Every Londoner knows the struggle of commuting in and out of the city every day. Whether you are going to work or university, it can be a dreadful experience to be stuck in a hectic TFL journey. To make your life easier, tick off all the following boxes before your trip.
Photo by Luke Stackpoole on Unsplash
⌧ Always leave early
We all know how frustrating it is when your day does not go as planned. Missing a train or a bus puts your whole day off track and can make you late for important events. Leaving around 15 to 20 minutes early will guarantee you are on time to catch any means of transportation. It will compensate for delays, traffic and the unpredictable UK weather. Taking some extra time to arrive will save you the stress of finding an excuse for being late. After all, it is better to be three hours too soon, than one minute too late.
⌧ Bring a bottle of water
Stay hydrated! After drinking at least two litres of water a day, your skin will look fresh and healthy. Not only that but drinking enough water helps with several things like: sleep deprivation, boosting your energy and activating your brain cells. Drinking water is also the best way to fight those horrid headaches you get from waking up at unreasonable hours (does anyone actually know someone who is a morning person?).
⌧ Minimise the number of bags you carry
We all eye-roll at those people who try to cram in the tube three suitcases, two purses, a dog and their two wheeled friend. It leaves other people with little to no oxygen or space to move around and no one wants to be that guy that everyone frowns at. This is why every commuter should come up with a ‘one bag only’ plan. Pack as efficiently as you can. Choose a backpack or a tote bag, something big enough for all your personal belongings. This will give you time and energy to be more aware of your surroundings.
⌧ Always be in contact with your professors
Whether you are running late or there is a delay and you cannot make it in, always let your professor know. Sending an email is not as much of a hassle if you have ticked box number three. Letting your tutor know where you are or why you are missing a class will help you stay informed and on track with your schedule.
⌧ Bring your earphones (or a book)
If you are travelling on a longer trip and you forget your headphones/laptop or something to read you might as well curl yourself in a ball and cry. Prepare yourself for awkward eye contact with strangers, small talk with ‘Sarah the posh girl whose boyfriend just dumped her’ and fasten your seatbelt on Anxiety Express!
Words: Ngoc Minh Thu Le | Subbing: Vanessa Craus, Lucija Duzel