Study Abroad Concerns and Questions

Applying to College
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<p>I'm thinking about studying abroad. I'm a rising sophomore and if I'm really serious about this I would have to start getting applications ready by the end of this year/early January as the programs I'm looking at admit on a rolling basis starting in mid/late January.</p>

<p>So all the programs I'm looking into are basically in London. I have some trivial and serious concerns.</p>

<p>(1) If I do go to London, it would be my first time going on a plane ride and first time going to another country. With this, I'm obviously a bit nervous about traveling. Add to this I tend to have paranoid stupid thoughts like "what if the plane crashes" etc. I know this isn't the right thinking to have but i just get really paranoid sometimes.</p>

<p>(2) Would you recommend a year abroad or a semester? Finances really isn't an issue because I'm on a full ride scholarship and my school matches the tuition as long as it's no more than the price tag of their school. The only downfall is that grades don't transfer. My school will look at whatever grade I get at a London school as "credit" as long as I pass. So if I get a 4.0 or 2.3, it doesn't matter. It's all just credit.</p>

<p>(3) I like to think the minuet details of how's everything going to be covered/what's going to be happening. How will I get around? How safe is the area? How do I do laundry? How will food be covered? Do you think I should just ease up a bit or are these legit concerns to have?</p>

<p>(4) If anyone who studied abroad in London could briefly explain their experience would be awesome. I worry how I will be percieved there because I'm different in a lot of ways. I'm a minority, I dress "urban/hipster" (skinny jeans, converse, nikes, graphic tees, etc). I'm just worried if I could be myself without people giving me a hard time or pestering me for being different. </p>

<p>Any and all feedback would be amazing.</p>

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<p>I have not been to London yet but did spend a semester abroad in Australia my senior year of college two years ago. </p>

<p>I would not worry about the plane ride. I have flown on a plane over 50x so far in my life time and every time I get on I think what if it crashes and so far it has not. It is normal for you to have these fear, but to be honest it is not anything to worry about, at least not to stop you from flying. </p>

<p>I did a semester and wish I would have done a complete year. The difference will be your interaction with the local culture natives. You begin to establish really strong bonds with people that your not able to in a 6 month period. </p>

<p>This is a small things to worry about you will find a way to adapt. When you look for an apartment or living space make sure you can cover the main things your concerned about. Walking distance to a store has a Laundromat near by. You will more then likely be doing a ton of walking. If you don’t know how to cook yet the foreman grill will be your best friend.</p>

<p>I have never studied abroad in London but Australia was very similar to the USA on the surface. You will find your subcultures in every part of the world. I am sure you will be accepted. The USA was once under British rule so you will find similarities in culture. </p>

<p>Just remember to be flexible and keep an open mind about things and you will be fine. Don’t forget to enjoy the roses and go out your way to make the most of your experience with other people.</p>

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<p>While I can completely understand every single one of your concerns seeing as they are indeed valid concerns to have, I have a word of advice: BREATHE. Really, if you die of a heart attack you’ll never get a shot at what will be an enriching and phenomenal experience. So breathe, breathe, breathe and try to take everything with a healthy ounce of concern rather than letting it consume you. </p>

<p>All of that aside, I’ll try and tackle some of your questions as well! While I have never attended university in London as a student abroad, I have visited the city and aim to get an undergraduate degree from UCL (meaning I’ve spent far too many hours tucked away in my room figuring out some of the very same things). I have a few questions for you first: Have you resided in a city before? Moreover, are you comfortable with the idea of this? You’ve obviously chosen London as your destination for a reason, however, it’s important to think about if you’ll be happy with where you’re going to spend months of time. If you’re coming from a rural university, it could come as a bit of a shock that buildings ‘on campus’ are scattered about a few central streets - the campuses in city schools tend to be a bit more…abstract. You’re more a part of the city than you are the school because there’s a fusion between both people - no more of this ‘college town business’. </p>

<p>From my stay in London, I can tell you that it is a very, very safe city. Extremely clean as well, might I add. Even with the apparent lack of street cans, London was far more orderly than my ‘stomping grounds’ of Boston. You will most likely utilize their extremely comprehensive public transportation system to get around, or will walk. Depending on your location, everything you need to get by will be within a walking distance as is the case usually in cities. Should you need to get on the tube (underground subway system) or catch a bus, you will be using an Oyster card. Look into special deals for students in regards to this, you might get a reduced rate. Also, you’ll have to do more research when it comes to food. Most universities offer either catered or non-catered accommodations. With catered, you are typically provided breakfast and dinner on most days of the week for a fee atop what you are paying for rooming. Non-catered means you cook for yourself, obviously. </p>

<p>I used to be horrific when it came to flying. I kid you not, there would be tears running down my face as we prepared to depart from the runway. However, as I got older and began to fly more often, this fear subsided. If you look at the facts, the average risk for an American to die in a plane crash is 1 in 1,000,000. Now, the risk for an American to die in a motor vehicle accident in 1 in 5,000. You’re safer in the air than you are on the road! Honestly, the experience of traveling between countries can be exciting if you allow yourself to believe it is. When you get on the plane (and get the OK from flight attendants as they make you turn off electronics during takeoff) just pop in your headphones and sleep. The time will fly by. </p>

<p>Lastly, when it comes to clothing, London is one of the trendiest places I have ever been. I’d say that the hipster look dominates the young adult age brackets over there so don’t worry! It’ll probably help you fit in more than anything. London is an extremely diverse location with representation of nearly every nationality across the globe, and typically they are extremely open minded in regards to race and creed. Naturally there will be the pig-headed folks found far and few anywhere you go, the main thing is to avoid them/disregard them. </p>

<p>Sorry if this is terribly disorganized!</p>

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<p>Zestrokes, you’re response made me feel SOOOO MUCH BETTER! Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed and well thought response.</p>

<p>I actually live in NYC and attend a college in a “college town” so I think I’d be very comfortable in London. I guess I should just let live and breathe a little as opposed to letting these things consume me like you said. It’s nice to hear about all the things you’ve said about London! It makes me even more excited. I just have to remember that there’s nothing to fear but fear itself and tat we only have shot at life, so minds well make the best out of it right?</p>

<p>Thanks so much for your response once again!</p>

<p>And thank you dzWash as well! You’re response has also help me gain ease.</p>

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<p>I’m so glad that I could be of some help! It wasn’t laborious in the slightest, and it makes me happy to know that it was useful to you. I can see that you’re viewing this situation from a healthy set of eyes now, and that last bit you mentioned sounds like something to live by. Best of luck to you in the future!</p>

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<p>This blog might be helpful also.
[Study</a> Abroad Mistakes: What I Would Change | The Study Abroad Blog](<a href=“The Study Abroad Blog - Nate Nault”>The Study Abroad Blog - Nate Nault)</p>

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<p>If you don’t already have your passport, get it. If you do, but it is not an EU passport, the visa will be more of an obstacle than most anything else. </p>

<p>Even for someone from NYC, London is expensive, but what a great city!</p>

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<p>don’t worry, it’ll be a riot.</p>