My First Day in the UK

By Mahtab Gholamrezaei (FS Level 1)

The sky was overcast and grey, as if it had wrapped itself in a soft, woolly jumper. Raindrops

gently settled on the airport windows, causing the streets outside to glisten like mirrors.

As I stepped outside, a cool breeze brushed against my face. I took a deep breath, inhaling

the scent of damp earth and fresh air. This marked the beginning of a new chapter—a fresh

start in a land that was unfamiliar yet full of endless possibilities. Dragging my suitcase

behind me, I observed the brick buildings, the black cabs, and the people passing by with

colourful umbrellas. Although a sense of unfamiliarity lingered, my curiosity and excitement

far outweighed it.

When I arrived at my accommodation, I placed my suitcase in the corner and stood by the

window. The rain-soaked streets shimmered under the city lights, creating a mesmerising

sight. Neon signs reflected on the wet pavement, painting a vivid yet peaceful scene. People

moved with a steady rhythm, neither rushing nor wandering aimlessly. This was the first

contrast I noticed compared to my hometown: a sense of calmness amidst movement.

I lay down on the bed, utterly exhausted. The fatigue of travel, the excitement of arriving in a

new country, and the anticipation of what lay ahead all swirled in my mind. A thousand

thoughts raced through my head—I had so much to prove, new friendships to make, and an

entirely new culture to adapt to. But before I could dwell on it too much, sleep gently

overtook me.

The next morning, I woke up eager to explore the city. The streets bustled with people, yet

there was an undeniable sense of order and patience in the air. There was no unnecessary

noise, no chaotic rush. People waited for the pedestrian light to turn green before crossing,

drivers stopped calmly, and no one seemed in a hurry to overtake another. This was a

striking difference from my hometown, where everyone was always in a rush, trying to get

things done as quickly as possible. Here, patience and adherence to rules seemed second

nature.

As I wandered through the streets, I noticed the small details: cosy little cafés with wooden

tables set outside, the inviting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from bakeries, and the

gentle smiles exchanged between passers-by. The city was a perfect blend of old and new.

Historic buildings with small, white-framed windows stood beside towering glass

Skyscrapers—a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity.

Eventually, I found a small local café and ordered a coffee. As I sat there, I observed my

surroundings: students engrossed in their books, professionals typing away on their laptops,

and couples quietly enjoying their drinks. It was a new atmosphere for me, yet it felt

strangely familiar. Perhaps cafés are universal sanctuaries—places where people retreat,

regardless of where they are in the world.

My first day in the UK was filled with small yet meaningful experiences. Although the feeling

of unfamiliarity had not entirely disappeared, my eagerness to explore and immerse myself

In this new culture, it had only grown stronger.