and always felt so safe eating their ice cream. Another favorite of mine was Sourdough Sophia, a local bakery with multiple locations around London. The staff was always sweet, any tree nut pastries were made and stored separately, and they used separate tongs for them. The staff was accommodating, and they assured me that basic croissants or scones were safe to eat. Their coffee was always great, too!
What other places have you visited so far?
Besides the food, were there any fun experiences or favorite things you did?
In London, I loved the parks — Regent’s, St. James, Hyde, Primrose. The green spaces are incredible. I also loved the pubs, the atmosphere, and everyone’s love for Arsenal football — so fun! Shopping on Portobello Road, shows on the West End, and becoming a local at some of my favorite restaurants, bakeries, and pubs. Truly such a cool city, so much histroy, plenty to do, and I generally felt very safe eating my way around. I can’t wait to move back one day!
