London is - just capital!

Moving to London to go to university was the biggest step I ever had to make.

Living in the quiet rural village of Harden, I knew that the big smoke would be somewhat of a challenge. But I was raring to go and willing to tackle whatever the amazing metropolis was to throw in front of me -- a daunting experience for someone who isn't used to the fast pace of life Londoners seem to lead.

People are stereotyped as rude, ignorant and unhelpful. Surely this was pure fantasy? Apparently not.

The first time I independently travelled into the city centre I was able to take in the phenomenal London culture and witness how it controlled people's lives. People appear 100 per cent focused, programmed like robots to complete the day's tasks as fast as they can -- not caring if they bump into you on the street and spill your just bought Starbucks hot chocolate down your shirt.

Even though London is our capital, it often seems to be a complete new world altogether. The underground is a prime example. It has adopted its very own "tube culture".

When travelling on the tube there are generally three things you will see people do: read a book/newspaper/magazine, sleep and the third one you don't really see -- you know they do it because you do it yourself -- engage in a deep thought process.

People think about the fastest way to get from A to B, what they have to remember to pick up from the supermarket and where the woman/man sat next to them got their shirt from.

One of London's downfalls is its expense -- the cost of living is ridiculous.

Socially, you make of it what you want. Pub prices are similar to ones in Leeds city centre and prices in the centre of London depend on where you want to party.

London is certainly not the best student city as far as going out is concerned -- but its culture unquestionably makes up for it. My feelings about living in London used to change all the time; it often felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster.

One minute I would be terribly home sick and the next I couldn't wait to get into central London.

But now, after 18 months, I am settled -- used to the ever-changing city, its people and its way of life.

It is an extraordinary place and I am glad I have had the chance to experience so many of its wonderful qualities.

I have visited the traditional tourist sites -- Buckingham Palace, Westminster and Big Ben -- more times than I can remember, yet they always seem to amaze me.

Just recently, I had a couple of friends come to stop with me, one of whom had never been to London before. Watching her as we jumped on the tube and got nearer the centre reminded me of my first time in London.

We went sightseeing for the entire day and ended our experience with a spectacular trip on the London Eye. Our boarding time was 8pm, a time we chose so we could see London at its best -- lit up. It was an amazing experience, in an amazing city.

Sure, it can be lonely and can take a lot of getting used to, but I wouldn't swap it for the world. I will never become a Londoner, not many people do. I am a Yorkshire girl at heart and love the countryside -- but there is a part of me that will always be drawn to London and its culture.