Congratulations! You are about to embark on a journey that will change you forever!
Does the thought of change make you a 'wee' bit nervous? Does it make you excited? Perhaps you are simply feeling content about the decision you've made to study overseas. Whatever you feel, not to worry! If nothing else, studying abroad will open your eyes and your mind to new ways of understanding the world around you. And that kind of experience can be nothing but positive!
Life is never certain. And your experience while studying abroad is no exception to that rule.
No one can prepare you for everything or everyone you will encounter while abroad. However, we at the British Council USA want you to enter the United Kingdom feeling like you know the basics. We understand that preparation doesn't just mean telling you "it rains a bit" and handing you an umbrella.
But we also feel that this is your individual experience. It's up to you to navigate the nuts and bolts of your time in the UK like making friends, studying hard and finding the best local pub near your university! This book aims to help you get the most from your studies and experience as well as show you some of the ropes and enable you to cut out some of the red tape.
Whatever your plans, you'll want to be the best you can be. Studying abroad in the UK can help you do that!
That said, we hope you find this pre-departure guide useful and welcome any comments you may have upon your return. If you think we've missed something dire, please don't hesitate to let us know.
In the meantime, find a nice quiet space, sit back and read on.
Things you probably already know but we feel we should reiterate...
Difference makes the world go round: Every culture, every neighborhood, every family, has a different way of doing things. Keeping an open mind and a positive attitude about those differences is crucial to your study abroad experience.
Try new things: Be spontaneous! Be adventurous! Don't be afraid to experiment. This is an opportunity to eat things you have never eaten and see places you've never seen.
Be open and friendly: Remember that happiness is catching. If you are positive and outgoing people will respond to you. Keep in mind that you are both an academic student and a student of the world. Learn from and about the new people you meet.
