I am going to be applying to a study abroad program in London sometime this year. I have the option to either go in the fall with 2 of my friends, or to go in the spring by myself. For those who have studied abroad, did you like being alone, or would you have rather had some people you’re comfortable with there with you?
My daughter met one of her roommates just a few weeks before they went. they had a great time and remain good friends (same college). My niece went to her program with one friend from her college, but several of her friends went to different countries at the same time. She had a great time with her roommate but also fun visiting other friends around Europe, sometimes with her roommate, sometimes without.
Either way is fine. Have fun.
If you are interested in making new friends, it can be easier to do so if you go alone. You’ll be more approachable and less likely to lean on your existing friends. You may also find it easier to do what interests you.
With that said, it can be fun to share the experience with friends.
I’d give some thought to what you want from the experience and how much your friends will allow that to happen.
There are pros and cons to both!
I studied abroad (albeit many moons ago) with my college roommate (and still one of my very best friends 
). It was great having someone who knows you in a country where English isn’t the primary language. I still remember the anxiety I felt en route from the airport to the town and meeting my new family, and I was so glad she was there and that we had each other to navigate everything.
That said, once we became comfortable with our new extended friend group we made a conscious decision not to travel together when we had our break. We spent so much time together at college and living with our family, etc. that we felt it was a good idea to separate for a few weeks and be with other people. Our abroad friend group broke into 2 groups to travel, so we split when we traveled.
Consider what you want as far as an experience. If you’re looking to meet new people, you can certainly do it while having a friend there. As I said, my roommate and I were on the same page, so there were no surprises and we had our own space. If you really want a fresh new experience, doing it alone and starting fresh is great, too - all depends on what you want out of it .
Enjoy! It’s an amazing, incredible experience.
I studied abroad and knew no one. Had a great time. D is currently studying abroad and does know people, but after just two weeks, they’ve found other people to hang out with. They are all having a great time. Personally, I think going without friends is good for you. I certainly would not base any major decisions that surround studying abroad based on when your friends go. You will meet people and have fun.
My daughter went alone to Ireland. She made friends quickly and ended up traveling with most of them. She had a friend in London that she flew over to see, but really enjoyed the experience of meeting new people and taking a break from her routine with established friends.
In my opinion, it doesn’t matter whether you attend school in London with or without your friends since you are English speakers in an English speaking country.
My advice would be different if studying abroad in a non-English speaking country. Going without friends raises the likelihood that you will be forced to speak, read & communicate in a different language.
I think studying abroad with friends can be an amazing experience as well as a safer bet when it comes to people who’ve never traveled before but studying alone is also such a great opportunity to read get to know yourself and see what you can accomplish on your own. Both are great