VISA If you aren’t staying in the United Kingdom for more than six months, you do not need to apply for a Visa. Rather, you will need to show your Passport, immigration letter from the Study Abroad Center and offer letter from the University of Roehampton when arriving at immigration. For those who plan on working or extending their stay for over a semester, you will need to apply for a Tier 4 Student Visa that has a £348 fee. FLIGHT One of the most stressful parts about traveling is booking affordable flights. There are a range of resources you can use to find the best flights for the optimal cost. Online comparison websites such as Skyscanner, Expedia, Kayak or Orbitz are extremely useful in doing quick comparisons on different airlines and their corresponding price options. After taking the top 3-4 airlines (British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Finnair, etc.), you can do another price search on their websites. I personally like to book directly from the airline company instead of a third party website in order to ensure credibility and obtain frequent flyer miles. I ended up booking a roundtrip flight (9/10/19 - 1/6/20) through Virgin Atlantic for around $1,550. Note that the earlier you purchase your tickets, the better prices you are most likely to get. As I bought my tickets pretty late, you should definitely be able to find better prices than I did! Some personal tips:
CREDIT CARD / CURRENCY
I highly recommend opening a credit card that can be used for international travel prior to departing. The Points Guy is an amazing resource to use when choosing which card fits best with your particular lifestyle. I currently use a Chase Sapphire Preferred card, as I think it has great travel benefits, no foreign transaction fees and a pretty reasonable annual fee ($95). Another option is to use a Hawaiian Airlines card if you travel on Hawaiian Airlines or its affiliate airlines frequently. If you have little to no credit history and are having difficulties opening a card, I would suggest asking a parent or sibling to make you an authorized user for his/her credit card. Being an authorized user basically allows you to have someone else's card in your name. It can let you make purchases and help you build credit without being the owner of the card. Along with opening a credit card, it’s always important to exchange some cash to have on hand for emergencies. I recommend exchanging cash at DFS Galleria or International Marketplace in Waikiki, as they typically have the best exchange rates. UNIVERSITY LIFE Culture shock is a common phenomenon that happens to people when they're placed in an unfamiliar environment. A good way to prepare for culture shock is to do some research on life in Europe before you go. One of my favorite passing times is watching travel vloggers showcase the beautiful nuances of each country they visit. You not only get a better idea of the country's culture, but you also get to learn about their famous foods, landmarks and attractions. Here are some blog sites to read for travel inspiration:
Here are some travel vlog channels I enjoy watching:
In all, studying abroad is an exciting opportunity for you to expand your views on the world and pursue new adventures! Having a positive mindset and willingness to learn/socialize will allow you to make tons of memories and friendships that will last a lifetime!
0 Comments
Dear Mr. Johnson,
I would like to express my utmost gratitude for entrusting me with your scholarship. Your generous contribution will be vital in supporting my study abroad endeavors and for that, I cannot thank you enough! Being born and raised in Hawaii, I seldom had opportunities to branch outside of my comfort zone and explore the world. This new journey I will partake in London will serve as a catalyst for self-discovery, as well as provide me with a plethora of personal and professional growth opportunities. I have always had a fascination with British culture, but my primary reason for choosing to study at the University of Roehampton is to broaden my global knowledge. Although I have previously studied abroad in South Korea, my upbringing in a Korean-American household made the experience feel very comfortable. This time around, I aim to step outside of my circle by pursuing opportunities in an unfamiliar environment. In particular, as a Management Information Systems, Marketing and International Business major, I am very excited to see how my coursework in London will help me become a more well-rounded professional. I strongly believe this experience will give me more insight to the business community in Europe, thus allowing me to be better educated in international engagements. Along with educating myself in their business practices, I also look forward to interacting with other local and international students to learn about the nuances of the British culture. I hope that by exposing myself to different backgrounds, I will become more globally informed and aware. Above all, I’m confident that this cultural immersion will serve as a valuable experience that will ultimately change my perspectives on the world around me. Through all the preparation and excitement to begin life in a new country, I am so touched by your investment in my academic endeavors and belief in my potential. Your constant dedication to our business students is what allows us to pursue enriching opportunities in travel, academics and the exploration of cultures. Once again, I sincerely thank you for your support in helping us students achieve our dreams of traveling abroad. Through this program, I hope to always maintain a proud Shidler spirit and eventually return home with new insights and long-lasting, unforgettable memories. Best regards, Amber |
AKI'm truly grateful for this opportunity to study abroad and would like to share my experiences with all of you! Ranging from pre-departure tips to recommended travel destinations, I hope this blog will serve as a inspiration and reminder to always explore. Archives
December 2019
Categories
All
|