Student/Alumni Testimonials
Advice for Study Abroad Students
Nothing can prepare you for the experiences you will have while you are studying abroad. But take the advice of those who have traveled before you and use their tips to prepare for your own experience!
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Packing Advice:
- I packed the night before I left, taking to heart the advice that you will not need everything you pack. While this may be true, make sure you still pack everything you will need. Remember, especially if you plan on further traveling, too many suitcases can weigh you down or cost in excess to store somewhere. Most things that you forget, you can buy where you are studying, such as medicine (though I do recommend bringing reserves), soap, toothpaste, school supplies, etc. You cannot, however, replace a favorite t-shirt and intercontinental mailing can become quite expensive. Also, rolling clothing into little balls is quite a space-saver. Most importantly, bring comfortable walking shoes. I remember someone telling me that no one in Europe wears tennis shoes. THAT IS A LIE! Tennis shoes are a necessity. Do not leave home without them. I did and I have the blisters to prove it!
- The first item you will need and (use most often) when arriving in London is an umbrella. I attended the winter/spring term in London and it rained 97% of the time, good news is it only snowed once.
- Besides obvious necessities like clothes and toiletries think about bringing some comfort food from home like peanut butter. Even though you should not have a problem finding food you like, it is always nice to have something familiar from home. For my roommates and myself I had my parents bring Miracle Whip and ranch dressing. I know it sounds weird but you will appreciate it later.
- Dressing for class/everyday life in London is different than on a college campus at home. Overall Londoners and Europeans in general dress in a more sophisticated style. You can bring sweatpants but don't plan on wearing them to class.
- Bring with you any medication that you will need keeping the weather and other factors in mind. I hardly ever get sick, but I would get colds occasionally and a bottle of aspirin or pain reliever is nice to have. These are also good for other minor aches that you may not think of now, but it is easier to have the medicine (even if you don't have to end up using it) because buying medicine is much more expensive in London.
Arrival/Departure Information:
- This will be different for everyone. If your study abroad site has an airport pick-up service, utilize it. Cabs are expensive and often unnecessary. Subway or train systems, if applicable, are cheaper (though more cumbersome) methods of traveling. Plus, they will help get you acquainted with the city's modes of transportation.
Money:
- Be sure to exchange some money before leaving. You will need it for the cab/bus/train to get from the airport to your housing. It is not necessary (and sometimes dangerous), however, to exchange and bring large sums of money with you into a new city. The more you look like a tourist who is unfamiliar with the city, the more susceptible you are to being robbed or pick-pocketed.
- Be aware of the exchange rates. The dollar is worth significantly less than the pound and you will find that out the first time you go grocery shopping or buying clothes. While I was there the pound was practically double the dollar. Example; one pair of jeans I bought were 60 pounds which I later realized was about $120. Ouch.
Telephone Cards:
- If you can get one before leaving, it will be helpful. Otherwise, most news stands will have them. Make certain, though, you get one that can call the States. Different international phone cards have limited contact to different countries.
Cell Phones:
- When I went to London I did not bring my cell phone that I had from home. The service I was using did not have an international plan. I decided to bring calling cards instead. As days went by I found out that I was in need of a cell phone. You can survive without one but having one for emergencies is very beneficial. One night I had no money on me and I got lost and in that case I really was in desperate need of a cell phone.
- All cell phones in London are prepaid meaning that you buy the cell phone and then basically put a calling card on your phone. When the minutes run out you can go to any drugstore or supermarket that has prepaid and buy more minutes and put it on your phone. The cell phones in London are “pay as you go” which I think is a brilliant idea because you are not wasting minutes or paying monthly bills. The phones can all vary in price. I got mine for about 50 pounds, which is about 100 dollars. There are varieties you can choose from. You can use the cell phone whenever you come back to London or all over Europe.
Transportation:
- Learn your city's bus or subway systems. Walk a lot. Not only will this save you money, but it will help you get better acquainted with the city. The more familiar you are with it, the more it will feel like home.
Living Arrangements:
- Luckily, most study abroad programs will handle this for you. Take time to get to know your roommates. Be patient and understanding. Not everyone handles this experience the same way.
Meals:
- Grocery shop and eat in. Cook for yourself. Eating out, especially in a big city, gets very expensive. Never underestimate the nourishment of bread and cheese.
- Don't be scared to try new foods. In order to really immerse yourself in the culture you should try British food, like fish and chips or go to Brick Lane for Indian food. Ironically Indian food is very popular in London.
Shopping:
- Don't forget to go shopping! The stores in London are amazing. I highly recommend River Island and Top Shop where you can find tons of fun accessories and clothes. There are also a lot of markets to go to that sell anything from old spoons to vintage purses.
Courses:
- Just like at your university, you will meet so many people while at school, in the library or working in study groups.
Free Time:
- Go to a museum. Get coffee and watch the city go by. Go shopping. Whatever you do, don't stay locked up in your room. Get out and enjoy life in this other country. Your time there is so fleeting.
- Save money for plays and site seeing. Living in the West End you are so close to all the major attractions in London, the British Museum is right around the corner and Leicester Square, Soho, and Trafalgar Square are all close by.
- Keep busy. At first arriving in London you may get homesick being in a new environment with no one you know, so get involved and sign up for all the AIU activities that sound interesting to you. Do your own activities as well and just go out and have a great time!
Travel Tips:
- In Europe, Ryanair is a cheap way to travel. Flying is faster and cheaper than trains or buses. Hostels are pretty hit or miss. Be friendly, but slightly guarded around fellow travelers. Though I've met many fun and wonderful traveling companions, I've heard many unsettling stories that can easily be avoided. Lock your bags. Keep valuables hidden. Grocery stores are always cheaper than restaurants. Bread, cheese and fruit are staples in any traveler's diet.
- One of the best things about going to school at AIU is that they offer so many trips during the term. You can take day trips to Oxford, Stratford, or Cambridge or weekend trips to Bath and Stonehenge. There are so many opportunities to experience all the areas around London and educate yourself on historic sites. AIU also takes students out of the country to Milan, the Alps, France, and more. Some of the best memories I have from study abroad are from these trips and meeting other students.
Email:
- This, for me, was the most crucial method of contact with my family and friends at home. Most cities have internet cafes, though they are expensive. If your university or host family have internet, utilize it.
Remember, too, it takes a certain type of person to study abroad. This fact alone proves that you and your fellow study abroad students already have strong similarities. Many of the feelings you are having parallel theirs. Use this common link as a bridge to making friends. Locals are fun to meet, as well, because they will help you experience the culture more intensely.
Good luck on your travels!
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