Study in the UK Blog

After a suggestion in the comments, I’ve decided to do a series of Top 5’s tips on the different aspects of studying overseas. Thanks for the comments - they’re all pretty helpful. This is a list of my top 5 pre-departure tips. By following these tips, one can easily stay on top of the often nerve-racking organisational things to do before leacing.

1. Plan Ahead:  One of the most important ways of staying organised is careful forward planning. Parts of the application process can take months, and there are often restrictions on how far through your degree you can be to be accepted into an exchange program. The best way to go would to get involved in researching universities and completing applications as soon as possible, leaving as much time for everything else as you can.
2. Talk to people:  Talking to as many people as possible about your exchange can remove much of the uncertainty about traveling to and living at a new place. Every that you can think of, including friends, family, lecturers and student support at university, has the possibility of contributing valuable information.
3. Finance:  Insuring a reliable source of money is essential when traveling overseas, especially for the first few days. Most people split their money across various types, including travelers cheques, cash, travel specific debit-cards and credit cards. Don’t rely on being able to send bank drafts initially, because it can take weeks for an account to be set up (especially at the beginning of semester).
4. Dedication:  While it may seem like a lot of effort, and troubles may sometime make you feel like giving up, persistence and dedication will lead to an experience of a life time. From what I’ve experienced, the effort involved initially is completely worth it.
5. Find others:  There will most likely be other students from your area heading for the same university. By keeping in touch with them, you can share tips and advice.Having friends on arrival makes the first few days in your new city a lot easier!

Just got back from Hyde Park in Leeds, where Guy Fawkes Night was being celebrated. Traditionally a huge night all over Britain (along with other countries), it was my first chance to get involved in a traditional event here. It seemed like the whole city had turned out, surrounding a huge bonfire in anticipation of the forthcoming fireworks display. They weren’t to be disappointed though, as before we knew it the fireworks were well underway. It was a pretty big display, and felt extremely personal as they were being launched from the center of the crowd, exploding just above our heads. Overall it was a great night, and it felt awesome to be involved in such a tradition.

Exams have been and gone for me now. Looking back, they seemed harder then what I was used to for mid semester exams. Less preparation material was provided coming up to the exams, once again putting the responsibility almost entirely on the student. Something that seems a lot more prevalent here than back in Australia, and it seems I’m going to have to get used to it. It was definitely good to experience the differences before study for the final exams takes place.