ApplicationsThere are a couple of applications to go through on your way to Roehampton. First are foremost is of course the Study Abroad Center application, this is the one that UH itself requires. There are many documents that are required so be wary and plan ahead! Overall it's not that difficult to complete. I think there is a limited number of students they actually select to go abroad, but I'm 99% sure you'll get in if you apply. Stay on top of your deadlines! Next comes the Roehampton application, and this is after you have been accepted by UH. They will ask you about courses in this processes, so be sure to look at and plan out your course equivalencies. If there are none, but a class seems similar, you can always submit a course equivalency request form, which will help out your fellow students as well! AccomodationI believe it was required to apply for on-campus housing, but it's honestly a good decision. There are options for shared and and private bathrooms, but you may not get what you ask for depending on the availability at Roehampton. Either way, they'll notify you to confirm a reservation. CoursesIt is important that you look for course equivalencies early on, this way you can request them if not already available. Once that is done, you can look through what courses will work towards your major at UH. One thing to note you can only take 3 modules (what courses are called in the UK). This is considered a full course load, but you will only get 3 equivalencies to transfer back. You will also be required to take a course from your accompanying professor from UH, in our case this was a Geography professor, which of course meant Geography classes. FlightFlights will be long, just know that. You will most likely have layover somewhere in the states. There is a flight package available through the program, but I'm sure you will be able to find better deals else where. My flight had a 10 hour layover in Seattle, before making its way to Heathrow in London. This was about $1200 (including return). When going through customs in London, they might ask for your return flight, or some flight letting them know that you'll be leaving the country within the allotted 6 months. So just be sure to have a round trip flight or a ticket out of the country! VisaIf you don't plan on working or interning while abroad, don't worry, you won't need to apply for a visa! Luckily, if you are just planning to study, you apply for a sort of visa when you land in the country and it doesn't take long to do. Make sure you have your acceptance letters from Roehampton and UH on hand! MoneyThis is something you may need to do somewhat in advance! The two main things you'll most likely use are cash and credit card. In the UK, the currency is called the Pound and at the moment, it's a little stronger than the US Dollar. For cash, I recommend looking up a place with a good exchange rate. This could be your bank or even a currency exchange. For significant amounts you'll need to order the money in advance. And if you're not comfortable with holding a lot of cash, you could get traveler's checks to exchange when you get to UK. But have some cash on hand at least! For credit cards, just make sure you have a way to pay them off while not at home. You also need notify your provider that you'll be traveling and for how long so they don't freeze up your card when you use it. preparationAside from what was mentioned earlier, the main thing you need to know is that London is COLD (at least if you're going there in Spring semester). As such, you MUST buy warmer clothes if you do not already own them. The secret to staying warm is to layer your clothes. For example, I will typically wear an undershirt, shirt/long-sleeve, undercoat (jacket), and coat.
Pack well, and maybe make a checklist of what you're going to pack so you know that you have it when you leave. There's no going back! Maybe also pack snacks from home and ration them throughout your time abroad. There's no crack-seed, li-hing gummy bears, or arare in London! GOOD LUCK!
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