Mind the gap!

Whether it is criticisms or praise, the capital of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (don't ever mix that up with Great Britain or England!) is one of the leading political and cultural centers of the world. That is why I chose to focus on this city in my second article and, after living in London for only a few months, I will acquaint you with it through a short list of recommendations about the city.

1. Nuts well deserve the first rank. Any nuts, since local squirrels are not exactly picky. Whenever you decide for a walk, make sure you at least take a few nuts with you; there is no doubt there will be some squirrels on the way. They will love you for it and so make your day. Trust me on this.

2. Download Citymapper. It is for free and it will make your life so much easier.

3. Buy a good pair of trainers. Not only are trainers a current hit but they will prevent your feet from swelling and pain. Often I go out for a walk and end up touring London for a whole day. Despite all the new experience, I spent the days after my first such walk in pain and discomfort. Believe me, good quality shoes are a must.

4. Don't spend much time on figuring out on which side of the pavement you should walk on. It simply does not matter. Londoners are quite keen on getting from point A to point B and so it is not surprising they do not dwell on rules. In the same way, don't mind the disdain for traffic lights. Just get used to being stared at while waiting for the green man to cross the road.

5. Being famous for visiting hospitals much too often, I cannot but dedicate one point to health care as well. London's urgent care and emergency departments – at least the one in St Thomas' Hospital – are very different from those in the Czech Republic. Numerous waiting rooms, examinations, doctors, and no information. If you are lucky enough to be able to plan your visit ahead, make sure you take a good book and a small pillow; receiving the results at 11 pm is not unusual, despite the fact you came at 4 pm.

6. Walk. Wander. Run. Just don't use Transport for London when it is not absolutely necessary. Not only will you save enough money to buy a better cheese than the usual cheddar, but there is a chance it will be the only form of exercise you'll manage to have time for. Mind you, London is a city made for exploring, getting lost, and discovering new charming places.

7. Visit Greenwich. It is mindbogglingly beautiful.

8. Museums. Museums, museums, museums. Go and see museums. They are often for free!

9. If big crowds give you the creeps, do not venture to Oxford Street. You can visit most of the shops elsewhere in London and personally, the experience of walking through was horrible. If not, then welcome to the shopaholic heaven!

10. Save money for a ticket to a musical, even if it means eating sandwiches for breakfast, lunch and dinner for a whole week. It is West End after all! I have seen the Phantom of the Opera and the Lion King and I don't regret a single penny. (Do not worry, some theaters offer student discounts.)

11. Roughly 8.5 million people live in London. It is not hard to get lost in the city's vastness and become very, very lonely. Go out with your friends. Enjoy your leisure time. Exercise with no reason at all. If that does not help, seek a professional consulting help your university offers. If they are any good, they will do everything in their power to make you feel better. Seeking help is difficult, but it is the most important step you can make in a moment of anxiety.