Study Abroad in London
During my summer between Freshmen and Sophomore years in college, I took part in NYU's Summer Study Abroad program in London. Since I had never been to London before, I was very excited and did a lot of research so that I could fit right in. Getting first hand experiences was the best help. Consequently, I decided to post up my research and experience to give anyone who is interested a taste of London. This introduction page has a "Getting Ready for London" section as well as many useful links. I also suggest browsing the Tourist Attraction and Going Out pages for specific recommendations. Although studying abroad is an exciting experience, it can sometimes be daunting. Hopefully, this website will abate any concerns and get you ready for your study abroad experience in London!
Getting Ready for London:
Here are some simple tips to get ready for your experience in London. I have also added some tips of what you should do in your first few days there.
1) One way to get ready and to get excited about London is to watch some movies that were set there. Some of my recommendations include: Love Actually, The Boelyn Sisters (this movie is based on Tudor history but not entirely accurate), V for Vendetta, and Notting Hill.
2) Start following a London newspaper online such as the Guardian or even the BBC news website. This way you will get an understanding of the current events going on the United Kingdom and won't be lost when you get there.
3) Buy a London map. This is absolutely necessary since London streets are very hard to coordinate otherwise. Most people suggest the London A-Z Guide.
4) Understand the Underground Map. It's not necessary to memorize, but just get a feeling for it. London Underground is very efficient and probably the best use of transit. In fact, on your first day you should go the closest tube station and get an Oyster Card. You basically put money on this card and are able to swipe it to use any public transportation.
5) Another good thing to do on your first few days is to get a cellphone. You can go to stores such as Carphone Warehouse or even network stores such as Orange to get a cheap cell phone. The best plan is a pay-as-you go plan where you literally pay as you go. You can top up (lingo for basically putting money on your phone) at any local grocery store such as Sainsbury's.
6) Buy a raincoat, rainboots, and an umbrella. Trust me.
Here are some simple tips to get ready for your experience in London. I have also added some tips of what you should do in your first few days there.
1) One way to get ready and to get excited about London is to watch some movies that were set there. Some of my recommendations include: Love Actually, The Boelyn Sisters (this movie is based on Tudor history but not entirely accurate), V for Vendetta, and Notting Hill.
2) Start following a London newspaper online such as the Guardian or even the BBC news website. This way you will get an understanding of the current events going on the United Kingdom and won't be lost when you get there.
3) Buy a London map. This is absolutely necessary since London streets are very hard to coordinate otherwise. Most people suggest the London A-Z Guide.
4) Understand the Underground Map. It's not necessary to memorize, but just get a feeling for it. London Underground is very efficient and probably the best use of transit. In fact, on your first day you should go the closest tube station and get an Oyster Card. You basically put money on this card and are able to swipe it to use any public transportation.
5) Another good thing to do on your first few days is to get a cellphone. You can go to stores such as Carphone Warehouse or even network stores such as Orange to get a cheap cell phone. The best plan is a pay-as-you go plan where you literally pay as you go. You can top up (lingo for basically putting money on your phone) at any local grocery store such as Sainsbury's.
6) Buy a raincoat, rainboots, and an umbrella. Trust me.