Written by Efan Jones, J-1 Exchange Student
Settling in with the rugby club
One of the first things I set out to do was find my rugby people. I knew rugby wasn’t as huge here as it is back home, but I was pleasantly surprised. The Gator men's rugby team quickly became my new rugby home. It’s got this amazing, tight-knit community vibe—almost like an extended family. It’s a bit smaller than what I’m used to, but what they lack in size, they make up for in passion. Training sessions are intense but satisfying, and after a few practices, I started to feel like I had a proper team around me.
The rugby pub scene is different here, but The Kezar Pub is a solid spot to catch a game. I’ve spent a few Saturdays there with my newfound teammates and fellow rugby fans, shouting at the screen with a pint in hand and sharing the collective agony (or joy) even though I don't follow much of American sport. There’s something comforting about watching a match so far from home though, almost like a little piece of the UK tucked away in a busy American city.
Discovering the City, One Dish at a Time
Food in San Francisco is a true adventure, and it’s almost impossible to keep up with everything there is to try. What I love most is the blend of high-end dining and casual spots with world-class flavors. There’s something about wandering through Chinatown or the Mission District and stumbling upon a hole-in-the-wall that serves the best dumplings or street tacos I’ve ever had. The variety is amazing too—one minute, I’m biting into crispy carnitas at a taco truck, and the next, I’m savoring artisanal sushi at a little spot in Japantown. I’ve also developed a serious love for sourdough bread; it’s everywhere here, and every bakery seems to put their own spin on it. From fresh seafood at the wharf to comforting ramen in Japantown, I’ve barely scratched the surface, and I know I’m just getting started.
My parents are planning to visit in January, and I cannot wait to show them around these food heavens. They also enjoy indulging in new cultures and trying new foods.
Staying Fit in the City of Hills
As a British exchange student with a passion for rugby, adapting my fitness routine abroad has been a rewarding experience, blending my love for sport with the chance to explore new environments and meet people from around the world. Rugby has been the backbone of my fitness journey, and although training facilities here are a bit different from back home, it’s been fantastic to see how rugby culture translates in different countries.
In the UK, rugby training sessions are rigorous, and there’s an emphasis on strength, speed, and endurance. Transitioning to an international setting has meant some adjustments, but I’m keeping up with core elements: HIIT sessions, sprints, and strength training. Finding rugby clubs or casual pickup games has been a great way to meet people who share the same passion, even if their approach to the game might be a bit different. I still squeeze in pitch workouts, including tackling drills and passing practice, and some gym-based work to keep my explosiveness and power at their peak.
Fitness-wise, the exchange experience has given me the chance to branch out and try things I wouldn’t normally do. I've been hitting up local gyms, trying out classes I might have skipped at home, like circuit-based fitness or even a bit of CrossFit. It’s been great for my overall athleticism and endurance, pushing me to develop skills that complement my rugby training.
Nutrition has been interesting, too. Back home, I’m used to a diet tailored to rugby players—protein-heavy with loads of veggies, carbs, and the occasional pie, of course! While abroad, I’ve had to get a bit creative with meals and find substitutes for some of my UK staples. But it’s been brilliant discovering local food that fits well with my training diet.
Overall, being an exchange student has enriched my fitness and rugby journey. It’s a chance to stay connected to my roots while taking on new challenges that make me a stronger, more versatile player. The rugby community is worldwide, so no matter where I am, I’m never far from people who understand the thrill and grit of the sport.
Embracing the Outdoors
California is honestly built for the outdoor lover, and I’m diving into it as much as I can. Just north of the city is Muir Woods, a redwood forest straight out of a fantasy novel. The first time I walked through there, I was in awe—some of these trees are older than most buildings back home. It’s quiet, towering, and humbling, and just an hour’s drive from the city.
Mount Tamalpais was next on my list, and I finally tackled it last weekend. The hike is no joke, but the payoff is unreal—sweeping views of the bay, hills, and endless ocean. I’ve already decided to go back and tackle a few more trails before winter sets in.
One of the best parts of being here is knowing that I have easy access to places like Yosemite National Park. I’ve planned a weekend trip soon, and I can’t wait to explore the waterfalls, cliffs, and hiking trails. It’s a bit surreal to think I’m so close to one of the most famous natural landmarks in the world.
Navigating American Life
Living here has been its own adventure. For starters, the public transport is nothing like back home—Muni buses, the BART, and those iconic (but slow) cable cars are a bit chaotic but strangely charming. Then there’s the famous San Francisco fog, which has this mysterious vibe that rolls in and transforms the city.
San Francisco is expensive, which is a bit of a shock even after London. To save, I’ve become a regular at the Ferry Building Farmers Market, where I can pick up fresh fruit, bread, and some local cheese without breaking the bank. Between cooking at home and exploring affordable eats in the city, I’m getting by—and keeping my wallet a bit happier.
Finding My Tribe
Making friends here has been easier than I expected. The rugby team has been a lifesaver, giving me instant camaraderie and a social circle to lean on. I’ve also joined a couple of local meetups for hiking and exploring the city, which has been a great way to connect with locals and other internationals.
One thing I love about San Francisco is how diverse and open-minded it feels. People here are genuinely curious, and I’ve had so many random conversations with strangers about everything from the latest tech craze to where to find the best dim sum in Chinatown. There’s an openness to people here that I find refreshing.
Final Thoughts
Being a British exchange student in San Francisco has been a whirlwind, but I’m settling in and finding my groove. This city has a way of challenging you—whether it’s trekking up the hills, keeping up with the bustling food scene, or learning how to navigate its quirky, foggy charm. But every day I’m here, I feel a bit more at home.
From the rugby pitch to the trails, from dim sum feasts to quiet moments by the bay, I’m embracing everything San Francisco has to offer. It’s a strange, beautiful, and ever-surprising city, and I can’t wait to see what else is around the next corner.
I don't ever want to leave :)