My university provided me with a list of exchange partners in the UK. I made a list of the subjects that I needed to take in order to complete my degree in time. I then went through the subject catalogs of all the partners, and ranked them on compatibility with my degree, it. the one that offered the most equivalent subjects to the least. This ensured that I’d be able to gain credit for the subjects I took there.

That was the main criteria really. When it got down to just a few choices, the real possibilities for my degree, I researched the universities and cities they were located in. In hindsight, I really should have taken more notice of their academic standing - from resources such as http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/good_university_guide/ Also, I found that the descriptions of subjects in the catalog that I used to select them has been inaccurate, and sometimes completely wrong. This means I could be denied credit and have to take them back home again.

I’ve pretty much covered most of North England since arriving, I really only want to make it up to Newcastle before leaving. Then there’s Scotland, still plenty to do up there.

Fortunately I found a group called http://www.dontbeatourist.co.uk early in the semester, who run day trips out to various cities and towns accross england. They mainly service uni’s in West Yorkshire, but I’m sure there’s plenty more options accross the rest of the country.

If you decide to go it alone, it’s really easy and you’ll still have a fantastic time. Student Rail cards go cheap, allowing discounted rail travel all over the UK and deals on busses are often really low. You’ll have no problem finding somewhere to go!