My Advice to You...

Before I came to London, the only preparation I had was what I could read in books and what I saw on the travel channel. There was no way for me to know what life abroad was going to entail, and there is only so much one can "experience" through reading books and watching television. It would have been nice to have first hand advice from someone who had gone through this program before, but it did make the trip an adventurous one!

So, for anyone interested in traveling abroad through the NYU in London program, I have compiled some tips and recommendations that I hope will be helpful.

London, the city I love...

Traveling to and from London: If it is possible, take advantage of NYU's travel agency to book your flights to and from London. They get you a great deal on flights and you will be traveling with other NYU students, which is extremely helpful when you get to Heathrow. Making your way through a huge, foreign airport is much less stressful when you have other people with you!

Packing: To pack for four months is a bit daunting, I know. But don't bring any heavy "appliances" such as hair dryers, etc. They are bulky and will only make it difficult to pack. When you get here you can find really inexpensive hair dryers, etc that will work with British outlets and will be suitable for your four month stay. Plus, because they are so inexpensive, you won't mind leaving them behind when you head home. Also, if you are traveling during the Spring semester, bring warm clothing. London does have some beautiful days, but during this time of the year it does get a bit chilly (not like our New York spring semester).

Excursions: NYU in London makes a big effort before classes start to put on events that will help you get adjusted. Don't just ignore them. Surprisingly, they are extremely helpful. And a lot of the events are meant for students to get acquainted with one another and also help you get to know your neighborhood. Once classes have begun, NYU in London plans trips outside of London. They can be either day trips or overnights, to places like Bath, Greenwich, and Cambridge. Definitely go on them! Again, you will be traveling with other NYU students and its a great and free way to see England. 

Accommodations in London: A majority of NYU students live in one housing building, but you do not have to choose this option. I suggest it though. NIDO, the student housing building, is open to not only NYU students, but other students studying in London. It is nice to have all NYU students in the same building, and you also meet a lot of British students as well. Although the rooms are a little small it is only a twenty minute walk to campus and is a safe building. 

Transportation: Invest in an Oyster card. It is London's form of the Metro card. It can be used for the underground and the buses. You can "top up" at any station and it saves time and money. It does cost you three pounds to purchase, but when you are ready to leave London and head back home to New York you can return the card and get your three pounds back. (Or you can keep the card as a souvenir!)

Seeing the sights: I know that the studying abroad program is very understanding of the students' need to travel. And London being a close distant to Ireland, Scotland, France, etc, it is very enticing to want to leave London as often as you can. But don't! I mean, yes, travel. As much as you can, but don't forget about London. It has so much history and excitement that you don't want to miss. Make sure you schedule time to check out all the tourist attractions and get in some good quality London time. Make a list of places you want to see and MAKE SURE YOU DO THEM! You are in London after all!

I hope this has been at least a little bit helpful. I know that my time in London has been amazing and I hope if you are planning on visiting you can enjoy the city as much as I have.