Student Bloggers

Before I boarded my flight to London, I thought I was completely prepared. My suitcase stuffed (overstuffed, actually), my notes app filled with places I wanted to visit, and I had a basic idea of how I planned to balance my schoolwork, traveling and going out. But like most things in life, my time abroad did not go quite like I had planned it, and that is what made it so memorable. 

Looking back, there are definitely a bunch of things I wish I knew, or would have listened to more carefully. Nothing obvious like “don’t forget your passport” but the little things like how to manage homesickness, budgeting, and packing lighter. So, if you are studying abroad or just curious about some good traveling tips, here are ten things I wish I knew before my time in London.

1. Pack way less than what you think you need.
   You do not need all the shoes in your closet. Or that “just in case” outfit you think you will need at some point. Space is limited in the housing you will receive, and you’ll probably end up wearing some go-to basics anyways. I overpacked significantly. I had way too many sweatshirts, pants, tshirts, and shoes. Flying over to London my suitcase was barely under fifty pounds. I suggest packing as light as possible. You are going to need room for any souvenirs you bring back home.
2. Start budgeting right away.
   In London, things are expensive.Try to be aware of how much your groceries, going out to eat, and doing fun activities cost. All of these expenses add up quickly. I would go online to check out grocery stores they have, just so you can get an understanding of how much food costs. 
3. Bring comfortable walking shoes.
   You will be walking a lot! Make sure you have shoes that are comfortable, and you can walk long distances in. I stayed at the Princess Elizabeth House in Highgate, and the walk to the tube stations was about fifteen minutes, and then the walk from the tube station to the Arcadia London Center was roughly twenty minutes. It is sometimes easier to walk to places than to wait for a bus or a tube.
4. Don’t save all of your trips for the end.
   It might seem like a good idea to adjust to your new life in London for a while and to save your trips until the end, but trust me, it is easier to take the first two weeks to adjust and then start traveling. When I first got to London, I wanted to take a few weeks to adjust before going somewhere new, and that is completely fine! But, if you want to go to a lot of new places, and plan a lot of trips, start planning them early, and spread them out through your time abroad. It may seem a little scary to just go somewhere with your friends, but trust me it is easy! Research cheap flights, such as RyanAir, or other ways of getting to your destination, and maybe try staying in hostels to save some money. Make sure your hostel is reliable and safe before booking. They are a good option, as long as you do your research to double check they are a good place to stay. 
5. You will get homesick and that is okay.
   Before my time abroad, I had not really spent that much time away from my family. I lived relatively close to my home school during my first semester, so I could go home on the weekends, or even during the week if my schedule allowed. Being in a different country across the globe was a wake up call. It was hard, but so worth it in the end. Stay in contact with your family as much as possible. Call, text, or facetime them. They miss you as much as you miss them. 
6. Journaling goes a long way.
   This experience was so incredible for me, and I wanted to make sure I would remember it. Usually, I am not the journaling type, but it was definitely worth it to put in the effort and jot some things down that were interesting or fun that I did. Also, I would save little reminders that I could tape into my notebook just to make it a little more special. It could be anything like a train ticket. Now that I am home, it is so nice reliving my time over there while leafing through the pages.
7. Ask for student discounts.
   At home, there aren’t really a lot of opportunities for student discounts. But, in London, they are everywhere. It might be awkward to ask for a student discount, but it is worth it. You are going to need to save money wherever you can. If a place does offer discounts, make sure you have your student ID with you, one that has an expiration date. 
8. Every day is not going to feel like something out of a movie, and that is okay.
   When you first arrive, it is going to feel so amazing to be in this new place. That feeling will stick with you for a bit, but once you settle and get into a routine, some days could feel boring. But, boring is okay! That is just the reality of living in a new place. 
9. Take advantage of public libraries.
   In the first week of my time in London, I got an ID for the Senate House Library. This is a great place to study or even just relax. There are other public libraries that are located all across the city. Take advantage of them.
10. Learn the transportation system.
    It takes just a few days to fully understand the transportation system in London. I thought it was going to be so difficult because it was honestly a little intimidating, but just pay attention to what you are doing and it will be easy! In regards to the tube, make sure you are getting on the right one. There is usually a board telling you what tube is coming, but if not, download the TFL app and it will make your life a whole lot easier.

All in all, studying abroad was one of the most challenging and rewarding things I have ever done. It takes a little getting used to, but that is okay. If you are preparing to go abroad, I hope these tips help make you a little more confident and ready to enjoy every second.